by Tara D.

AMC's Kids Outdoors Boston and Mommy Poppins Boston are pleased to collaborate on a series of guest blog posts about things to do for families visiting Boston. Mommy Poppins Boston is the ultimate guide to what and where to do, see, read, splash, play, eat, learn, and enjoy in Boston.

There are certain must-do activities for Boston families during these magically long days and warm summer nights. Somehow it all seems to come to a halt once Labor Day arrives and school starts: Bedtimes are once again enforced, the swimsuits are packed away in the closet, and every day is scheduled down to the minute. It’s time to seize these summer days before they start slipping away. Here are 25 Boston summertime experiences to have with your kids before it turns colder, because that's where it ends. (Are you hearing Summer Nights from Grease now? You’re welcome.)

1. Take a lobster for a spin on the Greenway Carousel
2. Celebrate summer sun and fun at a community festival
3. Splash in the Frog Pond
4. Dance on the lawn during a free outdoor concert
5. Explore Fort Warren and see a play in the park on Georges Island
6. Swim, hike, and hunt for treasure on Spectacle Island
7. Watch a free movie under the stars
8. Storm Castle Island (or just relax on the beach)
9. See future Red Sox players in the making at a Paw Sox game
10. Join the frogs for a Thursday morning Tadpole Storytime and take home a free book
11. Geek out at a free technology workshop
12. Make a nature wand
13. Go out for ice cream
14. Take a day trip
15. Cool off at a spray park 
16. Get moving with Tai Chi, yoga and line dancing in Franklin Park
17. Pick blueberries
18. Dine out (outside, that is)
19. Spend a day at the beach
20. Go camping
21. Kayak or canoe on the Concord River
22. Play outdoor games in your backyard or at the park, 70's style
23. See a movie at the drive in theater
24. Ride a Swan Boat in the Public Garden
25. Visit a local attraction without spending a dime on a Free Fun Friday

This article originally appeared on Mommy Poppins Boston in August 2014.