What to Do with the Last Day of Summer

When the sun is beating down and temperatures are soaring, it’s hard to believe that summer will ever end. But now we’re in August, and the back-to-school shopping has already started. Before you know it, the kids will be trading in those swim trunks and flip flops for corduroys and patent leather shoes.

"Every year it’s the same thing: I think I’m going to get all of this stuff done, then before I know it the summer is over," says Lisa Williams, mother of a six-year-old and a four-year-old. "I can’t believe how fast the time goes!"

Chances are you haven’t done all the things that were on your list this year, either, whether you were planning to plant a vegetable garden or build a patio extension. Here’s a list of low-cost ideas recommended by those seasoned experts -- other moms. Make plans now to try one or two... before your To-Do list is filled up with buying school supplies and snow boots!

Water Soccer. Round up the neighborhood kids for a rousing game of dueling nozzles. Each team gets a hose and tries to push the ball across the goal line with the spray. Bathing suits, of course, are mandatory; the wetter you get, the more fun you have.

Treasure Hunt. Hide a small treasure in the neighborhood for your child and draw a map to help him or her find it. But look out: the neighborhood kids will want to help you look, too!

Bug Alert. Go out on a bug hunt with your child. Poke holes in the top of a jar and help him collect as many as he can. How many different bugs can he find? How many colors? Tip: "Buy a magnifying glass at the local superstore," recommends Tanga Tidmore, mother of a three-year-old. "My son loves to play with his and look for giant-sized crickets and grasshoppers with it!"

Home State. Look up your state bird and state flower on the Internet or at the library. See if you can find a real-life example of each at a botanical garden, state park or zoo.

Ice Blocks. Make an ice block by freezing water in a clean, empty milk carton, and add a few small plastic toys. If you like, you can color it by adding a few drops of food coloring to the water before freezing. Your child will enjoy playing with the block outside as it melts, and have extra fun when the ice melts and the toys appear.

Water Balloon Catch. Invite a few friends over for an old-fashioned water balloon game. Fill several balloons with water and play catch with them, or use sidewalk chalk to draw a target on the sidewalk and aim for it.