Savoring the Last Days of Summer

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Savoring the Last Days of Summer

Tricia Goyer20 Fun & Faithful Ways to Wrap Up the Season with Your Homeschool Kids

Summer has its own kind of beautiful chaos—sticky popsicle fingers, late nights chasing fireflies, and just enough freedom to let everyone breathe a little deeper. But if you’re like me, you’re starting to feel that nudge: it’s almost time. Time to pack away the beach towels and pull out the lesson plans.

As a homeschool mom for over 30 years—with ten kids (and seven adopted later in life!)—I’ve had many seasons of “summer-to-school” transitions. And I’ve learned that saying goodbye to summer doesn’t have to be a jarring halt. Instead, we can savor these final warm weeks while gently bringing rhythm and purpose back into our days.

Here are 20 ideas to help your family celebrate the end of summer, ease into routines, and prepare hearts and minds for the blessings of a new homeschool year:

1. Create Your Own Popsicles

Use fresh fruit and juice for a DIY treat and a mini lesson on nutrition and measurement.

2. Host a Neighborhood Dog Wash

Serve your community and cool off with buckets and bubbles. Bonus: it’s a great service project!

3. Backyard Campout Under the Stars

Use a constellation app to learn the night sky. Read Psalm 19:1 and reflect on God’s creation.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” —Psalm 19:14. Watermelon Seed-Spitting Contest

Make a sticky, silly mess and crown a “Summer Spit Champion.”

5. Make Homemade Ice Cream

Let each child pick a flavor. It’s a memory-maker and a science experiment. Try this one!

6. Take One Last Trip to the Pool or Beach

Say goodbye to the carefree splashes of summer with intention and joy.

7. Host an All-Day Living Room Read-a-thon

Make forts with blankets and let everyone pick a stack of books. Include Scripture and a devotional time.

8. Visit the Farmer’s Market

Let your kids choose an item to cook. Teach them to honor God’s provision through food.

9. Tie-Dye Old T-Shirts

Let each child design a “back to homeschool” shirt to wear on your first day back.

10. Declutter & Donate

Make room for fall by sorting toys and clothes together. Talk about generosity and simplicity.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” —2 Corinthians 9:711. Make Your Own Paper

Use recycled scraps for a fun craft and eco-friendly lesson. Here’s a tutorial from PBS!

12. Family Campfire Night

Roast hotdogs and marshmallows while sharing summer highlights and hopes for the new school year.

13. Water Balloon Battle

Get soaked and laugh hard before the school supplies hit the table.

14. Build a Bookmobile

Fill a box with thrift-store books and deliver them to a local charity, school, or neighbor.

15. Country Drive for Wildflower Spotting

Pack a picnic and enjoy one last Sunday drive before your weekends fill with activities.

16. Karaoke Night in the Backyard

Let loose, sing loud, and don’t forget to include a worship song or two.

17. Attend a Park Concert or Play

Squeeze in some outdoor culture while supporting local arts.

18. Diner Field Trip

Eat lunch at a local diner, sit at the counter, and talk about what “service with a smile” looks like.

19. Volunteer at a Local Shelter

Walking dogs or folding laundry teaches responsibility and compassion.

20. Make a Family Movie

Use your phone or tablet to film a fun summer memory video—include outtakes! Send it to loved ones.

Preparing for a New Season

As the leaves begin to change, so do our rhythms. Start adjusting bedtimes and mealtimes, begin organizing school supplies, and spend quiet mornings in devotion with your kids. Let God guide your steps into this new season.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1Prayer for the Transition

Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy of summer and the gift of family time. As we shift into the school year, help us carry our memories into the months ahead. Fill our home with peace, purpose, and Your presence. Let our routines honor You, and let our hearts stay soft toward one another. Bless the work of our hands and the lessons we teach—not just in books, but in grace and love. Amen.

How are you wrapping up summer in your homeschool? Share your favorite end-of-summer traditions in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!

Additional Resources

If you enjoyed this, check out these other summer-themed homeschool posts!