10 Things For Families to Do Before School Starts

Just because summer is coming to a close doesn’t mean you have to stop the fun! Here at The Adventure Challenge, we believe in making the most of every opportunity, and we want to help you make the end of your summer one that will leave you with plenty of magical memories to look back on once school begins. 

If you’re ready to discover ten exciting things to do before school starts, read on!

#1 - Go Backyard Camping 

Who says you have to leave town to go camping together as a family? Roll out the sleeping bags and pitch up the tents in your own backyard for the summer camping experience of a lifetime. 

10 Things to Do Before School Starts (For Families). Six tents set up at an outdoor location under the stars.

Let the kids help with setting dinner up outside as you take a few steps from your kitchen into the outdoors. Once dinner is finished, watch the stars come out as a family and enjoy some late night summer snacks together. If you have a fire pit or are up for starting a fire, roast some marshmallows with your loved ones as you check this magical night off of your list of things to do before school starts. 

#2 - Play Flashlight Tag 

Either in your favorite local park, in your own backyard, or around the house, a game of flashlight tag is one of the best things to do before school starts! Wait for it to get dark, split your family up into teams and set off on a summer adventure you won’t forget as you chase the night away with a game of flashlight tag. 

#3 - Take a Trip to the Zoo

There’s nothing like visiting the zoo before the kids return to school. Standing face to face with some of the earth’s most majestic creatures is sure to leave a lasting impact on your family before the summer ends.

Two kids at the zoo watching a polar bear swim underwater through the glass enclosure

Be sure to visit exhibits you’ve never seen before and chat with the kids to find out what animals they want to see, to make sure this summer activity is one that the whole family won’t stop talking about. 

Going to the zoo is also a great way to educate your kids on some of nature's most exciting animals and give them glimpse into the world beyond their home. Visiting the zoo is sure to leave your family with a memorable summer experience and is definitely one of the top things to do before school starts. 

#4 - Visit a Farmer’s Market 

Gather the family together and jump in the car to begin this awesome experience on our list of things to do before school starts.

While you’re at the market, lead your kids in an exploration of a world of locally grown produce and take in the sights and smells of homegrown food. You could get them involved by giving each of them a list of items to look out for and tick off. This is a great way to make learning fun!

If you’re looking for some tasty greens for your next family meal, there’s nothing like a visit to a local farmer’s market to leave you with the best of the best when it comes to fresh produce! 

#5 - Go Wild Swimming

One of the most rewarding things to do before school starts as a family is to have an adventure in the water! The pool is a great place to spend those hot summer days, but there's nothing like some wild swimming. The beach is classic, but if you don't live near the coast, research the best local rivers, lakes, or swimming holes, and spend a day down on the shore.

10 Things to Do Before School Starts (For Families). Father playfully teaches toddler son how to use a fishing rod by the beach.

This summer activity is a great way to get out of the house all together, and it's the perfect jumping-off point for so many other fun activities. Fishing, floaties, rope swings, picnics; getting into the water is just the beginning!

#6 - Visit a Waterpark

For something a little more exciting, grab your bathing suits and head to the waterpark you’ve always wanted to visit to soak up some summer fun before school begins again!

At the waterpark you can splash in swimming pools, water pads, playgrounds, and lazy rivers for hours on end. Enjoy the thrill of water rides and the fun of slippery slides as you check off this summer activity from your list of things to do before school starts.

#7 - Create Sidewalk Art 

There’s no better way to let your imagination soar than sketching outside with chalk. Grab all the colors you can think of to add this activity to your list of things to do before school starts. 

Chalk sketches of houses using different colored chalks on the sidewalk

Design a family masterpiece that will leave your whole neighborhood stopping to enjoy the creativity of your family’s art. Feel free to sketch out some of your favorite summer memories or start a contest between your family to see who can come up with the most vibrant pictures. When it comes to summer time sidewalk art, the options are endless!

#8 - Have a Picnic at the Park 

Take the family to the park to enjoy a packed lunch and a change of scene before school begins again. Grab your picnic blanket, basket, and food for this sweet summer activity. Be sure to bring some games to play after you finish eating, or you can opt to take a walk in the park, slow down, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. 

#9 - Create an At-Home Movie Theatre Pillow Fort

If you’re ready to take your family movie nights to the next level this summer, then an at-home theatre will be sure to do the trick.

10 Things to Do Before School Starts (For Families). Family of eight setting up a home theatre in their backyard.

All you’ll need is plenty of pillows for your base, blankets to snuggle up in, snacks, and a screen to watch your family’s favorite film on. Enjoy the experience of the theatre at the comfort of your home by adding this activity to your list of things to do before school starts. 

#10 - Try Our Adventure Challenge Book, Family Edition

The final thing to add to your list of things to do before school starts is our Family Edition Scratch-off book. Our adventure book is full of 50 fun ideas everyone in the family can try and it's great for families of all ages and sizes. Our only rule is once you've scratched off an adventure, you HAVE to do it. 

Be sure to grab our Family Camera Set as well so you can capture your family's summer adventures and keepsakes to look back on. Our family edition scratch-off book is the perfect way to leave a legacy of memories with your tribe this summer.

10 Things to Do Before School Starts Again 

Now that you’ve read our list of ten things to do before school starts, we hope you’ll check off as many of these fun summer activities as you can so you’ll be sure to have the best summer yet! 

If you’re looking for more things to do before school starts, be sure to check out our blogs, Plan a Family Adventure That Your Kids Won’t Stop Talking About and 10 Out of The Box Things To Do Outside This Summer (2021)

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Father and two sons playing an outdoor game together; image overlaid with text that reads 10 Things to Do Before School Starts (For Families)
Mother carrying her little toddler while sitting at a table with her two daughters playing monopoly; image overlaid with text that reads 10 Things to Do Before School Starts (For Families)