The Last Hurrah: 10 Things to Do Before Summer Ends
August 14, 2023
Summer’s Not Over Yet!
The season may be winding down, but summer’s not done yet. Here are 10 unique ways to squeeze out every last drop of warm weather before we concede to fall. Explore your favorite sanctuary, try something new, or make your own adventure.
1. Explore the Water on Kayak or Canoe
Kayak and canoe rentals, self-guided tours, and guided programs are still available at Wachusett Meadow, Ipswich River, and Felix Neck. Paddle your way through rivers, inlets, and ponds to see nature from an aquatic point of view. Paddling details
2. Hike a New Trail
There are hundreds of miles of trails throughout Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries. How many have you hiked? Take in mountain views from Pleasant Valley and High Ledges or visit the babbling waterways of Laughing Brook and Rutland Brook. Explore the fields at Wachusett Meadow and Drumlin Farm or walk the boardwalks at Broadmoor and Stony Brook. Discover a new trail
3. Read a Good Book Outside
Spread a blanket, crack open a good book, and enjoy the pleasures of reading outdoors before the winter chill creeps in. This summer, we’re reading Fresh Banana Leaves by Jessica Hernandez, A Wing and a Prayer by Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal, Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake, and more. Your new favorite summer read can be found at the Mass Audubon Shop. Shop online
4. Cultivate Harmony with Yoga and Mindfulness Programs
Breathe in. Breathe out. Reflect on the season and get in touch with your inner self through mindful flows outside. Birdsong and warm breezes will delight your practice at Wachusett Meadow, Magazine Beach Park, and Allens Pond. Find yoga & mindfulness classes
5. Go On a Bird Walk
As late summer skies fill with feathered friends, why not learn about local bird life from Mass Audubon avian experts. There’s always a nearby bird walk to join, where we’ll lead you through local hotspots interpreting the sights and sounds found along the way. Find a nearby bird walk
6. Take a Walk Along the Coast
Feel the sea breeze in your hair, sand in your toes, and salty mist in the air. A beach walk in late summer is an absolute must. Bonus points for catching the sunrise or sunset from the shore. Take it all in from Felix Neck, Long Pasture, or Allens Pond. Find a coastal trail
7. Taste the Summer Harvest
Savor the growing season by visiting one of our dual wildlife sanctuary and sustainable farms. Around this time of year, you can find peppers, herbs, and root vegetables at Drumlin Farm and Moose Hill’s farm stands. Get a taste
8. Play Naturalists with Your Family
Share some laughs at the cross section of fun and learning by playing naturalists! Search for nature clues, ask questions, and make memories outside with Young Explorers activity sheets, nature bingo, and Nature Smarts Workbooks. More family fun
9. Create Art Outdoors
Let nature be your muse! Draw inspiration from the colors, shapes, and feelings the natural world instills at the tail end of the summer season. Bring a drawing pad to your next self-guided adventure or join us for ceramic, painting, and drawing programs. Get creative
10. Capture & Share Summer Memories
When winter rolls through, you’ll be looking back on the warmer months fondly. Don’t miss the chance to capture these unforgettable moments by bringing your camera along. When it comes to wild animals, breathtaking landscapes, and loved ones among the trees, a picture is worth more than a thousand words.
Think you’ve captured something truly special? Enter our annual Picture This Photo Contest before September 30 for a chance to win. Nature photography opportunities
More to Explore
Looking for more? There are over 60 Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries throughout Massachusetts waiting for you, and a packed program catalog filled with unique summer experiences. Stay curious and celebrate your last hurrah before the summer's end!
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