Just because the back-to-school ads and sales are in full swing doesn’t mean summer is over! There’s still time to soak up the sunshine, laugh a little louder, and create sweet memories with your kids or grandkids. The best part? You don’t have to plan an extravagant vacation to enjoy these last golden weeks of summer.

Here’s your end-of-summer bucket list: packed with joy, splashes, and a little sparkle.

🎢 Head to a Theme Park or Water Park (While It’s Still Warm!)

Late summer is the perfect time for a day at a local amusement park or water park. The crowds tend to be smaller and some places even offer discounted late-day or weekday admission. Pack up the sunscreen and snacks, and you’re off to one last rollercoaster ride or lazy river float!

Money-saving tip: Check online for special coupons or “twilight tickets” (usually after 3 p.m.).

🐅 Zoo Adventures: Stay Late and Catch the Magic

Many zoos offer extended summer hours in August, and they’re often cooler and less crowded in the evening. Some even host “Zoo Nights” with live music, keeper chats, and up-close animal encounters that kids love.

Money-saving tip: Check your local zoo’s website for special evening events or discounted admission after 5 p.m.

🏛️ Check Out Free Museum Days and Family Programs

Lots of museums, especially children’s museums and science centers, offer free admission days during the summer, or all year round, and this might be your best chance to make the outing as a family. Some also have end-of-summer art projects, interactive exhibits, and STEM programs geared toward kids.

Money-saving tip: Check out Bank of America’s Museums on Us program for cardholders and the Museums for All program for people receiving SNAP/EBT benefits.

🎞️ Outdoor Movies (and Dive-In Movies!)

Grab the lawn chairs, picnic blanket, and some popcorn! It’s time for a movie under the stars! Many communities host movies in the park or dive-in movies at public pools. These are especially fun with young kids who love the novelty of watching a movie while floating on a pool noodle or snuggled in a blanket in the park.

Check your city or county’s Parks & Recreation page to find listings near you.

🐞 Take a Nature Walk: Spot Summer-Only Creatures

Nature walks are simple, peaceful, and cost nothing, but they can spark big joy. Take a walk in a local park or nature trail and go on a summer creature hunt. Look for butterflies, hummingbirds, frogs, dragonflies, or seasonal wildflowers.

Bring along a bird guide or use a free app like Merlin Bird ID to identify what you see and hear. 

⛺️ Backyard Camping! Lightning Bugs and S’mores Included

You don’t need to leave home to camp! Set up a tent (or even just some sleeping bags and blankets) in the backyard and make it feel like an adventure.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Roast marshmallows or make indoor s’mores using the microwave.
  
• Tell stories or read a favorite book by flashlight.
  
• Watch for lightning bugs; they’re only around in late summer!
  
• Let the kids fall asleep under the stars (or bring them in when they inevitably ask for their bed).

This is one of those simple things that they’ll talk about for years.

🌅 Savor the Season While It Lasts

The dog days of summer can fly by, but there’s still time to fill it with sunshine, laughter, and togetherness. Whether you venture out to a theme park or just enjoy a movie night in the yard, what matters most is the time spent with each other.

Related: Beat the Heat for Just $3: AMC Summer Movie Camp Returns with Family Films at Unbeatable Prices!