Being a work-at-home-mom (WAHM) means that come summer, you need things for the kids to do. Last year, I was knee-deep in another business and I didn’t plan the summer well at all. The big kid (then 7 years old) was so bored, mom had to keep working…. Or so I thought. Turns out? I wasn’t really fulfilling the biggest part of my why last year, to be home and present with my kids.
So this year, I am with new brands and co-admining a Social Media Marketing regional Facebook group. Both give me a lot more flexibility. I am actually kind of excited for this summer. However, there are still days I am going to have to work, so I have started thinking about what to do with the kids during that time.
Here are a few ideas I have come up with so far. I’d love to hear your ideas, too! We’re discussing all things summer with kids over in our community group, Mama Needs a Mani Lounge.
- Something I loved growing up was painting with water. Miss E is old enough this year to do it, so I will be sending her and N outside to do this.
- I hereby give you permission to let them watch some TV. Get their favorite movie and let them dump all the toys while they watch it. We’ve been watching Thor: Ragnarok and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle a bit around here. So hey, they’re tolerable for me to listen to with decent soundtracks, too.
- Get out of the house! Head to the beach, lake, or local splash pad. Or take in some culture at a museum or library. We love heading to the California Science Center or Discovery Cube.
- Have fun with crafts! My friend, Pam, over at Keeping Life Creative has a ton of fun crafts that complement Usborne Books & More.
- Go to the mall. Take the kids to lunch. Get them out somewhere that has air conditioning, but isn’t the house. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be with you.
Bonus summer fun for mom: Make wine slushies. Get these popsicle bags, add some cut up fresh fruit, pour your favorite wine in, and freeze. What kind of wine or other cocktail would you use?
I hope you are as excited about summer as I am (and you can totally remind me of this post come August when I am ready for school to start again)! Share any other summer fun ideas you have!

Great ideas cari! I’m a Nanny along with a side hustle, so i know first hand how kids can get bored. Thanks for some fresh ideas.