Even though summer break is almost over, we still have several weeks of the summer season to go. I thought it would be fun to share some End of Summer Adventures from A to Z. 
Note – This article can also be found on page 42-44 of My Forsyth magazine. You can check it out digitally, subscribe to receive it in the mail, or pick up a copy around Forsyth County. 
Adventures at Sawnee Mountain Preserve:  You can take a hike up the mountain, play on the playgrounds, or try out the new climbing tower! They will even teach you to climb a tree with a harness and rope. For more information, call 770.781.2217.
Big Creek Greenway: This walking trail is currently 10 miles long but there are plans to extend it to 15 miles at some point. Take your bike, skates, running shoes and head on out to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise.
Chill Hill: Cool off with some delicious soft serve or hand scooped ice cream at Chill Hill in Vickery Village. Located at 5860 S Vickery in Vickery Village.
Drama: Take your kids to the theater by seeing a drama or dance performance. There are plenty of options through Cumming Playhouse, Stipe Studio, Cumming Dance Academy, and Forefront Arts.
Events: Looking for upcoming events? Check out the Calendar of Events page that is updated daily.
Field Trip Days: We have taken several days this summer to do field trips with the kids. They love taking our adventures at a place we wouldn’t normally go. Some of our favorite field trips include Creative Discovery Museum, Tennessee Aquarium, Pirate’s Cove, Georgia Aquarium, Children’s Museum of Atlanta. You can find other ideas in our Summer Adventures series.
Get Crafty: Drop in or make reservations to visit the new Pinterest–inspired DIY art studio, Pinspiration. There are plenty of options for age appropriate activities for the kids. Located in Vickery Village at 5806 N Vickery St.
Hike: Take a hike up Sawnee Mountain together. The Indian Seat trail is fun for the whole family, plus when you make it to the top the view is breathtaking!
Indoor Activities: Raining? Too hot out? No problem – there are plenty of options of things to do indoors in and near Forsyth County. Some of our family favorites are Stars and Strikes, The Ice, or Let’s Roll.
Jump: Forsyth County is home to Monkey Joes, Catch Air, Jump TNT, Get Air, and Sky Zone. {TIP: Make sure to check each of the websites for daily specials and coupons to save money on your visit!}
Kids Eat Free: Take the kids out to eat where they are free! IHOP, O’Charley’s & Steak n’ Shake offer kids eat free everyday with the purchase of an adult meal. Check our Kids Eat Free Guide
Lake Lanier: Take a ride over to the lake and enjoy a day at either a park by the shore or rent a boat for the day. Also, LanierWorld is also a great outdoor day activity full of the fun water park, big beach, a boardwalk, and sunset cove. {Tip: You can pick up a coupon at most Publix or Kroger check out lanes.}
Movies:  Movies 400 is offering Summer Movie Series every Tuesday & Thursday until 8/3 at 10am (first come, first serve). {TIP: If you bring a canned good to donate, the ticket price goes to $2 for admission, small popcorn & small drink}
Nature Preserve: Take the kids to learn about all about preserving nature. They will love exploring the outdoors. You could also use this time to look for or place your very own Kindness Rocks. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve 9770 Autrey Mill Rd, Johns Creek
Outdoor Summer Movies: Take the kids to a free movie in the park at the Vickery Village courtyard. July 25^th 8:30pm showing Trolls.
Picnic & Park Tour: A few years ago we came up with this idea to take the kids on a park tour. They loved it and ask often to do it again. So pack some snacks, a picnic lunch, sunscreen, lots of water and head out to visit some of the 20+ Parks and Playgrounds in Forsyth County.
Quarter Midget Racing: The Cumming Fairgrounds has a line-up of racing throughout the summer.  Be sure to check out the racing schedule online.
Read: Both The Forsyth County Libraries and Barnes & Noble have great summer reading programs. They also have TONS of story times and activities through the summer.
Swim or Spray Pad: The Cumming Aquatic Center or the Old Atlanta Spray Pad is a great way to have fun in the water this Summer!
Tiny Towne: We love this kid-friendly indoor driving track. They also have a fun arcade. TIP: Be sure to check Groupon before going, they typically have a deal up for purchase
Unwind: This one is for you MOMS & DADS! Summer is hard on us – whether we work outside the home or stay home with the kids, summer is a lot of juggling. So give yourself grace and patience this summer. The days are long but the years are short! Treat yourself to a date night or a spa treatment. Maybe even a good bottle of wine would do the trick to help you unwind this summer!
Volunteer Together: Use some time to give back to the community with your family before summer is up. Here are a few places you could start with – Meals by Grace, The Place of Forsyth County, Whispering Hope, Humane Society, or Abba House.
West Bank Park Beach: Spend the day on the beach, swimming in the lake, or have an outdoor picnic. Or do all three! Located at 3227 Buford Dam Rd.
X-tra X-tra Read All About It: Fun events & activities will continue to pop up and you will want to be in the know for fall. Follow @CummingLocal on social media and visit the website – www.CummingLocal.com
Yummy Yogosicles: Make a yummy (and healthy) treat together! Mix ¼ c of yogurt, 1 tsp. orange juice concentrate, and 1 tsp. of honey. Pour into a small paper cup. Wait 10-15 minutes then add a popsicle stick. Freeze until firm and enjoy!
Zoo: Take ride up north to visit the North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm. Located at 2912 Paradise Valley Rd Cleveland, GA. {Tip: Sign up for their newsletter and receive a $5 off coupon}
So that’s my list of summer fun from A to Z … no matter what YOU choose, we hope you & your family have a safe and fun end of summer break in Forsyth County! 

Rachael Walkup is a wife, mother of two, and owner of CummingLocal.com – a website dedicated to promoting events & small businesses in Forsyth County. Coffee, good food, and wine are the way to her heart. She’s a lover of comfy clothes and deep conversation.