We wait and wait for summer to finally begin, to get a break from school, and to finally spend time together as a family. It seems it should last forever, but we know it has to eventually come to an end. Even though it is as hot and humid as ever, summer is almost over. The first day of school is right around the corner.

As you plan to find a way to make the most of every last moment of summer, we want to help. Here are a few ways to send kids back to school the right way and end the season with a bang. 

Five Ways to Make the Most of the End of Summer with Your Kids

1) Take a Ride on the Train

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, based in beautiful Bryson City, transports visitors from the city center to picturesque Fontana Lake, where you can take in breathtaking vistas from the comfort of an antique steam engine. Your family will undoubtedly become closer after time traveling through the most picturesque area of the state.

While you’re in Bryson City, you might take a family fly fishing excursion and then grab a bite to eat at one of the amazing restaurants. Be sure to stop and grab a bag or two of gourmet popcorn as well. 

2) Get in the Water

The air temperature is still sweltering throughout August. The heat and humidity may make you want to spend the day inside. But the waters of the Nantahala, Tuckaseegee, Little Pigeon, and Oconaluftee rivers are quite chilly. Our area has a number of watersports that will help you celebrate summer one last time:

  • Fly fishing for trout
  • Whitewater rafting 
  • Kayaking and canoeing 
  • Tubing 
  • Swimming

Whether you want to relax and float or get an adrenaline rush on the rapids, you can do it all in western North Carolina. 

3) Zip Into the First Day of School

Along with navigating the river’s rapids, this activity allows you to fly through the forest and experience the Great Smoky Mountains from a totally unique perspective. 

The Nantahala Outdoor Center allows you to take a ride on the renowned Mountaintop Zip Line and soar high over the treetops! Visitors can float almost 350 feet above the Nantahala River while perched on the rim of the Nantahala Gorge, enjoying breathtaking 360-degree views of the Nantahala Gorge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A Zipline canopy tour is the perfect way to see the Smokys and send off the summer.

4) Play Laser Tag

Even if you believe you understand laser tag, if it has been a while since your last game, you might not be aware of how much the game has evolved. The days of carrying a bulky vest around with a blaster strapped to your chest are long gone. Modern headbands are comfy and capture data, and wireless blasters add up to an overall FPS-like experience.

Have you ever wished you could actually be in the action of your favorite video game? Start a battle with a range of weapon types and character roles. After you’ve included team and individual objectives, as well as scenarios like Battle Royale with variable storm damage, you won’t want to sit in front of a screen ever again.

Challenging your family and friends to a round or ten of laser tag is an incredible way to complete an amazing summer. 

5) Play GellyBall 

Gellyball is a new, lower-impact shooting experience for players as young as five and yet still exciting for teens and adults as well! With our battery-operated automatic pistols (and rifles coming soon), shoot at opposing players and targets with accuracy up to 60ft!”

What makes GellyBall different than other shooting games is the ammo. It’s 90% water and biodegradable, so it’s much lower impact than paintball and airsoft, doesn’t leave a mess, and is fun for kids as young as five.

GellyBall, one of the most exciting new games, is gaining popularity swiftly. GellyBall originated in Texas and has now taken off internationally. In reality, there are more than 800 GellyBall vendors distributed throughout twenty-two nations. GellyBall’s quick growth demonstrates that it has something unique to offer.

Play Laser Tag and GellyBall with Elite Action Gaming 

If you’re in western North Carolina, Elite Action Gaming provides mobile tactical laser tag and GellyBall parties for people in Sylva, Whittier, Bryson City, Cherokee, Waynesville, and Asheville, and throughout the region. Whether you have a backyard party, birthday celebration, fundraiser, or another party that needs fun activities, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us today to send your summer off in style!