4 Family Dates for Late Summer

Today we’re sharing four family date ideas for late summer. Keep reading for family dates that fit into school and working family schedules, and a few budget hacks to keep the fun affordable.

You’ve traded in the pool bags for the backpacks and swim suits for new school clothes, but it still kind of feels like summer, and summer fun isn’t quite over, just because schools back in session. In fact, we still have a quite a while before the temperature cools down.

Here’s a few of our favorite family dates in the late summer before we switch to fall fun. 

XO,

East Valley Moms

Try a desert flashlight tour for a family date

Take a flashlight tour at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Now through September 2 on Saturday nights from 6:30-9 pm you can enjoy the botanical gardens at night time. Perfect late summer family date night!

They have stations set up with all sorts of live creatures on display like spiders and snakes. You can look for frogs in the pond or enjoy the city lights from the top of the hill. Don’t forget your flashlights!! Check the website for pricing and additional information.

Or, check out San Tan Regional Park’s sunset scorpion search trail walks for a more budget friendly option! Perfect for elementary aged kids, this out-and-back, ranger guided walk is on easy terrain to enjoy the sunset and then search for bark, striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions. 

Bring your blacklight and a regular flashlight. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center.

After school swimming family date

Meet up with friends for some after school fun at the pool, most public pools are open through Labor Day.

Our favorite, Mesquite Groves Pool in Chandler, is open Monday through Friday from 4-7 pm (play pool only) through Labor Day. Check the website for additional hours of operation and pricing. 

Baseball game family date

Take the family out to the ball game. The Arizona Diamondbacks have lots of home games this month so if you haven’t been to a game yet it’s not too late. A baseball game is a sure way to make some fun memories with your little ones. (If you have a POGO pass, you get a FREE game!) 

See the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ as a family date

Are you worried that the daily routine of school lunches and weeknight meals is already getting tiresome?

If yes, then it’s the perfect time to check out Organ Stop Pizza, known as the most entertainingly affordable pizza in town. Perfect for warm weather, it’s dark and cool inside as families dig into specialty pizzas, pastas, appetizers, sandwiches, salad bar, desserts, a variety of soft drinks, beer, and wine, all while an organist plays songs by request on the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. 

Have you enjoyed any of these activities? Do you have any other suggestions for the rest of us? We’d love to hear what you think!

Here’s more family date inspiration:

Grandma Guest Post: Let’s Make it a Family Date

3 family date ideas you can do tonight (no planning!)