5 Memorable Last Day of School Traditions for Kids

Steal our go-to last day of school traditions! These are simple things my kids look forward to every year!

---

I need to kick this off by sharing that this year my oldest is graduating 5th grade (and to think I started this blog when she was 1!)

While I didn’t do any of these things in the toddler/preschool years, as my kids started entering elementary school, I wanted to do something really special to mark the end of the school year! 

And it should go without saying that you don’t need to spend a ton of time or money in order to make the last day of school special for your kids.

Just running through the sprinkler with a popsicle while music is playing is better than anything you could buy! 

Over the years I’ve learned that it’s the ritual, or tradition of it all that makes it something special for them to look forward to!

Of course a trip to the dollar store to pick up some bubbles, inexpensive themed decorations or fun water toys, definitely can’t hurt!

Last day of school celebration ideas at home

Today I’m sharing simple ideas you can do at home, right in your backyard! 

Invite over the neighborhood kids, put some music on the bluetooth speaker, get a bubble machine going, and you’ll truly have the best “school’s out” vibe!

Read: How to get Organized for Summer with your Kids

Shop all of our Summer Faves on Amazon:

• My Essentials for Summer
• Kid’s Favorite Summer Books List
• Summer Organization Supplies
• Activity Supply List for Summer

5 Memorable Last Day of School Traditions for Kids

AKA fun end-of-school-year traditions your kids will look forward to for years to come

Learn how to celebrate the last day of school with kids below!

School’s Out Buckets

Here’s where you can stock up on items you need for summer anyways, but make it fun & special!

Some years I’ve had these in the car with me when I pick them up from school, and other times I just have the buckets on the counter when they get home. 

I just used a beach pail from Dollar Tree!

Some ideas for what to include:

• Water bottle 
• Bubbles
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Flip flops/Crocs
• Coloring book & twistable crayons
• Diving toys/pool toys
• Reusable water balloons

Sandcastle Ice Cream or Ice Cream Sundae Bar

The sandcastle ice cream is probably the family favorite!

Here’s what you need and how to make this fun last day of school treat!

• Mini vanilla ice cream cup (I used Hagen Dazs)
• Crushed golden Oreo cookies
• Mini drink umbrellas

1. Using a kitchen scissor, cut the carton off around the ice cream.
2. Turn the ice cream cup upside down in a bowl.
3. Cover with crushed Oreos.
4. Top with an umbrella!

If you’re feeding a lot of kids or want to do something different, set up a DIY ice cream sundae bar!

My favorite way to do this is by using a mini muffin tin for the toppings!

Backyard BBQ & Water Slide

This inflatable water slide has been the BEST investment over the years with our 3 kids!

We’ve had ours for about 4 summers so far and going strong! 

On the last day of school we fire up the grill for hot dogs (the kids’ favorite) and grilled chicken sandwiches (my favorite)!

If you have neighbors with kids, invite them over and ask them to bring something to put on the grill, or a side dish to share!

Favorite Last Day of School BBQ Menu:

• Grilled chicken sandwiches
• Hot dogs
• Potato salad and/or cole slaw
• Sandcastle ice cream
• Chips & snacks
• Watermelon triangles

Summer-themed Movie Night & Snack Board

After the BBQ and water slide, the kids get cleaned up, put on PJs, and then we watch a fun, summer-themed movie!

Tip: If your kids are younger and this is all too much for one night, do the movie the following night!

Their favorites so far have been The Parent Trap, Our Lips are Sealed & High School Musical 2! 

I do love The Sandlot, but I think I’ll wait until they’re a little older for that one 🙂 

If your kids are a little younger, Moana is my toddler’s favorite! 

It’s more about being together than anything else.

And of course no movie night is complete with a snack board!

I love this portable snack board (pictured below) that has sections and a lid! 

Load up the board with snacks such as:

• Popcorn (or Pirate’s Booty for under 5)
• Mini pretzels
• Unreal M&Ms
• Cheese Puffs (like Annie’s or Hippeas)
• Unreal chocolate-covered pretzels
• Cookies (like Tate’s or Sweet Loren’s)

Let me know if you’ll try any of these ideas, and don’t miss our top resources for summer with kids:

• My Daily Summer Routine with 3 Kids
• Genius Summer Storage Solutions
• What to Feed Kids All Summer
• How to do Camp Mom (Summer Schedule)