Going back to school can be difficult for tweens. Many tweens spend the summer doing what kids do: swimming; going to camp; taking vacations; watching TV and visiting friends and relatives. Good times.

But summer doesn't last forever, and when the new school year gets closer and closer on the calendar, your child may feel a little let down. You can make the back to school season fun for your child, and get him excited about a new school year, by including a few fun activities into your normal back to school routine.

By making it a fun experience, you'll help your tween make the transition to a new school year, and begin it ready and rested. Below are a few ideas to get you started on your back to school fun.

Fun Ideas for Back to School

A few weeks before school begins, ask your tween to write down three things he'd like to do before summer ends. He may write down that he'd like to go to the beach one last time, or he may even indicate that he'd like to do something really simple, like go to the movies or go out for ice cream sundaes. Make every effort to get to at least two of his suggestions before the school year begins. If he wants to go places that you can't afford, agree on a destination that works within your budget. Then, plan the event and make it happen. Suggestions may include:

Going to the movies

Spending the day at the beach

Hosting a sleepover

Going out for a nice lunch

Biking through a local park together

Visiting a relative or a friend

Going to a local amusement park

Going for a hike

Personalizing or decorating new school supplies

Go Back to School Shopping: Shopping for back to school supplies can be fun, especially if you work in lunch out together and maybe something else that's a little fun. Give your child a budget for his school supplies, and then see if he can work within that budget to get everything he needs. Allow your tween to pick out his own folders, binders, backpack and notebooks.

Make Contact with School Friends: If your child hasn't seen much of her school buddies because she's been away at camp or on vacation, have her touch base with them and invite them over for an afternoon. Getting together with school buddies will help her get excited about going back to school and seeing everyone again. You could even host a back to school party for your child and his friends.

Pick Out a New Outfit: One of the exciting things about a new school year is that it gives your tween a chance to start again. And because tweens change so much in a year, your child may feel that her wardrobe needs a makeover. Let your child pick-out a new outfit for the first day, so he makes a good first impression.

Meet the Teachers: If your child's school has an Open House or an orientation before school begins, make sure you go. Your tween will see his buddies from last year, and get to know his new teachers a little.

Start a New Back to School Tradition: Your child is getting older and he might be growing out of some of the traditions you've always enjoyed together. Plan a new back to school tradition that you and your tween can enjoy in the years to come. It might be something as simple as having a nice dinner the night before school, or going for a walk together through your neighborhood. Whatever it is, enjoy it, together.