The end of summer break is bittersweet as we say goodbye to lazy, school-free days in anticipation of the change of seasons and cooler forecasts. My kids tend to feel a bit better about the end of summer vacation if we have something exciting to look forward to. If you are itching to make the most of the waning school break, here are seven ways to celebrate the end of the summer season!
- Plan a trip to an Oklahoma beach! Did you know Oklahoma has more than 11,000 miles of shoreline? Take full advantage of these refreshing waters and head to one of more than 3,000 lakes and rivers for some splashing fun! Start planning today at metrofamilymagazine.com/
best-beaches-in-oklahoma or me trofamilymagazine.com/ oklahoma-swimming-holes. - Play tourist in your own community by visiting a popular place to take out-of-town visitors. This year, MetroFamily readers voted The Sanctuary Escape, First Americans Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum as Family Favorites!
- Organize a popsicle party or ice cream social with your neighbors, friends or family. Go potluck style by having each family bring their favorite flavor or topping to share.
- Cheer on Oklahoma City’s newest professional sports team, the Oklahoma City Spark, as they take on the All Army Softball teams on Aug. 2 & 3. Saturday’s game will also feature a home run derby. Tickets start at $15 and are available at okcspark.com.
- Catch an outdoor movie or concert, many of which are completely FREE. Save the date to see local talent at A Night of OKC Voices at Scissortail Park on Aug. 9 or Trolls Band Together at Little River Park in Moore on Aug. 23.
- Go retro with a visit to an Oklahoma drive-in movie theater. Stick close to home at the Winchester Drive-in in Oklahoma City or make a day of it and road trip to Tulsa, Shattuck or Sulphur.
- Plan an epic animal adventure with a trip to Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Wichita, Kan. Tanganyika is a family-owned and operated park offering 15 animal encounter experiences!
What are your family’s end-of-summer traditions? Share your family’s favorite things to do in the comment section below!