We’ve gathered the best ways to celebrate the end of the school year with a list of 101 last day of school party ideas. Get ready for an epic list of activities, gifts, photography, and more! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here. We have gathered together the best of the best, top-notch, unbelievably amazing, over-the-top-fabulous ideas to help you make this end of school year the best one yet! Below you will find:
Last Day of School Activities End of School Year Gift Ideas End of Year Party Themes Last Day of School Photo Ideas End of School Year Surprises
Ready to dive in?
Last Day of School Activities
Welcome summer with some fun activities! This is a list of some activities that can be done on the very last day of school or spread out to be the last week of school activities. We promise your kids won’t mind if the fun lasts longer than one day! 😉
- Chalk Paint: You better believe that the adults will love getting in on this chalk fun as well! It’s super easy to make, and the use of a muffin tin to hold the paint is brilliant.
- Last Day of School Shirt: Cutest idea ever! Let your child wear a t-shirt that can be used to collect autographs from their school friends. {You will need a few supplies like heat transfer vinyl, but it looks super easy to put together!}
- End of School Year List: A top-20 list of fun ways to celebrate the end of the school year with kiddos! If your kids need lists, then this is perfect.
- Summer Activity Board: As soon as the little ones get home from their last day of school activities, sit down as a family and create your very own summer activity board!
- Popsicle Piñata: Umm, can we say ADORABLE?! Seriously, how much would the kids love a GIANT piñata to celebrate the end of the school year!
- Balloon Countdown: This post could easily be adapted to work for you in your home with your adorable kiddies!
- Last Day of School Books: I LOVE to read children’s books with my son, and having holiday books just adds to the fun! {I own this book and it is SUPER cute!} 8. Summer Reading Chain: Make reading both fun and a priority this summer. Be consistent and it will be an end of school year activity that they look forward to.
- Reading Bucket List: Reading need not bore your kids for another moment! Check out this amazing reading bucket list! It’s perfect to start this as one of your last day of school activities so that it is an expectation throughout the summer — no “summer slide” here!
- MORE Books to Celebrate Summer Break: Did we mention how much we love children’s books?
- Summer Bucket List: Make a list of MUST-DO items so that you are sure to accomplish them all this summer! This would be a great way to celebrate the end of the school year, or you can use it as one of your last week of school activities.
- Summer Fun Calendar: Summer seems to slip away too quickly every year. This cute printable will help keep your activities going all summer long!
- Popsicle Memory Game: Ridiculously adorable, this popsicle memory game is SURE to be a hit! Bonus — it’s good for any day of the week, not just the end of the school year!
- Summer Guide: Keep track of all your summer wishes in one place! Kids always want to make the most of their summer, so we use this as one of our last day of school activities to help them feel in control. 15. Summer Fun Passport: The passport to fun will be a favorite in no time.
- Summertime Secret Service: Kids finding ways to serve others with their extra time this summer sounds perfect! Make this part of your last day of school activities and it will really set the tone for your summer together.
