Savoring Summer

How to turn ordinary evenings into magical moments

As August winds down, families find themselves caught between carefree days of summer and looming new school year routines. Before packing backpacks and setting alarms, there’s still time to soak in the golden evenings of summer vacation. These final nights offer an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and create memories together. Here are magical ways to savor these moments.

Backyard Camping Adventure

Transform your backyard into a mini campground. Pitch a tent, lay out sleeping bags, and enjoy an evening outdoors. Make s’mores over a fire pit (or in the microwave), listen to night sounds and use a stargazing app to spot constellations. Lay on blankets and watch for shooting stars. When you see one, encourage kids to make a wish for the new school year—maybe it will be making new friends, learning a new subject or skill, or making a positive impact. For added fun, make shadow puppets with a flashlight or write secret notes to read by lantern light. A mini escape from usual family activity fosters closeness without leaving home.

Sunset Picnic with Storytelling

Pack a picnic and head to a scenic spot—San Diego is full of fun local parks, beaches and lakes. As the sun sets, take turns sharing your favorite summer memories or telling silly madeup stories. Capture the moment with a family selfie.

To elevate the experience, use a small speaker to play relaxing acoustic music or have a themed picnic with foods inspired by summer travels. You could even make up a collaborative story— each family member adds a sentence, creating a fun and often hilarious tale.

Glow-in-the-Dark Games

Kick classic outdoor games up a notch by adding glow sticks! Hide glow bracelets for a nighttime scavenger hunt, play glow stick ring toss, or make a bowling game by putting glow sticks inside water bottles. Have a glow-inthe-dark dance party (or play freeze dance) with a disco ball light.

Don’t miss free Parks After Dark events on August 7, 8 and 9 from 5 –8 pm at City Heights, Linda Vista, Memorial and Skyline Hills Recreation Centers. Learn more at www.sandiegoparksfoundation.org/ parks-after-dark.

Outdoor Movie Night

Set up a DIY movie theater in the backyard with a projector and a sheet (or use a laptop). Pick a family favorite movie, pop popcorn, and snuggle under blankets while enjoying a movie under the night sky. Make it more special by choosing a theme such as “Disney Under the Stars” or “Classic Summer Hits” and include themed snacks and activities.

Get fun movie theme ideas in our article “Make Movie Night Magic with Kids: Fun Family Themes” at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ best-of-family-fun/best-family-movienights-at-home.

Nighttime Nature Walk

Turn an evening walk into a nighttime flashlight adventure: Listen for various night sounds such as crickets and owls. Take a journal to jot down observations or draw interesting tree shapes against the night sky. This peaceful activity helps children slow down and appreciate nature in a new way.

Family Bucket List Wrap-Up

Take another look at your family’s summer bucket list. Is there an activity you haven’t done that you really want to do together? Whether it’s making homemade ice cream, going to a drive-in movie, or going for a night swim, take time to enjoy one more quintessential summer activity before school starts.

Reminisce and Look Forward

Spend an evening looking through photos and videos from the summer. Have everyone share their favorite memory. For a creative spin, make a scrapbook or journal with ticket stubs, pressed flowers, or notes about what you did. Then, transition into excitement for the upcoming season by making a “Fall Fun List” together.

Find directions to create an adorable DIY Miniature Book that kids can write summer memories in at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/ crafts-for-kids/mini-book.

Late-Night Dessert

End the summer on a sweet note by going for a late-night ice cream run or making banana splits at home. Ice cream sandwiches, s’mores dip, or homemade milkshakes are delicious alternatives.

Water Play Under the Stars

Set up a nighttime water balloon fight, run through the sprinklers or play water limbo with a hose—and have a blast by moonlight! Or fill a kiddie pool with water and a few glow sticks and dip your toes in while the kids splash around.

The last evenings of summer don’t need to be stressful. With a little creativity and planning, families can savor the moments together and carry their warmth into the season ahead. Before the school bells ring and schedules fill, take a deep breath, step outside and make some final summer magic together. v

Rebecca Hastings is a freelance writer.

Did you miss our Summer Bingo game last month, featuring fun, unplugged activities for families? Access the free printable at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ seasonal-happenings/free-printablesummer-bingo.