Summer Hacks For Stay At Home Moms

In this blog I’m sharing a bunch of summer hacks for stay at home moms to make this summer fun and easy. The way summer vacation was meant to be!

Ah, summer, the greatest season of all! The season of sticky popsicles, sandy car seats, and the eternal question: “Can we go to the pool again today?” If you’re a stay at home mom, you know that summer is both magical and a little bit chaotic. You want to make the best memories, enjoy the sunshine, and be as present as possible all while keeping your sanity. All without hearing the words “I’m bored” 47 times before 10 AM. That’s why in this blog, I’m sharing my best summer hacks for stay at home moms so you can thrive and enjoy summer with your kids at home! From fun tricks to easy routines, these summer hacks will help you enjoy this season without burning out. Make sure to keep reading for a free summer activities download to keep the summer fun going!

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Summer Hacks For Stay At Home Moms

I’ve been a stay at home mom for almost 10 years now! My kids are 9, 8, and 4 years old, so the summers get a little more intense easy year. Besides sports practices, they are home with me and I’m always attempting to get them outside, playing, being kids, and not watching endless amounts of TV. Let’s dive into some really great summer hacks so you can all have a fun summer without the headache!

1. Create a Loose Daily Rhythm

Summer doesn’t have to mean chaos, but it also doesn’t have to be strictly structured (unless you want it to be.) That’s why I recommend establishing a loose daily rhythm, not a strict schedule. Make it more like a predictable daily flow. Kids thrive on knowing what’s next, and you might even avoid hearing “What are we doing today?” 12 times before your coffee is finished.

Example Rhythm:

• Morning: Breakfast, get dressed, outside time
• Late Morning: Fun activity or outing
• Lunch + quiet time (TV, naps/quiet time, reading)
• Afternoon: Free play, water play, errands
• Evening: Dinner, chill time, bedtime

2. Theme Days = Less Mental Load

Make it fun without going overboard because you’re not a cruise director. Having theme days can simplify decision fatigue by assigning each day of the week to something specific. Here’s an example below:

• Make-It Monday: Crafts, slime, baking
• Take-a-Trip Tuesday: Park, zoo, splash pad
• Water Wednesday: Pool, sprinkler, water table
• Thinking Thursday: Library, puzzles, science kits
• Free-for-All Friday: Pajamas, movies, fort building

This schedule can help you plan ahead and gives your kids something to look forward to! Plus you won’t be doing the same things everyday so your kids won’t get bored of the sprinkler every afternoon and they’ll look forward to certain things each day.

3. Backyard Boredom Busters

I’m all for kids finding their own fun and being bored, but sometimes hearing “I’m bored” a thousand times a day can be irritating. So, transform your backyard into a summer wonderland without buying new toys every week. Here are a few ideas to get your started:

• Ice block excavation: Freeze small toys in a container of water; give your kids tools to “rescue” them.
• Sponge bullseye: Cut sponges into shapes and throw them at chalk-drawn targets.
• Water painting: Just give your kids paint brushes and a bucket of water for mess-free fun on fences or sidewalks.
• DIY obstacle course: Have your kids use hula hoops, cones, a sprinkler to run through, etc. to create an obstacle course. Instant fun.

If these activities only last 10 to 15 minutes, that’s ok too. It’s usually enough time to get your kids into something so they can transition to making their own fun without bugging you every minute. Sometimes, no matter how old your kids are, they just need a little help moving into independent play.

4. Stock Up on Dollar Store Magic

Checkout your local dollar stores because they can sometimes have really great summer items. It might even become best friend this summer! Create a “Dollar Bin” with these things inside:

• Bubbles
• Chalk
• Water balloons (the reusable ones are great!)
• Glow sticks
• Cheap pool toys
• Summer coloring books

Bring it out only when you need 30 quiet minutes or a different activity without spending big bucks. These toys will seem “new” because they are only used sometimes, so you might find your kids use them for a longer amount of time! Also, Aldi is a great place to check out for unique, inexpensive toys.