End of Year Gift Ideas
Need a gift idea? No need to question what to do on the last day of school for those special teachers and kids. We have you covered (and then some!) with these gift ideas for your student, their friends and their teachers! {If you need even more teacher gift ideas, go over to our GIANT round up of Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas!} 17. Fun in the Sun Gift Bag: Spending some extra time outside this summer? This gift will have your child covered! 18. School is Out Basket: Everything you could ever need in one place! It is perfect as an end of school year gift because the gifts inside can be used all summer long. 19. Bubble Over With Fun: The perfect sweet and simple end of school year gift tag. Pick up some bubbles at the Dollar Store and you are good to go! 20. “Orange” You Glad It’s Summer: Talk about adorable! I can think of SO many fun items to drop into this gift bag! {Orange swim goggles or this Nemo plush are just a few of the things that I have in mind!} 21. “O’FISHally” the Last Day: The day wouldn’t be official without this yummy treat! Spread the end of school year joy by creating a little bag for your kid’s classmates too! 22. Last Day of School Basket: Start summer vacation the moment your kids walk through the door with this perfect end of school year gift! 23. Summer Boredom Box: Never hear “We’re bored!” this summer! You can use these as last day of school activities, but the fun won’t stop there. Gift it to your kiddos — or yourself! ;P 24. Summer Activities Coupon Book: Do you have some fun activities in mind that you would like to do with your kids this year? Wrap them all up into this activities coupon book and you are sure to have an amazing summer ahead of you! 25. Welcome to Summer Bucket: Get ready for summer today with this cute idea! Great for kiddos, or adapted for adults. 26. Couldn’t Have Picked Any Better: Every teacher will love this thoughtful gift on the last day of school. 27. Thanks for Helping Me Grow: Such a great idea! Not just another knick-knack, but something that will provide beauty! 28. Smart Cookie: Treats? Why yes, please! And how cute are the options for this adorable end of school year gift?! 29. S’more Basket: Give the gift of summer fun to your child’s teachers this year. 30. I’ve Had a Blast: Everyone will need a nice cold drink to cool them off at one point this summer. Make the first one on you! 31. Top Teacher Gift: Target gift cards will ALWAYS be a hit! 32. Summer in a Jar: Gifts in a jar always turn out so cute! This summer in a jar most definitely didn’t disappoint! 33. Bursting with Fun: Water balloons are a must this summer! Stock up the neighborhood by gifting them at your end of year party. 34. CHALK Full of Fun: Let the creativity flow with this fun gift idea! You are sure to have chalk murals in no time! 35. Kool Sumer: Kool-Aid with a twisty straw is what every kid pictures as the perfect summer cool-down beverage! 36. Have a GOO’d Summer: Gift your kids’ friends some goo for a fun, playful gift idea! 37. Rockin’ Summer: Pop Rocks are always a favorite treat! 38. End of School Candygram: An adorable end of school year candygram that is perfect for your little scholars. 39. “Let’s Play” Cards: Don’t miss out on extra playtime this summer! Make sure you stay in touch! Watch your children network like pros as they hand out their own “business cards.” 40. Gift Tag: Attach this cute tag to your child’s favorite treat and you are set! It’s nice and general which makes it great for all last day of school activities and aesthetics. 41. Jump for Joy: The last day of school is definitely a reason to jump for joy! A cute jump rope is a gift that keeps on giving — it provides time outside and exercise! 42. Soaking Fun Summer: These water guns will make this gift a hit! 43. Sponge Balls: Make every water party a little more fun this year! 44. Stay Silly: A simple and sweet goodbye to all of your kid’s friends. You could even invite them all over for an end of year silly string party! 45. Flippin’ Awesome Summer: Be sure not to miss this cute idea! We flippin’ love it! 😉 46. This Year Flew By: A gift that is sure to be used all summer long! 47. Summer Survival Kit: Each item you include in their end of school year gift is going to be so helpful during those summer months.
