Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Summer isn’t over yet!
Well, I guess that depends on if your kids are school-aged and how early school is back in session in your area. First day back to school ranges quite a bit around the country from late July to early September.
If your school district goes back in July or early August, you may be feeling jealous about the families who have until near or even after Labor Day to enjoy summer. But remember, they probably got out of school in late June whereas you probably got out in May or early June.
According to Pew Research, in general, more southern states go back to school earlier and northern states later. New England schools go back late August or early September. And some New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania schools won’t go back until after Labor Day.
Our kids go back to school the first week of August, so on the earlier side of things. And with our daughter in a summer sychronize swimming league we often have to fit our summer family travel into a short span between the end of her season in late July and school starting in early August.
So we know when it comes to summer family vacations, timing is everything. And after years of navigating peak season crowds and prices then getting stuck in the after synchro swim season time period, I’ve come to a definitive conclusion: late summer is the way to go. Here’s why.
Cheaper Airfare and Lodging
By waiting until after the peak of summer travel — typically early to mid-August — you can score some serious deals on flights and hotels. Supply is up but demand drops off as families start thinking about back-to-school. That’s your cue to swoop in and save.
I’ve seen savings of up to 30% on airfare and lodging just by shifting our travel dates a few weeks later. For instance, Southwest just had a sale for late summer, early fall travel. Flights for like $59 (depending on your destination)!
It’s like the travel industry’s best-kept secret. And trust me, when you’re multiplying those savings by a family of four or more, it adds up fast. That’s more money in your pocket for fun excursions, delicious meals, and special treats on your trip.
Smaller Crowds, Bigger Fun
If the thought of standing in endless lines and fighting through crowds makes you twitch, late summer is your sweet spot. Fewer people are traveling, which means shorter wait times at attractions, more room to spread out on the beach, and an altogether more relaxed vibe.
Some days (week days) in August on the beach, it can feel like we have a private stretch of sand to ourselves. Goodbye stress, hello actual relaxation!
Weather Perks
I know what you’re thinking — isn’t it hotter in late summer? Sometimes, but hear me out. By August, the ocean water has had time to warm up, making beach days even more enjoyable (no bracing for cold waves!). Plus, in many regions, the blistering heat of July has mellowed out a bit.
We’ve had some of our most pleasant beach weather in mid August (when the kids went back to school a little later). The days are still warm and sunny, but the nights cool off just enough to make for comfortable sleeping weather. And if you’re late enough and heading up north, you might even catch the beginnings of fall foliage. Talk about getting the best of both worlds.
Memorable Back-to-School Boost
For kids, there’s nothing like starting the school year with a pocket full of fresh summer memories to share. A late getaway feels extra special — one last hurrah before hitting the books. And I swear, the excited anticipation of an upcoming trip takes the sting out of summer’s end. It’s all about mindset.
In our family, we’ve made a tradition of the late summer trip. The kids start school with a little extra pep in their step, knowing they just had an awesome adventure. And as a parent, I love sending them off with that positive momentum. It sets the tone for a great school year.
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Easier Pet Care and House Sitting
If you’re a pet owner, you know that finding reliable care during peak travel times can be a challenge (and expensive!). But by traveling in late summer, we’ve had better luck securing our favorite sitters. The same goes for lining up a house sitter to keep an eye on things while you’re away. It’s one less thing to stress about as you’re packing up the family for vacation.
Local Events and Festivals
Many destinations save their best events for the tail end of summer, when the crowds thin out but the weather is still great. From outdoor concerts to cultural festivals to county fairs, there’s often a rich lineup of local happenings to explore in late August and early September.
Late Summer Family Travel Destination Ideas
Looking to plan a late summer family trip for one last hurrah but not sure where to go? Here are some fun and family-friendly destinations that really shine in late summer:
- National Parks
By late August, many national parks see a drop in crowds, but the weather is still great for hiking, camping, and exploring. Places like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, or Acadia offer stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Just be sure to book lodging early, as some parks have limited options. - Beach Towns
While the peak beach season is winding down, late summer is prime time for seaside getaways. Think sunny spots like San Diego, Cape Cod, or the Outer Banks. The water is warm, the crowds are thinner, and you can often find great deals on vacation rentals or resorts. Plus, many coastal areas host fun summer-ending events like seafood festivals or sandcastle competitions. - Mountain Resorts
For a taste of early fall, head to the mountains in late August or September. Places like Aspen, Park City, or Stowe offer hiking, biking, and scenic lift rides, often at discounted off-season rates. The cooler mountain air is a refreshing change after the summer heat, and you might catch the first hints of fall colors. - Orlando, Florida
If your family loves theme parks, late summer is a great time to visit Orlando. The crowds tend to be smaller as school starts, but the parks are still open long hours. Plus, Disney World and Universal Studios often run late summer promotions or special events. Just be prepared for some hot and humid days — stay hydrated! - European Cities
For an international twist, consider a European city trip in late summer. Places like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona are still buzzing with energy but not as overwhelmed by peak season tourism. The weather is usually milder, and you can find good deals on airfare and accommodations compared to May or June. It’s a great way to introduce kids to a new culture before the school year starts. - Dude Ranches
Embrace the cowboy (or cowgirl) life with a late summer dude ranch vacation. Many ranches in places like Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana offer family-friendly packages with horseback riding, fishing, campfires, and other Western-themed fun. The mild late summer weather is perfect for outdoor adventures, and the all-inclusive rates make budgeting easy. - Lake Destinations
For a classic summer vacation feel, head to a lake destination like Lake Tahoe, Lake Michigan, or the Finger Lakes. You can enjoy swimming, boating, and other water sports without the peak season crowds. Many lake areas also offer hiking trails, bike paths, and charming small towns to explore.
Remember, the key to a successful late summer trip is flexibility and planning. Be open to trying new destinations or experiences, and book your essentials (lodging, transportation, activities) early to secure the best deals and availability.
And don’t forget the benefits we talked about earlier—smaller crowds, better weather, end-of-season sales, and that special back-to-school boost. With a little creativity and an adventurous spirit, your family can make some unforgettable late summer memories.
Of course, this assumes your kids’ school follows a traditional academic calendar. If your district starts sooner, you might have to get creative with a late July or early August escape. But trust me, it’s doable. We’ve pulled off many a trip that ended a mere day before the first bell rang.
The key is to plan ahead, pad in some post-travel recovery time (or maybe not), and stay organized with the back-to-school prep. I like to order school supplies online or buy the classroom pack that some schools offer now, delivered to the classroom with your kids’ name on it. Another idea is to order a grocery delivery for when you return, so the fridge is stocked and the kids have what they need. Future you will thank past you for this bit of foresight.
So this year, consider flipping the script on your summer family travel. Embrace the magic of the late season—the deals, the smaller crowds, the just-right weather, the back-to-school excitement. You might find that the late bird catches more than the worm. It catches the best vacation memories, too.
By Amie Durocher, Creative Director at Safe Ride 4 Kids and certified CPS Tech since 2004
Copyright 2025 Safe Ride 4 Kids. All rights reserved. You may not publish, broadcast, rewrite or redistribute this material without permission. You are welcome to link to Safe Ride 4 Kids or share on social media.
We originally published this post in July 2024. We updated the article for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
