It seems like just yesterday people were heralding the arrival of summer. Here in Western New York, August and September’s warm temperatures and ample sunshine are that hug from Mother Nature we treasure. While summer will come to an end to make room for apples, corn, and pumpkin spice, there is still plenty of time for families to enjoy the waning days of surf and sunshine.

Here are some family-friendly options to consider.

  • Catch a concert. Summer is when many artists go on tour and sell out everything from arenas to amphitheaters to more intimate venues. One great place to consider is Artpark. Check out upcoming concert dates at https://www.artpark.net/2024-concerts, including a Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop on August 18.
  • Pick fruit. Peach season varies depending on where you live, and August through September is a prime time for pick-your-own farms to open their orchards. Turn those peaches into pies for Labor Day festivities. See https://www3.erie.gov/eriegrown/peaches for some ideas.
  • Climb a lighthouse. National Lighthouse Day occurs on August 7. Locate a lighthouse within driving distance and visit one of the beautiful and historic structures that commemorate maritime history. Check out some historic Buffalo lighthouses at www.buffalolight.org.
  • Pick a day to re-do. Ask all members of the family what sticks out in their minds as the best summer day so far. It may have been paddleboarding in a lake, taking a scenic drive, or visiting the waterfront. Compile the answers and then pick one activity to enjoy all over again. See www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/explore-buffalo-family-fun for some fun activities. Or check out the guide at www.stepoutbuffalo.com.
  • Head to the fair. State and county fairs fill calendars this time of year. They’re perfect ways to enjoy carnival rides, fair foods, live entertainment, and even livestock. Check out the Erie County Fair at https://www.ecfair.org and New York State Fair in Syracuse at https://nysfair.ny.gov.
  • Watch balloons rise. Check to see if there is a hot-air balloon festival taking place nearby. Watch these huge items become lighter than air and get lifted off the ground. Check out
    www.adirondackballoonfest.org and www.balloonfest.us.
  • Enjoy an outdoor movie. Purchase or borrow a movie projector and set up a screen outdoors. That screen can be an actual outdoor screen, or a white sheet stretched between two poles. Invite the neighborhood to come over, set up picnic blankets and enjoy a family flick. See https://stepoutbuffalo.com/where-to-catch-a-drive-in-show-this-summer.
  • Camp out. Pitch a tent at a campground or even in your own backyard and spend an evening sleeping under the stars. See www.campspot.com/camp-guide/best-campgrounds-near-buffalo-ny for some great ideas.
  • Visit a garden. Plan a day trip to a botanical garden to view the various trees, flowers, and shrubs in bloom. Families can wind down from summer by engaging in various enjoyable activities before a new school year begins. Visit www.buffalogardens.com to learn more.