Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in baltimore, MD

Savor the Summer: Five Things to Do Before the Onset of Fall

August 04, 2009

Summer, much to my sadness, is waning.

 

And I know what you're probably saying to yourself:  Oh, for Pete's sake, Laura, please give this sentimental schlock a rest.  But even you have noticed that the fireflies, night by night, are disappearing, and even you have strolled past-with no small amount of horror-the countless back-to-school displays.  Sure, it's only the first week of August, but in a flicker of lightning, summer will be over, and think of all there will be to miss. 

 

Hurry, before school starts, before everything gets cold and structured and crazy, and take advantage of all that summer has to offer.

 

Here-sniffle-are five fun suggestions.

 

(And stop rolling your eyes at me.  Can I help it that I'm a sentimental fool?)

 

Take a dinnertime boat ride!

At Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, you can, for $35 a family, enjoy dinner and twilight on a pontoon boat.  Don't drag your heels (or your lifevests), though:  There's only one more of these "Friday Floating Feasts" this season, so if you miss the next one, on August 14, you'll have to wait ‘til next season, and that, you know, might make me cry.

 

Camp out in the yard!

You can camp out in the mountains or by the ocean, sure, but if you're short on time but not on outdoor enthusiasm, why not camp out in your own backyard?  Pitch the tent, roast up some wieners, and enjoy the comforts of home in a whole new way.

 

Go to an outdoor concert!

Dance what's left of summer away at the last of Belvedere Square's Friday concerts.  Crowded, yes, but free, family-friendly and festive. 

 

Hit an outdoor movie! 

I know I've pushed the outdoor movie thing before, but seriously, outdoor movies are awesome.  They're also uniquely summertime, so if you don't get on the stick, movie buffs, your next flick's going to be watched at home or in a dank, sticky, burnt popcorn-scented theatre.  Not that there's anything wrong with that (weep)!

 

Catch a falling star!

Or, more accurately, catch a speeding meteor during the Perseids shower on August 12 and 13.  This shower is an annual stargazers' favorite, with an average of 60 meteor sightings per hour, so keep the kids up late and enjoy this celestial summertime spectacle.

 

Long live summertime! 

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