The days are already getting shorter, and, before you know it, you’ll be reaching for a sweater instead of your flip-flops. So while lightning bugs still flicker in the dusk, make some time to savor some sweet summery activities.

1. Run under a sprinkler. On a sizzling hot afternoon, throw on your bathing suits and have a splish-splashing good time while your lawn and garden enjoy a refreshing drink. (Be sure to check local regulations for watering lawns if you live in a drought-prone area.)

2. Sleep outdoors. Set up a tent in the backyard and enjoy the feeling of "roughing it."

3. Have a sunrise picnic in the garden. Take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures first thing in the morning. Make a batch of Triple Berry Smoothies, bake some Apple Scones and then head to the prettiest spot in your garden for a sunny start to the day.

4. Take a spin. Grab a seat on a Ferris wheel or a merry-go-round and enjoy the ride. Bring along a camera to capture an interesting view or wide-eyed expressions. And remember, blur is not always a bad thing. It can create a sense of motion in your photos.

5. Ring a bell. Get a bell for your bicycle and ring it frequently. It’s a friendly and nostalgic way to greet your neighbors and alert pedestrians if you have to ride on sidewalks. Consider getting a bell or horn with a distinctive sound for each member of your family.

6. Eat most of your meals outdoors. It’s too nice outside to spend time cooking big meals in a hot kitchen.

7. Eat a campfire treat—indoors. Just a taste of indoor s'mores will take you back to the summers of your childhood. To make, simply layer graham crackers on a pizza pan or baking sheet, top with layers of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows and pop under the broiler for a minute or two until the marshmallows are toasted.

8. Stay up late for some stargazing. Evening showers are forecast for August. The Perseid meteor showers, that is. They appear every year around the middle of August. Any clear night is great for picking out constellations. Just look for a dark location away from bright lights and bring along some mosquito repellent in spray or towelettes for effective protection from biting insects.

9. Sing campfire songs and tell ghost stories. Songs and stories passed down from generation to generation are as much family heirlooms as grandma’s wicker picnic basket. Sing a few verses of your favorite camp songs or hold a flashlight under your chin to make your spookiest face while you read from The Curse of the Campfire Weenies: And Other Warped and Creepy Tales, a collection of stories with just the right mix of scary and hilarious!

10. Get a new flag and let it wave! Just check with your local veterans association for the proper way to "retire" your old flag.