ORGANIZE YOUR YEAR AUGUST

Have car serviced (as needed); check tires and children’s car seats before going on a road trip

Go kayaking, canoeing, or for a swim

Make jam (plum, peach, raspberry, tomato, onion)

Entertain

Build a sandwich board (page 58)

Prepare a travel activity kit for kids

Cook

Grill corn (page 59)

Harvest vegetables or visit a farmstand

Cook

Pack vacation-rental provisions (page 59)

Spend the day—or the week—at the beach

Pickle vegetables (okra, green beans, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini) and watermelon rind

Pick herbs for making cocktails

Host a backyard movie night

Home

Display travel keepsakes (page 60)

Take the kids to an adventure park for zip-lining and more

Go lobstering or freshwater fishing

Get ready for school: Buy school supplies and organize study area

Use a surplus of zucchini: Bake bread, or shave into “noodles” for a pasta substitute

Plant broccoli, cabbage, and other crucifers

Wellness

Stay hydrated (page 60)

Register kids for fall sports teams and after-school programs

Sharpen and oil garden tools

Take a morning swim or hike

Play tennis (or ping pong)

Prune flowering plants (to prolong blooms)

Cool down with an affogato float: Pour espresso over ice cream and top with seltzer

Launder

Freshen beach towels (page 61)

Press cuttings from the garden (it’s a great activity for even young children)

Confirm post-summer dermatologist appointment

Visit a local state fair, or plan a road trip around one

Update social media profiles

Order bulbs for fall planting