Help us make the most of the rest of summer in the Twin Cities

Driving the news: School starts for some districts on Monday, with pupils statewide returning to the classroom in less than three weeks.

• The start of the State Fair — summer's last hurrah — is only 13 sleeps away.

Before you press send on that "well, actually," email: Yes, we know that the "first day of fall" — aka the autumnal equinox — isn't until Sept. 22.

• But everyone knows that Labor Day weekend marks the real end of summer.

Plus: The meteorological last day of summer falls even sooner: Aug. 31!

Between the lines: We're not trying to ruin your Friday, we swear! We bring it up to encourage you to make the most of the sunny, laid-back summer days that remain.

So, with that in mind, we thought we'd share the activities we haven't had a chance to cross off our own "summer fun lists" yet, in case they serve as inspiration for your weekend planning:

🍕 Torey: Visit a pizza farm (it's been hard to schedule with our new puppy), take out a swan boat (or another paddleboard!) on Lake Nokomis and go to a concert at the Lake Harriett Bandshell.

🛶 Kyle: Kayak the Mississippi River Gorge using the seamless "paddle share" system or make it up to the North Shore for a hike.

🤿 Audrey: Go swimming in a Minnesota lake, spend a day in Grand Marais or picnic at Franconia Sculpture Park.

Now, your turn: What favorite seasonal traditions or activities do you still need to check out this year?

• Ideas for adventures big — like squeezing in a weekend away at your favorite Minnesota vacation destination — or small— like having a cone at America's best ice cream shop — are all fair game.

📧 Hit reply and tell us your plans. We'll share some of your answers in this newsletter next week.