Last Day of School Party Ideas
Host the best party ever this year! One of these end of year party themes is sure to fit your requirements. Most of these ideas come with great last day of school activities as well so you’re set for a full on party. 48. Sidewalk Chalk Festival: Bring out the inner artist in all of your guests. Provide chalk and some space to get creative for this end of school year event. 49. Carnival: What says summer more than a carnival? Set up your own in your backyard and allow the older kids or parents to run the booths while all the young ones enjoy the best selection of last day of school activities. 50. Dance Party: Dance out all of your summer excitement! Set a playlist that will please both the young and… younger 😉 to really give everyone a chance to shine! 51. Ice Cream Party: A cool treat for your warm summer! This end of school year party is sure to be a favorite. If your schools get out early on the last day of school, consider hosting this party after lunch (or provide a little something to counteract the sugar). 52. Drive-In Movie Night: Invite all of your friends over for this fun-filled end of year party! 53. P.O.O.L Party: Play Outside On the Lawn! What a fun way to celebrate summer! 54. Minute-to-Win-it: Laughter is sure to ensue at this hilarious minute-to-win-it, end of school year party! 55. S’more Party: Host a s’mores party with a buffet of gourmet s’more ingredients! In addition to being delicious, this little spinner from the Divas adds an extra bit of fun! 56. Popsicle Party: Cool off with this sweet party idea! Provide different types of popsicles or ask your guests to bring one of their favorites to create a buffet of options. 57. Splish Splash Pool Party: Take a swim at the party that everyone will love! Giant backyard pool not required. 58. Summer Games Party: Game time!! Come along and see all of the fun ahead with this amazing list of summertime games! 59. Summer Beach Party: It wouldn’t be a complete summer without a little beach time! Bring the beach to your guests with this cute end of school year party theme! 60. Smarty Pants Party: Congratulate your smarty pants for all of their hard work this school year! One of our favorite last day of school activities is seeing how many puns we can use — and the Smarties are definitely helping! 61. Surfin’ into Summer: Surf right on into summer at this party! 62. Last Day Tailgate Party: Bring the party to them! This is sure to be a hit! If your child’s school approves, it would be so fun to set up last day of school activities AT the school! That way when the kids come out, they get the surprise of their lives with a party in the parking lot! 63. That’s a Wrap: Help your child finish off the year with all of their friends at this sweet party. The invites alone to this are worth it! 64. Welcome Summer Party: Welcome it on in — summer is finally here with the end of the school year!
Last Day of School Photo Ideas
One of our favorite things to do on the last day of school is to snap the perfect last day of school photo! Make it a tradition to start your last day of school activities with an adorable picture before they get all sweaty and flushed from running around at the end of year party — though those are pretty great pics, too. 65. All About Me: Document all of your child’s accomplishments this year! This post will take you through the process. 66. Photo Booth Props: Have some fun with your photos! Print these props out and let your little loves have fun! You could even take them to an end of year party. 67. Last Day of School Signs: Print these off for a fun end of year photo. There are a lot of different options to go through, but whichever one you choose, we suggest printing all the years off at once and storing them for each ensuing year. 68. Last Day Chalkboards: Possibly the cutest signs ever! You just have to go snatch these printables up! Use the same tip as above — print off ALL the years for continuity. 69. Picture in a Picture: Document the start and end of school all in one photo with this creative idea! Don’t worry, the author walks you through the photoshop process — but if you just want to print out their first day of school photos, that might be easier. 70. Fun Photo Booth Printables: If your kids are a little on the silly side, they are sure to love this printable pack. Crowns, stars, and hats are sure to fill all those end of school year sillies with joy. 71. Portable Photo Booth: Summer fun begins with a goofy photo! Your last day of school activities just got a little more memorable. 72. End of School Printable: Need a printable for your end of year photo? We’ve got you covered right here! The primary colors are perfect for everyone. 73. Last Day of School Shirt: Fun fashion for the last day of school. Give your kids a chance to express gratitude and excitement all via a little t-shirt. 74. Picture with a Teacher: Capture those memories with their favorite mentor. 75. Last Day of School Black and White Signs: No worries about having a color printer or running to your local copy spot — these signs are adorable in black and white! 76. Class of… Shirts: This adorable idea has you buying a large shirt and putting your kiddo in it each year to see how they grow between Kinder and graduation. 77. Friend Picture: Capture the memories your sweeties made with their best friends this year. 78. Same Outfit Picture: Have your growing kids put on the same outfit they wore for their first day of school so you can do a side-by-side photo comparison. 79. Celebration Photo: Ask your kid to show you their excited face/jump/pose and snap that picture! Bonus points if it is right in front of the school! 80. Colorful Last Day Signs: This is another super cute last day of school sign for that perfect picture.
