With school just around the corner, as a Naperville photographer and a mom, I wanted to share some ideas to celebrate the end of summer with your family. At the start of the season, it seems like three months will stretch forever. The promise of fun adventures and care-free days is so alluring, and then, all the sudden, it’s gone. Back to the old routines of school, extracurriculars and shorter days to come. As we wind down another summer, here are some final family activities to do together before school begins again.
1. Camp In The Backyard
This may seem a little unorthodox, but I promise it is SO much fun. Of course you need some essentials: tent, sleeping bags, popcorn, flashlights and s’mores. Working as a family to set up the tent before enjoying classic outdoor snacks under the stars? Priceless. Flashlights add an extra element of authenticity, and make for a dramatic scary story tale. Together you can laugh and imagine life in the great outdoors, even if your house is just a few feet away. Maybe it could even turn into a yearly tradition.
2. Have A Classic Cookout
This could extend outside of just you immediate family, of course! Maybe you could even turn it into a block party. No matter how you choose to do it, having a cookout or BBQ is a wonderful way to say goodbye to summer. After the sun goes down, the kids can bring out some sparklers (who says they’re only for the Fourth of July?), and make some truly magical memories. It’s also a perfect sendoff to all that grilling equipment you’ll have to put away until next season.
3. Pick A Day Excursion
Traveling as a family for a one-day trip is always a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday! It’s especially good to get in one last trip before school starts up, trading lazy weekends for soccer tournaments and birthday parties. There are a ton of great places to travel to for the day! Here are a few: Buffalo Rock State Park; the Indiana Dunes; Lake Geneva; Starved Rock National Park (a personal favorite); and the Anderson Japanese Gardens.
Let’s Work Together to Create Timeless Memories
No matter how you choose to spend these final weeks of summer, I hope they’re filled with love and laughter. Please reach out if you’re looking for a Naperville photographer! To see more of my portfolio please click over here and get in touch. Follow me on Instagram for announcements and updates.
Interested in a custom portrait session with Cristina Hope Photography and would like more information? Please click here to learn more about me and this experience. I look forward to working with you! Together we can plan your dream session.
