Bucket List to Enjoy End of Summer

As Wisconsinites, we’re acutely aware of the dwindling days of summer.

We notice the fading cadence of cicadas, the sunsets that don’t seem to last as long as they did a few weeks ago, and the increased hustle and bustle around schools as summer comes to an end.

But before the last sunset of summer, here’s a list of a few things to check off a summer bucket list. We can’t bottle the precious commodity of summer but we can enjoy every last bit of it. 

Go swimming at one of the Waukesha pools before they close. closes after next week and has reduced hours, 2 to 6 p.m., for the week. closes once school starts, re-opens for Labor Day and then closes for the year. Don’t forget to get a slide pass. Even adults can enjoy the slide.

Prefer swimming in quieter natural areas? Try swimming at nearby Minooka or Fox Brook parks or further away and usually less crowded is Naga-Waukee Park in Delafied. Fox Brook closes after this Sunday, Aug. 21. Minooka closes after Sunday, Aug. 28. Naga-Waukee Park closes Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Have some fun with the kids at local attractions like the Brewers or Milwaukee Public Zoo.

This weekend is Zoo a la Carte with Waukesha hometown band the BoDeans playing on Saturday night. , another Waukesha band, also plays that evening, on the same stage, a couple hours earlier.

Enjoy an evening in downtown Waukesha at Outdoor music, lots of people, some window shopping and ice cream from or can be a recipe for a nice evening outside. This fun event has become a weekly tradition for some.

Go to at Definitely on my to-do list is a stop at this local restaurant’s unique event, featuring cool old cars, some music and food and drink.

Watch the Every Wednesday evening until Labor Day at 6:30 p.m., the local team, nationally-ranked in sixth place, provides an amazing show in the Fox River at F

Go to one of the last festivals of summer. At the Waukesha County Expo on Labor Day weekend is the featuring bag pipe competitions, authentic Celtic foods, music and dancing.

In Milwaukee at Maier Festival Park, Irish Fest is this weekend, followed by Mexican Fiesta, Aug. 26 through 28.

Last but not least, enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Here in Waukesha and the surrounding area, there are numerous opportunities. And have you noticed that the mosquitoes have been relatively tolerable this year?

Simple things like picnicking in one of the parks or pitching a tent in your backyard and roasting marshmallows over a fire pit can remind you to stop and smell the flowers, or listen to the crickets.

If you’re feeling more active, go for a ride, run or walk on the Glacial Drumlin Trail or hike the trails in

Take the opportunity these next few weeks to squeeze enjoyment out of every last bit of summer – we've included a photo gallery of people enjoying this sumer in Waukesha.  Starting September, kids’ school and sports events will take over family calendars and, before you know it, we’ll have to put on fall sweaters.