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As I sit here and write this, it is absolutely scorching! But we all know the cruelty of August – that is signifies the last days of summer. For me, that means my brain frantically reeling off lists of things to do before it’s time to welcome in the beauty of Autumn. With that said, here are 9 things you must do before summer ends.

Pick blackberries

Sure – some blackberries may have already finished or been foraged by those in the know, but there are still plenty of blackberries out there to be had before summer ends. We found a bumper crop in our local park the other day and I plan to head out for more at the end of the week again.

Try something you’ve never tried before

What is summer about if not trying something totally new? You may decide to go out on your first ever adult tricycle ride a la Jorvik Adult Tricycles (yes really it’s a thing!), or go paragliding for the first time. Whatever it is, summer is about snapping up those possibilities and adventures to be had before Autumn beckons and summer ends.

Go to an open air film screening

There is something totally glorious about watching a movie under the stars. We did exactly that last night at our local open air family film screening of Mary Poppins. If you can, gather your friends and their children too for a truly lovely experience.

Play some old school games in your back garden

While it can be tempting to race around trying to cram as much as possible before summer ends, there is something to be said for staying in the garden and having fun. We recently bought a swing ball and are definitely getting our money’s worth with various knock abouts through the day.

Make the most of your weekends

With back to school only a week away, it can be tempting to think that all the summer fun has to end. But it doesn’t! Think about ways you can make the most out of the remaining weekends before autumn hits with trips to the countryside, camping and other adventures. Make the most out of every single one of them!

Take a boat ride

We’re lucky enough to live near the River Thames, and that means ample opportunities for getting out on a boat. There is something so dreamy about cruising down a river near you with the last of the summer breezes gently whipping through your hair.

Have a water balloon/gun fight

I have to admit, I don’t like getting drenched but it is ridiculously fun getting involved in your kids’ water balloon and gun fights. Come on, live a little! You won’t regret it once summer ends.

Have a mass picnic

You’ve probably been on lots of little small picnics over the summer holidays, but I’m talking about getting as many people together as you can for one last massive picnic. We’re having a big fat back to school picnic just before schools go back. Adults happy and childcare sorted!

Appreciate the dog days of summer

It’s not long before we’re going to be pulling on the sweaters and coats. Don’t waste a single minute moaning about the dog days of summer. Instead, enjoy all they bring. Use them as an opportunity to connect with nature. Go bare foot and feel the grass or sand beneath your feet. Slow down and watch the dragonflies zooming past. Stand in a flower field without snapping it. Embed all its glory into your memory before it fades away again for another year.

What’s on your list of things to do before summer ends? Do share in a comment below. And if you enjoyed this post why not check out these 10 summer adventures every child should have.

*This is a collaborative post