by Amanda Pecora

Summer’s coming to an end which means school’s just beginning. Take advantage of your last few weeks of freedom and do all the summer activities that you’ll miss when the cold weather arrives. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

-       One last road trip: Take a drive with friends to a place you’ve always wanted to go to. This will be a memorable end to your summer.

-       One last beach getaway: Pack a picnic lunch, slather on the sunscreen and hit the shore. You’ll be yearning for that salty smell, warm sand and sound of the waves crashing once the cold temperatures set in.

-       Hit up an outdoor concert: Take advantage of the nice weather by listening to your favorite music out in the open air, under the stars.

-       Have a picnic in the park: Pack your lunch, a blanket and your friends and lay out in your local park. Enjoy the scenery and people-watch for entertainment.

-       Take lots of pictures: You’ll like seeing old photos of you and your friends enjoying the beautiful weather when summer seems so far away.

-       Go rollerblading, ride a bike or take a walk: When the winter months arrive, you’ll long for the time you could go out without a huge jacket on, do one of these activities outside while you still can.

-       Get the most out of your sundresses, sunglasses, sunhats and flip flops: These summer must-haves will be packed away soon. Wear these items before you have to pack them up until next year.

-       See all the summer blockbusters: There are so many good movies out. Summer always brings box-office hits, so see a matinee on a weekday to save money and enjoy them on the big screen with a friend or go solo. Or try it Grease-style at the drive-in with your sweetie.

-       Take one last trip to your local amusement park: Hit all the awesome rides before they close for the season.

-       Go to a fair in a nearby town: Take a ride on the ferris wheel, eat goodies like blueberries, cantaloupe and other summer fruits, or indulge in some treats like cotton candy, funnel cake and ice cream.

-       Go tubing: A lazy tube ride down the river is a great adventure you can share with the people close to you. Or even as a team bonding trip.

-       Go hiking with friends: Get in that last workout outside before you’re stuck in an indoor gym all winter.

-       Camp out: Having a camp out with your friends is a great way to reminisce on the past summer months before school starts. Whether you set up your tent in your backyard, the woods or your living room, s’mores are a must!

-       Sleep in one last time: Wake up as late as you want to. Before you know it, that alarm will be going off every weekday for school, and you can only hit snooze so many times.

-       Throw a BBQ bash: Barbeques are a summer necessity, so have one last shin-dig with everyone you know!

-       Get a back-to-school makeover: Indulge in a mani, pedi or even a new hairstyle and head to homeroom in style.

-       Grab a new wardrobe: Buy new clothes and accessories to start off the school year right. Treat yourself!

-       Clean out your closet: You’re going to have to make room for all your new purchases, so start clearing out while you have the extra time.

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