5. Make Mornings Work For You

Start your mornings strong by getting up before your kids (if possible). Even just 15 minutes of quiet time with coffee, journaling, or a stretch can change your whole mindset and help you start the day off on the right foot. Bonus: If your kids are early risers and waking before them just isn’t going to happen, set up a summer morning basket with quiet activities they can do independently so you can still sip that coffee in peace. Or, use an Ok-To-Wake-Light and set it to turn green (meaning it’s ok to come out of your room) at 7:00, or whatever time works for you. This will ensure your children stay quiet and in bed until a decent hour and you’re ready to start the day!

6. Say Yes To Snacks (But Make It Easy)

You will be asked for snacks approximately 934 times per day. And I get it gets super annoying at times, but what helps me relax a bit over the snacks is the fact that these kids are growing at the speed of light. Like obviously they’re hungry! Here’s a little hack for the snack struggle:

• Pre-portion snacks into bins in your fridge and/or pantry.
• Make a “yes shelf” they can grab from when it’s snack time.
• Freeze yogurt tubes, applesauce pouches, or fruit slices for cool treats.
• Make your own healthy popsicles for a fun treat.

7. Themed Lunches FTW

Make lunchtime fun because why not? It’s summer time! Here are a few fun themes to get you started:

• Color days – Make everything on your plate red, green, yellow, etc.
• Muffin tin lunches with bite-sized variety
• Dip days: hummus, ranch, guac, fruit dip—kids love to dip!

8. Quiet Time Is Not Optional

Even if naps are a thing of the past, I highly suggest implementing quiet time into your daily routine. It’s a true lifesaver for you and your kids. Set a timer for 30-60 minutes and have your kids go into their bedrooms. They can read, color, listen to audio books, build legos quietly, etc. This is when you get to reset too, scroll your phone, read a book, watch a TV show, or fold laundry. Your kids might give you flack about this at first, but the secret is to keep it consistent and you will find your kids will come to enjoy this quiet time.

9. Use Screen Time Strategically

There’s nothing wrong with screens in moderation. I will never judge a mom for using the TV to relax, but I also limit TV time and devices for my kids. The trick is to use it all intentionally. This will help you keep boundaries around screen time and you’ll feel less guilty when you do use it. Here are a few tips:

• Save screens for when you really need a break.
• Make screen time a reward for outdoor time or chores (I like to say, you’ve watched 1 hour of TV, you need to go outside for at least 1 hour now.)
• Try educational shows, nature documentaries, or summer-themed movies.

10. Set Summer Boundaries Early

Boundaries are a moms best friend, especially during the summer! You don’t have to be the cruise director every minute of the day. Let your kids know what you’re available for and what you’re not. Here’s an example:

• “You can do water play from 2–3. Before that, you’ll have to find something to do inside.”
• “Mom’s not a snack machine. Snacks are at 10 and 2.”

Boundaries will help you feel less burnt out and everyone will enjoy summer more!

11. Create a Summer Fun List Together

Bucket lists can be a great way to bond as a family! Sit down with your kids and brainstorm fun things they want to do this summer. Write them on a poster or whiteboard and hang it up. Try to get to everything on the list (within reason of course!) and document it as you go by taking photos of each thing you check off! Here are a few ideas from simple to big:

• Make homemade popsicles
• Have a picnic at a park
• Go on a nature walk
• Camp in the backyard
• Stay up past bedtime and watch the stars
• Go to 5 new playgrounds

When you have a free day and you’re stuck for ideas, pull from your summer bucket list!

12. Have a “Go Bag” Ready At All Times

This is a good idea for anytime really, but when it comes to summer I feel like you need more. And you tend to be on-the-go and more spontaneous more often. That’s why I suggest you prep a bag and keep it in your car. These major summer items should be stocked up in the bag:

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Snacks
• Water bottles
• Wipes
• Change of clothes
• Hats
• Extra diapers (if needed)
• Bathing suits
• Towels

This will help make sure you’ll never be caught unprepared for spontaneous summer adventures!

13. Rotate Toys and Activities

The summer hack you didn’t know you needed: Rotate toys! Instead of buying new toys because that’s ridiculous, hide half of what you have and rotate it every couple of weeks. Get a big storage bin from Walmart for the toys you won’t be using and store them in the attic for a few weeks. When you bring them back out, it will be like Christmas in July for your kids! Same goes for activities like puzzles, books, and games. It’s a great way to keep things fresh and exciting!

