Summer is here, and we’re feeling the heat!

As much as I love summer, I know it can be a super stressful for many moms.

There’s just something about summer that fills our kiddos with unlimited amounts of energy! Whether you’re home with the kids all summer or just looking for fun things to do on the weekends, I’ve pulled together a list of some of the best things to do with your kids this summer.

 

 

For Babies

• Many libraries have baby story time or music time. If your kiddos are small, take advantage of these free opportunities to get out of the house and let someone else entertain your child, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.
• If your baby is sitting up, a tiny baby pool can be a ton of fun. Set it up in the shade and let your baby splash and get to know water outside of the bath tub. Not quite sure you’re ready for them to be outside in water? Fill it up with balls instead and voila: instant ball pit.

 

 

For Older Kids

• Visit a museum during the week if you can. Whether you go to an art museum, natural history museum, or any other kind, going during the week can be easier for everyone. Less crowds, less judgey patrons… you get the idea. Exposing your kids to something a little outside their norm is always a good idea – plus museums will keep you cool on those 100+ degree days.
• Go to the movies! With the price of everything going up, it can be hard to go on the weekends or at night. But go during a weekday afternoon and get the matinee price, so you can splurge on the large popcorn and maybe even some Junior Mints too! Plus the audience will be more family friendly, which is always nice when your kid feels the need to kick the seat in front of them repeatedly.
• Geocaching is such a fun activity to do in the summer evenings. If you’ve never heard of it, check it out here: https://www.geocaching.com/play

 

For the Whole Family

• If there’s a children museum in your area (or even a few hours’ away) it can be a great place for the whole family! There’s usually activities for all age ranges and since it is a children’s museum no one will judge you when your toddler has a meltdown because she has to share the tiny shopping cart.
• Head to a state or national park. Here in Oklahoma there are some gorgeous places to go, but the one that keeps popping up is the Chickasaw National Recreational Area. It’s in Sulphur, which is a bit of a drive for me but the reviews from locals and out-of-towners are stellar. Find a park in your area and make a day of it.
• Buy bottles of bubbles (or if you’re feeling fancy, bubble wands or other bubble toys) and let the older kids blow bubbles while the babies watch. Bubbles are fascinating to kids of all ages, and are an affordable way to keep the kids busy and moving for a little while.

 

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are so many fun things to do in the summer! I know it can be hard, mama. Summers are full of ups and downs, but they fly by so quickly. So make the most of them.

 

 

These are my favorite things to do in the summer!