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The Ultimate Guide to Summer Day Camps + Sleepaway Camps
The end of the school year is suddenly here (today for my daughter finishing Kindergarten + last week for my preschooler). What are you going to do to occupy your kids for those long summer days? For moms who work either full-time, part-time or even flex hours from home + even stay-at-home moms, summer day camp does double duty as child care + can help save your sanity.
I read a post from a fellow Mama yesterday that said her success for the day was not strangling anyone since her kids were already home for the summer. Success indeed 🙂
If you haven’t thought much about the plan for summer but now you’re hitting the panic button, wondering if it’s going to be 3 long months of computer screens as babysitters… you’re in luck.
Most summer day camps + even summer sleepaway camps expect + prepare for an influx of registrations at the end of June or early July. You likely have an array of summer day camps to choose from, depending on where you live + what still has availability.
Types of Summer Day Camps
The best way to find out what type of summer day camps are available for your child is to do a local search online. Here are some of the typical, activity-based summer camp choices.
Summer recreation programs
Many towns offer a recreation program, with typical hours from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. but sometimes shorter hours + sometimes longer. This is one of the most affordable options to get kids out of the house + socializing under the supervision of caring adults or teenagers. Your child will engage in a variety of activities, including outdoor play, gym exercise on rainy days, swimming + arts + crafts.
Depending on the location of your town or county’s recreation program, there may be an option for kids to purchase food for lunch. Otherwise, you may be required to pack a snack + lunch each day.
There will likely be at least one or two field trips to kid favorites like the local movie theater, skating rink or bowling alley, or perhaps a nearby farm if you live in a more rural area.
Performing arts camp
Kids who would like to develop their talents for singing, playing musical instruments, dancing + acting might be thrilled with the idea of attending a performing arts camp during the summer.
If your younger child shows aptitude around the performing arts, this experience could well be the catalyst for future participation in a music band, drama club + other performing arts-related extra-curricular activities.
YMCA summer day camps
The YMCA has long been a reliable option for summer campers of all ages. The YMCA offers indoor + outdoor pools with swim lessons for all ages, taught by certified instructors. They will also typically have indoor gym areas, exercise equipment, racquetball courts + outdoor playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis, ball fields + other kid favorites.
Sports camp
For kids with a love for sports, there are summer day camps for that. At these camps, the majority of the focus is refining particular skills that apply to a certain sport.
So for example, if your child attends softball camp, she will spend the majority of her day working on catching, throwing, hitting + fielding. Teams are formed + games are played.
Other activities at sports camp will of course include meals, along with some free time + possibly swim time. If you know your child is really into, or wants to become a pro at a particular sport, then sports camp could be a great investment for the summer.
Computer + STEM summer day camps
A growing number of organizations are dedicated to helping kids develop their intellectual + skillset – with opportunities to attend summer day camps focused on science, technology, engineering + math (STEM) skills.
This type of camp can be ideal for the brainy, mechanically inclined, book smart + computer savvy kid for whom intensive sports or hours of daily outdoor play may not be her thing.
Since it’s a good idea to have kids be active for at least some portion of the day, ask if there will be some outdoor play to have the children burn off energy + enjoy some free time with peers, in addition to the educational experience they will be gaining at this type of summer day camp.
The Right Type of Camp for Your Child
The type of summer day camp that’s right for your child will, of course, depend on her personality + individual preferences. While parents who work may have more limited options based on the operating hours that the summer day camp offers, stay-at-home moms may have more choices in day camps since hours might be more flexible.
Since no mama likes to dish out cash for something their kid isn’t going to enjoy, start by asking your children what types of activities they’d be interested in exploring for the summer. These days, there’s something for every preference + taste.
If your son or daughter is hoping to advance their baseball, basketball, soccer, or gymnastics skills, summer sports camp can give them an edge during the off-season, so they’ll return stronger + more prepared to compete when sports are back in session during the upcoming school year.
Arts camp is a perfect fit for the dramatically, musically + artistically inclined. And scout camp or another type of outdoor camp that features activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, traversing the outdoors, learning about + experiencing nature + other related activities can be a win for the outdoorsy type of child.
Hours for Summer Day Camps
Drop-off + pick-up times at summer day camps depend on the individual camp where you send your child or children. Most summer day camps take into consideration that working parents need a place to bring their children early in the morning before they head to work for the day.
