Summer’s end is rapidly approaching, and like every year there’s always things that we meant to do that somehow seemed to slip through the cracks. Instead of simply sighing and bumping these activities up to next summer, we can still try to fit them in—or at least, a few of them in. Here are 10 things to be sure to do before school begins this fall.

10. Travel. If you meant to take a trip sometime but never got around to it, there is still time. You may not be able to book—or afford—a visit to Cancun, but you might be able to take a day trip to a neighboring county for a fair, special museum or other attractions. If even that is too much, why not spend a little money on an overnight stay in a local hotel? Order room service and rent a family movie, play in the hotel swimming pool, and wear white bath robes.

9. Organize. You will wish you had once school begins! If you keep separate folders, bins or other items for your kids, get them ready. Prepare the area where the next day’s clothes are laid out, get your desk in order, and do whatever you need to control the chaos. A little time now could save a lot of time later!

8. Get wet. You haven’t gone swimming at all this summer, you say? Grab the hose, the wading pool, whatever and enjoy some cooling off outside before it’s too cold to do it anymore. Sure, you can hit the indoor pool all year, but there’s something about swimming under the sun that’s simply not to be missed.

7. Sign up for fall programs. If you wait too long, it may be too late. Whether it’s a gymnastics, tee ball, dance, or art class, if you’re planning on doing it, do it now.

6. Hit the sales. It’s the best time to stock up on school supplies—especially with tax free days and so many specials going on. If you can afford it, try getting everything you need for the year.

5. Finalize your plans. If you need to reorganize childcare arrangements for before or after-school care, plan meals (as well as packed lunches and snacks), or update the carpooling squad, now is the time to do it.

4. Read that summer novel. So many people miss out on reading these days from living in such a fast-paced world. Take a little time—fifteen minutes a day, even—and finish that book you’ve had on your nightstand all summer long.

3. Get in as much kid-time as you can! Pretty soon they’ll be gone for eight or more hours a day, and if you’ve been able to enjoy them (without going crazy—go you!) being at home with you this summer, you’ll probably miss them when they go back, even if you’re working. Remember how quickly time flies, and enjoy every moment.

2. Have a slow, lazy summer family day. Eat simple foods outside on picnic blankets, play in the hose, spit watermelon seeds, read books under shady trees, maybe even cook a slow foods meal together. Just relax and enjoy the long day together—winter will be here before we know it.

1. Something on your own list! Pick out the number one thing you wanted to do this summer. Was it get rid of all your junk through a garage sale? Maybe it was to visit a water park that you haven’t been to in years—the one you keep saying you’ll take your kids to someday. Take a day off and go to the park! If it’s too expensive, go ahead and take the day off but instead of traveling, visit your local pool instead. Your kids will love it, and while it may not be the same thing, at least you were able to find a fun compromise.

Whatever you do, remember to focus on what you did get done instead of how much you did not accomplish. Try making a list of all the things you did this summer; you may just surprise yourself. Of course, you can always get together with the rest of the family and plan out next summer’s adventures as well!