36 End of School Year Party Ideas

Celebrate the last day of school with an end of year party after school is out for summer. These ideas for an end of year party include games and snacks for best end of school bash EVER!

Capture the moment with our easy printable last day of school signs for photos and count down the days until school is out with this DIY printable countdown calendar.

End of Year Party Ideas

The school year is winding down, and summer is almost upon us once again!  Kids are excited for longer days spent in the sun, playing and taking long vacations.  

Perhaps you’re looking forward to more family time and day trips you can’t take during the school year.  

Or maybe you’re looking for fun ideas you can do in the classroom to celebrate the end of the year!

In any case, an end of year celebration is in order!  

but first, let me take a selfie

Printable School Signs for Photos

For your own child or family, or for a whole classroom of kids — our printable first and last day of school signs make for a simple and easy photo memento through the years!

Welcome summer in style with 36 end of school year party ideas to give you some inspiration for a beginning of summer fun after the kids get home.

Decor: End of School Year Party Themes

School Bus Theme 

From a table and backdrop made to look like a life-sized school bus, to bus decorated cookies, this school bus theme end of year party is a cute reminder of schooldays.  

Pair it with a banner that says “Schools out for summer!” and you’re end of school party will be ready to roll!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school
image via Catch My Party

Ice Cream Theme 

This ice cream party for the end of the year features adorable decor – from paper ice cream cones hanging on the backdrop of the table, to washi tape covered trays!  There are cute signs for each station and lots of coordinating paper products that fit the whole Ice Cream Social theme.

Pool Theme

A pool themed end of year party is perfect for welcoming the coming summer!  

What makes these decorations awesome is that they are totally functional AFTER the party is over. You won’t pay a dime for extra things you’ll just throw away – just buy summer items (like beach towels, pails and a wading pool) that you would normally buy and use them in unique ways for decor!

Carnival Theme

This carnival themed end of year party is over the top amazing.  From a large, big top style tent fabric backdrop, to hand designed carnival graphics printed on paper products, this party has it all going on.

Set up a photo booth with props and few fun attraction booths for everyone to enjoy, roast a few hot dogs and make some cotton candy. You could even do a silly talent show!

“Bright Future” Graduation Theme 

If you’re planning a graduation party at the end of the school year, you’ll love this decor!  Taking inspiration from the “bright futures” ahead of the grads, there’re pops of neon colors, a sunglasses motif and fresh flowers.  

Learn how to make mortarboard graduation hats from scrapbook paper with neon tassels!  Whether you’re celebrating preschool, 5th grade graduation or high school graduation, this decor would work wonders for you!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school
image by Amy Atlas

Apple Theme

What says “school days” more than an apple for teacher? This adorable apple themed last day of school party features a black paper background with white writing – reminiscent of blackboards – and a tree adorned with apple cookies.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Learn how to make your own honeycomb apples to hang around the room from One Charming Party.  

Beach Theme

Everyone’s looking forward to long days at the beach, so why not bring the beach to your end of year party?  

Dollar store beach balls make a cheap decoration and you can serve food from sand pails with shovels.  

Toss in some rope, pilings and driftwood and you’ve got some inexpensive, cute summer-themed decor!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school
image by Giggle Galore

Luau & Surfing Theme

The decor for this “Surf Into Summer” end of year party is luau-inspired – with grass table skirts and blow up surf boards everywhere.  Bright colors in sand pails and signs nod to exotic locations.  Throw in some sunglasses and the kids will love it!

End of Year Party Food

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Beach Cupcakes – These adorable cupcakes feature a sunbathing bear, such a cute nod to sunshine and warm days on the beach!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Schoolbook Sandwiches – For a school-themed party, you’ll need some textbooks!  All you need are flour tortillas, cheese and deli meat cut into rectangles – then simply assemble and write on them with food coloring markers.  Too cute!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Sunshine Cupcakes – Cupcakes are a party must, and these are a cute and delicious symbol of summer.  This smiling sunshine will be a perfect addition to your “welcome summer” party!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Beachball Fruit Pizza – You can learn how to turn a fruit pizza into a beachball!  If you’ve got a beach or summer themed party, it’s a great treat that’s also healthy.  Plus, it’s just as pretty as it is delicious!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

“Build Your Own Picnic” – This is an easy and super cute way to host a picnic lunch.  With lots of individually packaged options, everyone can pick and choose the elements of their own picnic lunch.  Bright labels are a fun pop of color.

Ice Cream Toppings Table End of Year Party Idea

Ice Cream Social – The food for this party is all ice cream – tons of toppings, syrups, waffle bowls and cones, and lots of ice cream.  Then let everyone build their own perfect sundaes.

