Summer - It's not over until it's over

I'll be the first to admit that the days are cooler, but when the sun does show itself, September is still summer. But too often, it's the forgotten month.

As parents of three kids, we know exactly what it's like. The kids are off for weeks until the end of August, and then September comes around and it's back into the routine: school runs, after school clubs, and homework. Usually lots of homework.

Our minds stop thinking about getting outdoors in September as we get back into the school routine

It's such a change from the summer school break that our minds naturally stop thinking about getting outdoors in September as we try and get back into the school routine.

When the weekend does come around, everyone is a little too exhausted. I know I am.

September Weather

Just like summer, you can't guarantee what the weather will do. But there are warm sunny days still.

Think back to early Spring or Winter when you wished for warmer weather. Well, that warmer weather is still here now, in September.

After a long summer, we become a little 'desensitised' to it.

You do have to be prepared for colder nights if camping, and even when out and about. (I looked at climbing Snowdon today, but the Met Office says it will feel like -2!) However, it still can be t-shirts and shorts weather too.

Ideas for Getting Out With The Kids in September

• Camping - Yep, don't put away your camping gear yet. September is great for camping. Ideally take a smaller weekend tent for just staying Saturday night, and make sure you insulate well under your beds to stay warm at night. Click here to read our post on keeping warm when camping.
• If a whole weekend away is just too much at the moment, just get out for an afternoon at least. You could visit a local woods for example. Click here to read 18 ideas of activities for a woodland walk.
• You can still get on the water and go canoeing. What's more, the water is still warm this time of year. Alternatively, why not try Stand-Up Paddleboarding? It's great fun!
• Get your family on their bikes. Why not tackle one of the many Family-Friendly courses at one of the Forestry Commission centres.
• Try a spot of climbing. See how this mum takes her kids bouldering.
• And talking of Snowdon, we've not ruled it out yet (though we will take the necessary gear to keep warm and dry). Read how this dad took his six-year-old up Snowdon.

I'm sure you can come up with lots of other ideas too. Hopefully, it's given you a little bit of inspiration to make the most of the last moments of Summer, and not let September slip through your fingers 🙂