End of School Year Surprises
A classic last day of school surprise will make your kiddos’ day! They are sure to LOVE these amazing ideas and will be asking for them to become end of school year traditions. 81. Accomplishment Walk: Make them feel truly special as they walk into the door on their last day of school. While they are away, you print up a bunch of their accomplishments, then line the walkway to their last day of school activities or party. 82. Balloon Straws: Can you imagine the smiles you’ll get from your kiddos when this is in their after-school snack? The perfect end of school year treat! 83. Waffle Breakfast: Since all of the details have been ‘ironed’ out, this is sure to be a perfect end of year breakfast party! 84. Last Day of School Breakfast: This is such a bright, fun breakfast! The most important meal of the day just became a favorite last day of school activity. 85. Cereal Surprise: It doesn’t have to be a fancy, hot-cooked breakfast to be special! Putting the cereal options into sand pails makes it one of the most special last week of school activities. 86. Fruit-Roll-Up Diploma: A yummy lunch treat to celebrate graduating to the next grade! It’s a perfect surprise if you don’t usually include sweets in their lunches. 87. Art Gallery: Display your child’s top works of art from the school year! Store it away throughout the year, then create their very own gallery walls to surprise them when they get home. 88. Lunch Printables: Make their last day lunch extra special! If they are released early on the last day, make this one of your last week of school activities — including a special note each day of the week leading up to the last day of school. 89. School’s Out Breakfast: This post has EVERYTHING that you need for the perfect school’s out breakfast!! Surprise your sweethearts with a special breakfast celebrating the end of the school year. 90. Last Lunch Ever: Their last lunch is sure to be memorable with this simple idea! If your kids don’t get released before lunch, this is the perfect way to make it special. 91. Snow Cones: This sweet surprise has always been a favorite at our house! This is one of the last day of school activities that’s super quick but packs a punch. Make your own with the kids, or have them waiting for when they get off the bus. 92. Water Activities: Be prepared to get wet with this exciting welcome home surprise and a list of last day of school activities! 93. Party Car: Excited for summer? Party the whole way home by adding some balloons and streamers! This is one of the end of school year surprises that is best the first time it happens. Can you imagine being a little kid and opening up the van door to a party palace?! 94. Finish Line: They finally made it! Let them cross the finish line to officially begin their summer celebration. Create a banner from butcher paper {you can buy the colored stuff from party supply stores, or some schools might even sell it to you} and a fun saying. Put it up over the front door for when they arrive home ready to kick off their last day of school activities with you! 95. Outdoor Movie: Set up an outdoor movie to celebrate the end of the school year. This ADORABLE idea was set up for a birthday party, but it’s an easy switch to make it a last day of school activity. 96. Ice Cream Cones: Surprise your kids by going through a drive-thru and grabbing some ice cream cones before heading home. 97. Silly String Fight: Welcome the kids home with a face full of silly string! 98. Giant Garage Sign: Make a big sign to welcome kids home for summer. 99. Large Pool Floaties: A fun end of year surprise can welcome kids home and prep them for a summer of pool time! 100. Marshmallow Fight: Have marshmallow poppers and bags of mini marshmallows ready for your kids when they get home. Start a squishy, sugary fight as soon as they walk in the door! 101. Last Day of School Cake: Make a fun cake to cut into when everyone is home for the summer. Yay!! SO many fun last day of school activities to do and party ideas. Now the hard part is deciding which ones to use this year! Maybe one activity will turn into many different activities that last the whole last week long. Pick a few and get ready for the fun summer ahead. Without question, you won’t be asking what to do on the last day of school anymore! Looking for even more ideas? You will NOT want to miss Mom’s Summer Toolkit for those EMERGENCY moments when you need something new to do in the summer! You could also plan out a Kid’s Camp with the help of these sweet prints. And if spending so much time with the kiddos leaves you needing some time alone with your sweetie 😉 the Divas have a list of Creative Summer Date Ideas all ready for you.
