Last Days of Summer Bucket List (Before the Kids Head Back to School!)
Peterborough & The Kawarthas Edition
The backpacks are coming out of hiding. The school supply lists are pinned to the fridge. But summer? It’s not over yet – and there’s still time to squeeze in some memory-making magic before the first school bell rings.
Whether you’re local to Peterborough or just visiting the Kawartha’s, here’s your end-of-summer bucket list packed with family-friendly adventures, laid-back outings, and easy wins to make the most of August’s final stretch.
🧺 1. Pack a Picnic at Millennium Park
Grab some sandwiches from Silver Bean Café, spread out a blanket by Little Lake, and soak in the views. Let the kids splash at the fountain, spot ducks along the trail, or just run wild on the grass. Bonus: it’s sunset gold in the evenings.
🚣♀️ 2. Rent a Canoe or Kayak on the Otonabee
Take a paddle with the family along the river – rentals are available at Liftlock Paddle Co. or Wild Rock. It’s a calm, scenic way to explore the city from the water (and sneak in a little upper body workout too).
🎡 3. Catch a Late-Summer Festival or Farmers’ Market
Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market (Sat/Wed)
Lansdowne Place Night Market (check schedule)
Any pop-up music events at Del Crary Park
Grab kettle corn, fresh fruit, or a handmade treat to make the outing feel special without breaking the bank.
🏖️ 4. Beach Day at Beavermead or Lakefield Beach
End-of-summer beach days hit different. Bring sand toys, some snacks, and maybe a portable speaker. Tip: Pack water shoes and bug spray. And don’t forget to stop for Kawartha Dairy ice cream on the way home.
🌲 5. One Last Cottage Escape (Even Just for a Day)
Hit up friends with cottages (you know you want to), or take a family road trip to:
Burleigh Falls for lunch & a swim
Warsaw Caves for hiking and rock exploration
Stoney Lake for a quick dock jump and paddle
🔭 6. Stay Up Late for a Backyard Stargazing Night
Lay out blankets, roast marshmallows in the fire pit, and look for constellations. August skies are clear, and you might even catch a shooting star if you’re lucky.
🛝 7. Playground Crawl Challenge
Pick 3-5 parks your kids haven’t visited this summer and hit them all in one day. Think: Nichols Oval, King Edward Park, and Rotary Greenway Trail.
🖍️ 8. Do a DIY Back-to-School Photo Shoot
Scout a location like the steps of Peterborough Public Library or a cute mural downtown, and snap some stylish “end of summer” shots. Bonus points if you grab coffee for you and cookies for the kids afterward.
🛍️ 9. End-of-Summer Shopping Day with a Twist
Instead of dreading the school shop, turn it into a “yes day” (within reason). New backpack? Yes. Bubble tea from Real Thai? Yes. Matching mom & kid sunglasses? Obviously.
🧁 10. Make a Summer Scrapbook or Time Capsule
Print some summer photos, save some ticket stubs, and write down a few favourite memories. It’s a fun rainy-day project and a sweet way to reflect on the season.
Final Thoughts:
Summer doesn’t officially end until you say it does. Whether you knock out this entire list or just one or two, what matters is making the time feel special.
Wishing you s’mores, sunsets, and as few mosquito bites as possible. 😉
If you’re planning a move this fall or want to chat about settling into Peterborough with kids, I’m always here to help you plant roots and feel at home.
—
📲 Carrie Brockhurst – Living in Peterborough
Century 21 | The ONE Real Estate Group
📧 carrie.brockhurst@century21.ca
📞 289-200-5444
📱 @carriebrockhurst_realtor
