Here are six practical, tested tips to help your family not just make it through the summer, but make it memorable!
1. Set a Flexible Routine
Gone are the school bell alarms and back-to-back extracurriculars, but that doesn’t mean the days should be totally freeform. Kids thrive on some level of predictability, even in the summer.
Build a light, flexible routine that offers rhythm without rigidity. Anchor the day with consistent mealtimes, outdoor play, quiet time, and screen time (with boundaries).
You might keep mornings structured (think breakfast, reading time, or a walk) and let afternoons unfold more organically. This balance creates comfort for your kids and makes your day more manageable. For more on how to get your family on a schedule, check out this previous blog.
2. Encourage Independent Play
You don’t need to entertain your kids 24/7 (and honestly, it’s better if you don’t!) Independent play helps kids develop creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills, and it gives you a few blissful minutes to drink your coffee while it’s still warm.
Set up simple play stations: puzzles, art supplies, dress-up bins, building blocks, or a backyard mud kitchen. Rotate materials every few days to keep things fresh. Here are some ideas for fun activities to beat summer boredom.
And for the days when you need true uninterrupted time (whether to work, rest, or run errands) Bumo’s child care centers and summer camps offer a nurturing, safe space where kids stay engaged and social. It’s a win-win: they explore and grow, while you breathe (or knock out your inbox).
3. Choose a Summer Camp That Fits Your Family
Not all camps are created equal, and not all families need the same thing. Some kids need full-time care. Others might just need a few fun-filled days each week. That’s where Bumo shines.
Bumo’s summer camp selections are thoughtfully curated. Their programs combine learning, creativity, and play, with options that include full-day, half-day, and flexible schedules to fit your life (not the other way around).
Whether your child is into art, nature, science, or sports, Bumo’s camps keep them active, social, and smiling. They also give you the structure you need to make your summer flow.
4. Put “Me Time” on the Calendar
You deserve a break. Whether you’re a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between, your mental health matters.
Carve out regular pockets of “me time” and protect them. Go for a solo walk. Take that yoga class. Get a manicure. Read a book that has nothing to do with parenting.
If your child is away at camp for a few hours, take advantage of that peaceful window to reset. You’re a whole person outside of being a parent. Recharging your own batteries makes you more present and patient when you’re back on child care duty.
5. Simplify Meals and Snacks (and Let Kids Help!)
Summer doesn’t need to mean three gourmet meals a day. Simplify wherever you can. Think rotating meal plans, make-ahead snacks, and picnic-style lunches your kids can assemble themselves.
Prep a bin in the fridge with yogurts, fruit, and mini sandwiches. Keep a snack basket on a low shelf in the pantry. Giving your kids some autonomy not only builds confidence, it buys you a few precious moments between snack refills.
And when in doubt? Keep a list of five go-to, no-prep meals. You’ll thank yourself when the sun’s setting and everyone’s hangry. Check out this blog on healthy and easy lunch ideas for on the go days.
6. Prioritize Making Memories
It’s easy to feel like summer should be packed with Pinterest-perfect outings, road trips, and crafts that require twenty-five supplies and a hot glue gun. But honestly? The moments your kids remember most are usually the simplest.
These may include movie nights in the living room, popsicles after dinner, sidewalk chalk doodles, or water balloon tosses in the backyard.
And when you want a day off from planning activities? Let Bumo take the lead. With everything from science experiments to arts and crafts and outdoor play, your child gets to experience summer magic.
You Don’t Have to Do It All
You’re doing enough. You don’t have to plan every moment or fill every day. With a little structure, some built-in support, and a whole lot of grace, this summer can be filled with joy, for everyone in the family.
And remember, Bumo is here to help. Whether you need consistent child care, a few camp days a week, or just a trusted break to take care of you, Bumo can be part of your summer village.
So breathe deep and soak in the sunshine!
