It’s hard to believe that school is already starting again in northeastern Pennsylvania.

College students return to their local universities and their families shop for school supplies and organize their schedules.

Some of my colleagues on the West Coast report that their children started school several weeks ago, but on the East Coast we are a little later.

But that’s okay with me because there are still some remnants of summer left.

Although the weather has become cooler and we have had a few rainy days, we still have a few nice days left before the hustle and bustle of the school year begins.

Use what’s left.

Take a little trip, visit the amusement park or do something fun.

Last week Oscar and I ventured to Hershey Park with his brother and a few nieces and nephews.

How much fun it was to go back to the park after almost 30 years (yes, I can remember the last time I was there before the year 2000).

As expected, a lot has changed since then, with new brands like Starbucks, Subway and Chipotle joining the ranks, but the sweet, cheerful atmosphere from my childhood is still there.

I completely understand why it is called “the sweetest place on earth.”

There’s Hershey’s Chocolatetown, a new arrival experience that honors the legacy of Milton S. Hershey with beautiful buildings, historic architectural elements and a brand new entrance gate.

In the park, I especially enjoyed the new Candymonium, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the park. The descents are thrilling after a 210-foot climb.

There’s the famous Triple Tower, a 180-foot-tall tower with Hershey’s and Reese’s motifs. The older kids loved it, while I enjoyed watching from a bench.

Other recreational activities included a visit to The Shore water park, a wave pool that deepens every few minutes, creating small waves. It’s fun for all ages, as the depth ranges from 0 to 6 feet.

Besides the pool, the lazy river was also my speed – a nice, slow ride through the park that children and adults enjoyed together.

Closer to Wilkes-Barre is Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, where I have some of my fondest childhood memories. The haunted house and Phoenix roller coaster are legendary to me.

Whether you’re visiting an amusement park, a swimming pool, or something else to round out the summer season, I hope you have a great end to the summer.

We’re lucky to live in an area that has all four seasons, so take advantage of the last free days of summer you can before fall is fully upon us.

Mike McGinley is a columnist for the Times Leader and is often described as a bon vivant. Email him your thoughts at (email protected).