The Final Month of Summer

AUGUST – the last month of summer! Before you know it, the kids will be back in school and we’ll be hunkering down getting ready for winter.

August is that odd catch-all month – many summer camps are done for the season, friends and neighbors may still be away, days are still long and hot, you don’t want them inside all day watching TV or playing video games, you need to start preparing for the start of school, and older siblings may be heading to or back to college – YIKES!!! But you still need to keep the kids occupied, calm and content.

There is still plenty of time and opportunity to have fun adventures as a family, many at very low cost or for FREE.

Here are some ideas to take advantage of the last few weeks of summer and make some memories.

Take a walk on one of the many area trails: Taughannock State Park, Treman State Park, Cass Park Trail, Jim Schug Trail in Dryden, Cornell Plantations just to name a few.
Take a swim in natural water, making sure it is a location where swimming is permitted and a lifeguard is present: Taughannock State Park, Treman State Park.
Visit the Farmer’s market: Steamboat Landing on Saturday, Sunday and Thursday nights; DeWitt Park on Tuesdays; East Hill Plaza on Wednesdays.
Pack up your dinner and have a picnic in the park.
Go Camping – even if it’s in your own back yard!
Make s’mores as an unexpected and extra treat one night.
Go to an Outdoor movie: Chamber of Commerce offers FREE movies at Stewart Park on 12, 19, & 26. Also check with your local public library – many offer free movie nights.
Attend one of the FREE outdoor concerts offered on the Commons.
Play a board or card game outside enjoying the night air.
Find an ice cream truck and indulge in a cool sweet treat on one of those hot humid nights!
Make a collage of activities you’ve done as a family during the summer break.
Don’t ignore the fact that school will be starting soon – talk about it, this will help alleviate some of their anxieties.
Start getting the kids back on a “school” schedule – back to normal wake-up and bedtimes.
Rainy day – go shop for school supplies; let the kids pick out their new backpack and or lunch box and don't forget our many amazing vintage stores for inexpensive and fun items.
If your child is moving to a new school or new grade – talk about that, what are their concerns, drive by the school, check to see if they are open – maybe you could meet their new teacher or take a walk through the school so the first day won’t be so scary and unfamiliar.
Most of all – HAVE FUN together as a family!!

“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun!”

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