End of Year Party Activities

Try these easy and fun last day of school activities in the classroom or when the kids get home!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Welcome Summer Banner Burst – Make a large-scale banner welcoming summer and let the party-goers race through it – bursting into their vacation! All you need is a length of butcher paper and some markers.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Frisbee Tic Tac Toe –  This tic tac toe board is made out of a shower curtain!  Players toss frisbees, trying for three in a row.  It’s an inexpensive and summery outdoor version of the classic!

Outdoor Water Party Games – You’ll find all sorts of inspiration for water-filled games here – like sponge relays, trike and bike wash and water gun filling stations.  If your end of school party is outdoors, you may want to include lots of water fun!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Welcome to Summer Outdoor Games – This party included all the outdoor summer classics – like kickball, frisbee, water balloons and blowing bubbles!  When in doubt, you can never go wrong with the old standby’s!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Chalk Drawing – Host a chalk drawing party!  The whole point of this “festival” is to brighten up the neighborhood with art while celebrating the longer days of summer.  It’s a super easy, inexpensive and low-key activity all ages will love doing!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Last Day of School Basket – While this activity was created for family’s to do on the last day of school, it’s certainly something you could alter a bit for a party.  Simply leave a basket out with lots of fun summery activities – water guns, water balloons, chalk, bubbles, balls, treats, towels, etc – and have the kids dig in!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Walk of Fame – This activity would be perfect for someone who’s graduating – whether from preschool or high school (or anything between).  Just place milestone events on cards attached to dowels or stakes and line the walkway to the party.  Guests coming to the party can appreciate the special moments and the guest of honor will enjoy reliving it all.

End of Year / Summer Party Favors

These fun party favors are the perfect end of year gifts for friends at school or to send home from the party.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school
image via My Sweet Sanity

Sidewalk Chalk – What a cute, practical and fun way to wish your party-goers a happy summer!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school
image via Drama Mama

Popsicles – Nothing says summer like a nice, cold popsicle!  These are a great treat for any age.

summer end of year party favor sunglasses

Sunglasses – You can’t beat a nod to the 80’s!  These are cute and super functional.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Kool-Aid and Crazy Straws – Kids love kool-aid!  And they’ll love it even more with a crazy straw.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Swedish Fish – You could use the same phrase and card with fish crackers, gummy fish, or other fish candy as well.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Summer Science Kit – If you want to stay away from sugary sweets and are trying to encourage continued learning, this fun science kit will be a big hit with kids.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Jump Rope – Another staple for long summer days – a jump rope!  Inexpensive, active, and fun!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Monogram Chalk Slate – A little chalk spray paint, colored chalk and some chipboard letters creates a unique, one of a kind favor that’s schooldays themed.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Dr. Seuss Bookmarks –  These Dr. Seuss bookmarks are a cinch to make and require few materials.  They’re colorful and fun; the quote is perfect for little learners.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Fla-mingle Info Tag Pencil Toppers – What a fabulous way to leave your information with friends from school so you can set up play dates!

End of Year Party Invitation Ideas

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Smart Cookies – These cookie-themed invitations are so cute!  Host a cookie bar to toast your smart cookies – and don’t forget the milk!

That’s A Wrap! – The invitations for this party state a clear theme – candy!  Wrapped up in colorful papers and plastic, candy makes for a tasty and decorative (not to mention easy) party.

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Carnival Ticket – This adorable ticket shaped invitation to a carnival themed party is just perfect!

Host an awesome end of school year party and welcome summer in style! Here is a ton of inspiration that will make your summer kick-off great! 36 End of School Year Party Ideas - Tipsaholic.com, #party, #DIY, #summer, #school

Sidewalk Chalk Festival – Here’s a cute and easy invitation to a “chalk festival”.  Simply made on the computer and printed out, they’re easy and inexpensive and can be completely customized.

More Summer Ideas for Kids:

picture of children holding balloons, with text overlay "end of school year party ideas"

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Kimberly Mueller is the “me” over at bugaboo, mini, mr & me, a blog that highlights her creative endeavors. She especially likes to share kid crafts, sewing attempts, recipes, upcycled projects, photography and free printable gift tags/cards. When she’s not enjoying being married to her best friend, chasing after the natives (AKA her three kids) and attempting to keep the house in one piece, you can find her with a glue gun in one hand and spray paint in the other. Aside from DIY pursuits, she also enjoys writing, reading, music, singing (mostly in the shower) and the color yellow. Kimberly recently published a craft book entitled Modern Mod Podge. You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin’ and Instagram.

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