5 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

How has the summer gone for you--has it flown by before you could get in enough days at the pool or are you more than ready for crisper air and chilly nights? Either way, it's likely we'll miss the lazy days grilling out or taking the drive down I-70 to the beach come January and February. 

And so, we've compiled this list of must-do activities in the Raleigh-Durham area to be completed before August 25th (the official first day of HSA's 2014-15 school year!):

1. Visit the beach. 

NC Beach via http://trendspig.com

We had to add it to the list because it's so quintessentially "North Carolina Summer." Whichever beach you choose to frequent, remember to know sunscreen recommendations to avoid painful burns and keep your kids safe with these water safety tips. And if you're headed to Wilmington/Wrightsville, one of the closest shorelines, check out these family-friendly summer events to add some more activity to the trip. 

2.  Pick up fresh produce from the farmer's market.

Raleigh Farmer's Market via Lillizalous Blog

Both Raleigh and Durham have excellent farmer's markets that consistently produce some of the finest fruits, vegetables and more every week. Learn valuable advice about what to buy, what to bring, how to plan recipes and more from this helpful article. Just remember to check hours beforehand and plan your trip wisely, as the venues can become very crowded at certain times of the day.

3.  Learn about animals at the Asheville Zoo.

Asheville Zoo via Mix 965 Asheville

If you haven't been to Asheville (or its zoo), now is a wonderful time to make the trip. Only about a 4 hour drive from Raleigh/Durham, the mountain setting offers a nice break from the sweltering temperatures that dominate most of NC in the month of August. Visit the Asheville Zoo's website for more information on special events, buying tickets in advance and other must-know pointers. We have no doubt your kids will be fascinated by the array of animals, large and small, and will learn many useful facts about the natural world.

4. Cool off at a water park.

Water Park via VisitNC

If you'd rather avoid the sand, but still want to cool off, why not try one of NC's many water parks? Visit this site for a comprehensive list of water parks in the Raleigh-Durham area. Just remember to check out these tips and recommended items to bring before you set out. We suggest you leave early in the day to avoid crowds and make the most out of this fun-filled activity.

5. Cheer on the Durham Bulls.

Durham Bulls Stadium via The Southern Photographer

If you haven't been to a Durham Bulls game this summer, you're missing out! Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, these games will give you the chance to sit back, relax and witness one of America's favorite summer pastimes. The Durham Bulls even offer the opportunity to camp out on their famous field during select dates. Check out availability here. 

What do you plan to do with the rest of your summer? Remember to make the most of it!