Although it shouldn’t, the end of summer somehow seems like the end of fun activities and entertaining diversions. I am endeavoring to prolong the relaxed, unscheduled feeling of summer by organizing pleasant pastimes for the kids, outside of the school day.

My Son recently discovered the go-karts at Lokomotion, in Fayetteville. Although they also offer mini-golf, bumper boats, laser tag and a video arcade, he always heads straight for the track.

The kids always enjoy a frozen treat from Shave the Planet, located on College Avenue in Fayetteville. We love to make the short drive out to Terra Studios, the home of the Bluebird of Happiness, and stroll around the whimsical grounds and browse in the gallery.

We always have a great time tubing,

and visiting The Fayetteville Public Library.

We walk around the Fayetteville Square and stop to pay our respects to the World Peace Prayer Fountain, sculpted by Hank Kaminsky and dedicated in 2002,

and I have even taken the kids, and a group of their friends, to the climbing wall at Lewis and Clark Outfitters, located on Thompson Street in Springdale.

We love to try out restaurants we haven’t been to before, such as Four Corners Kitchen in Fayetteville,

or just spend time hanging out on the back deck.

These are just some of the things that help to preserve the magical times we share during the warm summer months.