9 Whimsical Ways to Celebrate the Season’s End

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of sunshine and wonder to soak up before we ease into autumn’s golden glow. August is full of playful, nature-inspired holidays (perfect for homeschooling families & nature-based programs), for anyone looking to stretch the joy of summer just a bit longer.

Here are 9 creative ways to celebrate the final weeks of summer:

🌊 August 2 – Sandcastle Day Pack your pail and shovel and head to the beach (or even a sandbox)! Build castles, creatures, or kingdoms and let your imagination lead the way.

🌳 August 6 – National Tree Day It is said that children recognize more logos than they do types of trees! Remedy that today by pointing out the kinds of trees in your area! Talk about which ones will be losing their leaves soon and which will stay green.

📚 August 9 – National Book Lovers Day Gather your favorite book and take storytime outdoors. Set up a cozy reading nook under a tree or in a hammock, and get lost in words and wonder. Look here at some of my personal favorites: Pinterest What's in My Library - Picture Books

🏔 August 11 – Mountain Day If you can’t visit the mountains, bring them to you! Build a pillow mountain inside, paint a mountain landscape, or learn about mountain wildlife. Let your adventures reach new heights—real or imagined.

📖 August 14 – Love Your Bookshop Day Visit your local bookstore and let each child choose a new (or used!) treasure. Ask the bookseller for local author recommendations or host a book swap with friends.

🐝 August 21 – National Honey Bee Day Thank the bees! Watch them in your garden, learn about pollination, and taste-test local honey. Try making seed balls with native flowers to plant for next year’s pollinators.

🍃 August 23 – Ride the Wind Day Fly a kite, blow bubbles, or make paper pinwheels. Pay attention to how the wind moves - through leaves, across water, and against your skin.

🏖 August 30 – National Beach Day Whether you're oceanfront or just dreaming of waves, this is the perfect day for salty toes and sun hats. Collect shells, study tide pools, or create ocean-themed art.

🌞 August 31 – National South Carolina Day Celebrate the Palmetto State! Learn about South Carolina’s ecosystems—from beaches to mountains—and cook a regional dish or sing a local folk song.

Let August Be a Tapestry of Joy

These playful days invite us to slow down, notice the natural world, and savor late summer. Whether you're barefoot on the beach or reading beneath a tree, let wonder lead the way.

What day are you most excited to celebrate?