Wow, that was fast! Here we are already in August, about to get ready for back-to-school. But the free and easy feel of fun and outdoor activities doesn’t have to come to a screeching halt.

The weather is still warm, the birds are still singing and there’s still plenty to do. So (as I tell myself constantly) stop complaining!

Blogger Sebrina gave 10 great ideas for fun end-of-summer activities (see her post here), and here are some of mine to help you keep having fun outside for these remaining warm weeks.

• Play in the garden: Now’s the time to plan your cooler-weather veggies, the easiest of which are radishes — the perfect crop for kids and impatient adults, as they are ready to harvest in as few as three weeks from planting. Radishes like sun, but not really hot temps, which is why they’re planted in the spring and again towards fall. See some how to tips here.
• Take a hike: Extend your summer fun by planning an early morning hiking adventure and stop along the route to gather special rocks or enjoy the wildflowers. Keep your phone in your pack and be present in nature!
• Have a picnic: Get the kids together to plan the perfect picnic. The food you choose can be elegant or just plain fun picnic fare.
• Back to the beach: Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean there aren’t some wonderful beach days to be had, in fact the beach can be less crowded as the back-to-school season begins!
• Camp for a day: Check out your county parks department for weekend activities. Here in South Jersey, we have some amazing county-run recreation programs that will take you exploring, kayaking and hiking – all with expert help and guidance. And I’m always surprised at how many neighbors have no idea that these fun activities are available. So check your area to see what you might be missing out on.
• Count fireflies: When the sun sets, head out to your backyard with the kids and watch the fireflies come out.
• Feeling crabby?: Throwing that crab trap into the water makes it feel like summer whatever the temperature is. And even if you’re terrible at it, it’s still a fun way to spend an afternoon. Just make sure you know what the size is for “keepers” so you don’t end up breaking any regulations (and possibly getting a summons). If catching crabs doesn’t happen in your area, check out the amazing water activities in your neck of the woods. Being near water always gives that fantastic feeling of summer.

So keep those flip flops out for a while longer and you might find the best of summer is yet to come!