14. Outsource When You Can

Again, you are not a cruise director and it’s not your job to keep your kids entertained all summer. You don’t have to do it all, mama. Consider the following if you need a little help:

• Signing kids up for a camp (maybe just half days or a week or 2 of the summer)
• Doing a kid swap with a mom friend (you take her kids one day, she takes yours another)
• Hiring a neighborhood teen to play with your kids right at home while you do chores or rest

There’s nothing wrong with asking and accepting a bit of help. Summers are long and we all need a few minutes here and there to ourselves.

15. Summer Bedtime Routine

Of all my summer hacks, this is the most important one! Yes, it’s light outside until 9 PM, and your kids won’t want to go to bed, but kids still need sleep (and so do you)! Keep a solid bedtime routine through the whole summer! Here is a short bedtime routine you can adapt into your own home:

• Bath or shower
• Read books together
• Dim lights / quiet play in bedrooms
• Lights out by 8 PM

White noise and blackout curtains are your best friend right now! So is the phrase, “It’s bedtime even if the sun is awake.” HAHA! Your kids might fight you on bedtime, but most likely they will be super tired from the long summer fun days!

16. Be a Little Lazy On Purpose

It’s ok to be lazy in the summertime! In fact, I wrote a whole blog on the topic if you want to read it. But anyway, repeat after me: You don’t have to entertain your kids every second! Oh, have I already mentioned that in this blog? Sorry not sorry. But boredom is where imagination thrives and its one thousand percent ok if your kids get bored. Let your kids:

• Build a fort (even if it creates a huge mess in your house)
• Play in the dirt (summertime is for getting dirty anyway)
• Make up a game
• Lie on the trampoline and look at clouds

Let me also remind you that this does not mean you’re neglecting your kids. It means you’re giving them space to grow and create their own fun. That’s important stuff!

17. Fill Your Own Cup Too

Don’t forget that YOU matter and it’s YOUR summer too. Take the time to take care of yourself. Here are a few ways to recharge during summer:

• Trade bedtime duties with your husband/partner
• Take a walk alone in the evening
• Listen to podcasts while the kids play
• Read a book during quiet time
• Schedule coffee or play dates with other moms

18. Take LOTS of Photos, But Also Be Present

Our phone are always in our hand and they allow us to capture every moment. But also, put your phone down and don’t stress about documenting every little thing. Your kids will remember how summer felt more than what was posted on Instagram. A few backyard photos is all you need to document this time of your lives.

19. Keep a Summer Journal With Your Kids

Keep a journal together or your summer! Each week, write down your favorite memories, funny things someone said, or what you did. Add photos or drawings too! At the end of summer, you’ll have a priceless keepsake. And I’m sure it will be something you look back on for years to come. This is a great way to connect with your kids and reflect on all the fun you’re having!

20. Lower the Bar—Then Lower It Again

Summer is supposed to be lazy and fun and boring and fulfilling! It’s all the things, but you don’t need to plan Pinterest-worthy crafts, fancy field trips, or perfect beach days to make it awesome. Summer is about connection. Let it be messy. Let it be fun. And most of all, let it be real! Lower the bar of perfection and don’t compare your summer to anyone else’s because it doesn’t matter. A slow, backyard summer is what your kids crave!

Final Thoughts

Summer with kids at home can be the most exhausting and beautiful season of all. It feels like there’s so much that needs to get done and never enough time to do it all. But with these simple summer hacks and a good dose of humor and imperfection, you can create a summer that’s fun for your kids and manageable for you. At the end of the day, it doesn’t have to be aesthetically perfect, it just needs to be.

So go ahead, mama, fill up the kiddie pool or throw on the garden sprinkler, pour yourself an iced coffee, and soak in the chaos! You’ve got this. Also, what was your favorite summer hack from this blog? Let me know in the comment section below!

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Related Blogs:

• A Summer Bucket List To Make Your Summer Unforgettable
• Fun Summer Activities: 12 Things To Do With Your Kids In Summer
• 62 Screen Free Summer Activities For Kids
• The Lazy Mom Guide To 90s Summer Fun
• Mom Summer Survival: 10 Things You Can Say No To
• 50 Mom Tips You Wish You Knew Sooner

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