Capture the magic of the final days of summer—with a local twist!
As the long (and lets face it…I mean LONG) summer days begin to wind down and backpacks and school supplies start trickling back into the mud room, it’s the perfect time to slow down and soak in a few last core memories with your kids.
Whether you’re looking for creative activities, photo-worthy outings, or just an excuse to press pause, here are five family-friendly ideas right here in Indianapolis that are as meaningful as they are fun (and yes—perfect for photos too 😉).
1. 🌅 Sunset Picnic + Photo Walk
We are beyond lucky to have some really gorgeous, kid friendly parks in and around Indianapolis. As parents, we get locked into this idea that we go to parks to play- and sure, let’s start the night with some of that to get the wiggles out. Prep yourself with a picnic and some sort of camera you are comfortable with your kids using. Maybe it is your phone or one of these awesome kid friend cameras. Have a little dinner in a different setting and spend the evening exploring during golden hour. Let your kids take turns snapping photos of flowers, ducks, or each other-whatever memories THEY want to document. It’s a fun way to encourage creativity and connection.
*To extend this activity, use their photos to make a Summer Scrapbook — Print out photos, let your kids decorate with stickers and drawings.*
📍 Coxhall Gardens, Carmel, IN – Holiday Park, Indianapolis, IN – Marott Park, Indianapolis, IN
2. ☀️ Make a Cyanotype Sun Print
Give your kids a hands-on art-meets-science experience by creating cyanotypes—a magical type of sun print that uses UV light to develop a photo-like image. You’ll arrange leaves, flowers, or even toys on special paper, expose it to sunlight, then rinse with water to reveal a beautiful blue-and-white design.
It’s simple, creative, and absolutely frame-worthy. Plus, it’s a fun way to talk about photography in its earliest form!
🎥 Watch how to do it here: Cyanotype Tutorial on YouTube
🎨 Easy Kit Option:
Mondo Llama Neon Sun Solar Prints Craft Kit is a kid-friendly, sunprint kit you can grab at Target for just $5. It includes special sun paper, stencils, clear pads, and simple instructions—great for busy families dipping into creative projects without the fuss.
🖼️ Bonus: Let your kids sign and date their art—it’s a perfect back-to-school keepsake or gift for grandparents!
3. 🌸 Color Hunt at Newfields
Turn a stroll through the gardens at Newfields into a rainbow scavenger hunt. Challenge your kids to find and photograph a flower (or sculpture!) in every color of the rainbow. It’s a simple way to practice observation, creativity, and gratitude—and you’ll walk away with a mini gallery of summer beauty.
📍 Newfields: A Place for Nature & the Arts
🎟️ Free for members; ticket required for general admission.
4. 🎨 Chalk Art + DIY Portraits at Home
No need to go anywhere—just grab the chalk! Let your kids draw a big backdrop on the driveway (think stars, speech bubbles, or giant wings), then have them lie down for an overhead photo. It’s a silly, fun way to create your own custom “last days of summer” or “back-to-school” portraits.
📸 Bonus points if you turn them into cards or tags for the first day of school!
5. 🎢 Memory Day at The Children’s Museum or Conner Prairie
Let each child choose one last adventure at a favorite local spot—whether it’s digging for dinos or floating in the balloon voyage. Set a goal to take one silly photo and one “serious” portrait at each spot. Let them print their photos to put in a memory box or use an instant print type camera and let them spend the rest of the day coloring their favorite photos.
📍 Children’s Museum of Indianapolis or Conner Prairie, Fishers
🎟️ Check for weekday specials and ticket bundles!
💛 Make It Count (and Maybe Frame It)
No matter how simple the activity, these last days before school starts are the perfect chance to create memories everyone will actually remember. And hey, if you end up with a great photo or two? Print it. Treasure it. Frame it. That’s what this season is all about.
Need help capturing these moments with your crew?
📸Book a session with me!
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