10 Easy Ways to Celebrate the Last Day of School & Kick Off Summer Break!

The backpacks are bursting with crumpled art, half-dried glue sticks, and who-knows-what else… and just like that, school’s out for Summer!

If your kids are coming home buzzing with excitement (or just completely done), here are 10 easy, low-stress ways to celebrate the end of the school year and make that first afternoon of Summer feel extra special:

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1. Have a Water Balloon Welcome

Surprise them in the driveway or backyard with a water balloon toss—or let them pelt you! Instant fun, no fancy prep required.

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2. Decorate the Front Door

Grab streamers, balloons, and chalk to create a “Welcome to Summer” entrance. Bonus: let the kids write what they’re most excited for right on the sidewalk!

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3. Serve Ice Cream for Dinner

Yes. You read that right. Ice cream, popsicles, or make-your-own sundaes. It’s chaotic, it’s sugary, and it’s the good kind of memory-making.

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4. Create a Summer Kickoff Picnic

Throw down a blanket in the backyard or living room, pack some favourite snacks, and call it a picnic party. Bonus points for fizzy drinks with umbrellas.

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5. Make a “Summer Bucket List” Together

Grab markers and a big piece of paper. Have each family member add 3 things they want to do this Summer—simple stuff like a beach day, a movie night, or even “stay in PJs all day.”

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6. Let Them Skip Chores for the Day

Give them a one-day “freedom pass” and declare the house a chore-free zone. (You can clean up tomorrow, or maybe never. Who knows? It’s Summer.)

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7. Host a Backyard Dance Party

Bluetooth speaker, fun playlist, and no rules. Bonus if you throw in bubbles, glow sticks, or a sprinkler.

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8. Do a Last Day of School Photoshoot

Snap a pic holding a sign that says “Hello, Summer!” or “Grade __: DONE!” Then laugh as they immediately spill something on their outfit.

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9. Watch a Summer Classic Movie

Pop the popcorn, dim the lights, and kick off break with something summery like The Sandlot, Luca, or High School Musical 2.

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10. Stay Up Late Just Because

Let bedtime go out the window for one night. Whether they’re catching fireflies or playing Mario Kart—just let them soak in the freedom.

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Final Thought:
Celebrating doesn’t have to mean expensive outings or big plans—it’s about marking the moment. After all, they’ve worked hard, you’ve packed approximately 200 lunches, and now it’s time to breathe.