10 Nostalgic Summer Activities to do With Your Kids Before School

July 22, 2021

I know, I know, it's only July! But for most kiddos, Summer break is more than halfway over. Here are 10 nostalgic activities you can do here around the lake area with your little ones before they head back to school.

1. THE COUNTY FAIR

Funnel cakes? Caramel apples? Corn dogs? Sign me up! Nothing sounds better than walking around with your friends or family while snacking endlessly on some oh-so-delicious fair food. 

Check out a list of current fairs going on this season here.

@tkj88 via Pinterest

2. LAZER TAG

Who doesn't love a little bit of friendly competition?! Lazer Force in Osage Beach offers an exciting blacklight course with fog, flashing lights, and heart-pumping music for kids of all ages 5-85.

Check them out here! 

@onlyinyourstate via Pinterest

3. MINI GOLF

Mini golf is my favorite sport! (and the only one I'm good at) There are plenty of great courses here in the Lake area with an array of different scenery and challenging holes. Plenty of adventurous opportunities lie ahead at the golf course! 

Sugar Creek (Lake Ozark)

Pirate's Cove (Osage Beach)

Putt-N-Stuff (Osage Beach)

@kelseyyynichole via Pinterest

4. A WATER BALLOON FIGHT

Looking for a great way to cool off from the summer heat but have a little competition? Water balloon fights are the perfect way to get pumped about being outside! You can have an epic battle, all while staying in your backyard!

5. YOUR OWN "DRIVE-IN" MOVIE THEATER

While drive-in theaters might be a thing of the past, this doesn't mean a little bit of imagination and cardboard can't make you travel back in time. In this fun backyard idea, each kid has their own "car" made out of a cardboard box! For even more fun, let them decorate it themselves! Then at night, you can invite all of their friends over and put on their favorite movie! GENIUS! 

@KitchenFun3Sons via Pinterest

6. BACKYARD CAMPING

Whether you love camping or don't, you're guaranteed to love a backyard camp setup. You get the feel of being away from home without having to travel anywhere! Just set up a tent and start a fire! Roast some weenies and sing some songs around the firepit and you won't even know you aren't out in the woods. If you're really feeling creative, jazz up the space with some cozy blankets and fairy lights, it will look MAGICAL!

@thedyrt via Pinterest

7. AFTERNOON PICNIC

A family picnic can be a great way to get outside and enjoy the sunshine before the kids head back to school. You could go all out and make some appetizing finger foods. If that's not your style, go through the drive-through and put it in your basket! No judgment here, just enjoy the tranquility of an afternoon picnic! There are some great spots here at the Lake to enjoy a family picnic. Check out this website to locate some of our local parks.

@hellofashionblog via Pinterest

8. AN ICECREAM TRUCK

Nothing says nostalgia like sitting around on a hot summer afternoon and jumping up as soon as you hear the ice cream truck's happy little tune. Visit Roscoe's Icecream Truck Facebook page here.

Credit: Children At Play Photography

9. SIDEWALK CHALK PAINT

Put an updated twist on sidewalk chalk by turning it into paint! Yes, paint! Your kids will love getting to let their imagination run free as they create vibrant art while making unforgettable memories. View the tutorial here.

@Irishtwinsmom11 via Pinterest

10. THE WATERPARK

Epic summer memories are made at the waterpark. Race down exhilarating slides or loosen up in the Lazy River! Whatever you choose, don't forget the sunscreen! Big Surf Waterpark is located in Linn Creek and offers plenty of different attractions for kids of all ages!