Late summer is a magical time—hedgerows are heavy with fruit, the sun hangs low in the sky, and nature begins preparing for autumn. It’s a wonderful season to slow down, explore outdoors, and engage in nature-based activities that encourage learning, creativity, and connection as a family.
Here are our favourite late summer activity ideas, perfect for kids (and grown-ups) to soak up the last of the summer warmth and rhythm.
🌸 1. Press Flowers and Leaves
Capture nature’s fading beauty by collecting and pressing flowers and leaves. Use them for crafts, cards, or as part of a nature journal. Try it with hydrangeas, ferns, or leaves just starting to turn.
🌱 2. Collect Seeds
Nature’s seed cycle is in full swing. Gather seeds from sunflowers, poppies, or vegetables you’ve grown. Dry them out and save them for next spring’s planting—or make simple seed packets as gifts.
🌿 3. Go Foraging for Blackberries
Blackberries are a late summer treasure. Head to a local footpath or hedgerow with a basket and fill it with juicy berries. Make pies, smoothies, or even homemade blackberry cordial.
🍎 4. Embrace the Harvest
Whether it’s apples, plums, or garden veg—celebrate the seasonal harvest. Go apple picking or cook together using what you’ve gathered. Try making crumbles, stewed fruits, or dried apple rings.
🦇 5. Look for Bats at Dusk
Warm summer nights are perfect for bat spotting. Head out at dusk and look to the skies—bats often appear in gardens, parks, or near water. It’s a great way to introduce kids to nocturnal wildlife.
🪨 6. Go Rock Pooling
Visit the coast and explore tide pools. You might spot crabs, sea anemones, or little fish. Bring a bucket, magnifying glass, and plenty of curiosity! We have a free rock pooling scavenger hunt printable.
🌹 7. Make Rose Petal Jam
Got fragrant roses in the garden? Use the petals to make a delicate rose petal jam. It’s a lovely way to preserve floral scents and makes a sweet addition to toast or gifts.
🍂 8. Make Oak Gall Ink
Find oak leaves with round galls and try your hand at making natural ink—a fun and historical activity! This is a great science-meets-art project for older kids.
🐚 9. Collect and Press Seaweed
Next time you’re by the sea, gather flat seaweed types like bladderwrack or kelp and press them between sheets of paper for use in ocean-themed art or nature journals.
🦋 10. Look Out for Painted Lady Butterflies
Keep an eye out for these beautiful migratory butterflies in late summer as they travel north. Track sightings in your garden or create a butterfly-spotting log.
🌻 11. Turn Sunflowers into Bird Feeders
Let your sunflowers dry out, then hang the heads up for birds to feast on. You can also spread peanut butter on pinecones and roll them in seeds for DIY feeders.
🍯 12. Forage Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is a late summer wildflower with a sweet, almond-like scent. It can be used in syrups or teas (always forage responsibly and double-check identification).
More Ideas for Late Summer Fun
Here are some bonus ideas to extend your seasonal adventures:
✨ Create a Late Summer Nature Table
Gather natural treasures from your walks—acorns, feathers, petals, and stones—and display them as a seasonal centrepiece.
🧺 Have a Sunset Picnic
Make the most of long evenings with a simple outdoor meal. Bring lanterns, a blanket, and your favourite snacks.
🎨 Nature-Inspired Art
Use leaves as stamps, make pebble art, or use your pressed flowers in sun catchers. Let nature inspire creativity.
📖 Start a Nature Journal
Encourage kids to record what they see, smell, and hear. Sketch plants, press leaves, or jot down wildlife sightings—it’s a great way to build observation skills.
Related Crafts & Tutorials from the Blog
Here are some activities from the site that pair perfectly with these late summer themes:
- Paper Sunflower Craft
- How to Make a Hanging Teacup Bird Feeder
- Paper Plate Sunflower Weaving Tutorial • Fun and Easy Craft for Kids
- Apple printing and apple eating!
- Paper Plate Sunflower Weaving Tutorial • Fun and Easy Craft for Kids
- Quinoa Apple Cake • A Fun and Healthy Recipe for Cooking with Kids
Pin & Print!
We’ve made this list into a printable version you can pop on your fridge or pack in your nature bag. Don’t forget to pin the image to your Late Summer board and follow us for more seasonal inspiration.
Late summer is fleeting—but with a bit of planning and presence, it can be one of the most meaningful times of the year. Which of these activities will you try first?
Let me know in the comments or tag your adventures on Instagram with @muminthemadhouse!