So your child’s summer camp’s drop-off time could be as early as 7:30 a.m., or it may be a more firmly-set schedule that begins at 8:45 a.m. — but again it depends on the camp + their hours of operation.
Camp’s pickup time, too, can coincide with the end of the workday for parents. However, if you choose a camp for your child that offers an array of flexible options, then you may be able to secure a pick-up time as early as 3 p.m. or as late as 6 p.m.
The best way to find out about summer day camp hours is to make some calls to the various day camps in your area.
Duration of Summer Day Camps
Once again, the answer to this question varies greatly from one summer camp to another. You may find that some camps in your area require that parents sign their children up for a minimum of one month of camp.
Other camps allow parents to sign up their kids week by week, as needed. If your child is signed up for all four weeks of July, she may see a variety of kids coming + going. Some summer day camp facilities even permit parents a flexible schedule of 2 days a week, 3 half days, or some other alternate option.
Ask to see a printout of the camp’s schedule + itinerary, or check it out online if there is a website available to read + gather information.
How much does summer camp cost?
You can find camps that cost as little as about $500 per month, or as much as several thousand dollars.
Many of the lower-priced camps are subsidized by the government to make it more affordable for working parents. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to foot the bill for camp, you do have options such as obtaining financial aid or being granted a scholarship for your child to have a free ride to camp this year.
A higher grade-point average, being a well-rounded student + a track record of good behavior may be factored in when considering whether to grant a child a scholarship to camp.
The American Camp Association has designed a scholarship program that local camps can elect to participate in. The first prerequisite to a camp offering their scholarship is that said camp must be ACA accredited.
According to the ACA website, “Each year, participating camps give scholarships to campers who cannot afford the entire camp fee and whose presence at camp will broaden the composition of the camp community.”
The YMCA is another camp that is well known for offering a scholarship to qualifying families who meet their income requirements. If you are interested in obtaining a scholarship for your child to attend either of these or any other type of summer camp, your best bet is to start your research well in advance of summer, ask lots of questions + be persistent.
Fill out forms in a timely fashion, obtain supporting documents such as proof of income. The best way to get what you want is to ask for it.
So if you need help affording summer camp for your child or children, be proactive. Make the calls, find the right person in charge to speak to + let them know your needs.
Are Summer Day Camps Daycare?
Yes, most summer day camps are similar to daycare. It is one daycare option available to working parents or parents that want to help occupy some of their kids’ time during the summer.
Summer day camps tend to provide children with a well-rounded experience that combines learning, socializing, skill-building, sports + more.
For this reason, you’ll find fully qualified professionals who can provide proper care for your children; be counted on to react swiftly, appropriately + effectively in an emergency situation; are trained in CPR; qualify as certified lifeguards for the swimming pool or lake if there is one; + other requirements.
You’ll find a registered nurse on staff in the camp’s infirmary, an arts + crafts teacher who likely has a degree to support his or her teaching skills + possibly even music teachers who have been formally educated as such, depending on the type of summer day camp you choose for your child or children this summer.
Summer Day Camp Schedule
Once again, a summer camp’s schedule can vary depending on the type of camp you choose for your child, the hours of operation + the way the camp elects to segment the day.
If there are different age groups performing various activities during the routine hours of day camp, then the camp may opt to rotate these groups through each activity.
There may be an arts + crafts building, a pool or lake to swim in, woods to hike, sports fields, or other features of the camp. It is up to the organizers of the activities to decide which age group participates in which activity + for how long, based on a variety of considerations + concerns.
Young campers may prefer to have pool or lake swim time later on in the day after it becomes a bit hotter. Sporting activities may be organized for the younger campers during the earlier morning hours before the sun is strong.
Rainy days typically present opportunities for alternate activities such as arts, crafts + indoor games.
Again, the summer camp schedule that your child experiences depend on the camp + their schedule.
Since these are just some possibilities, your best option is to contact some camps in your area to ask specific questions before registering your child.
Do summer camps serve meals?
Some, but not all summer camps serve meals. If your child is attending a summer camp based out of a daycare facility that provides year-round service, then they may already have a lunch program in place. In which case, your child should be able to purchase lunch on-site.
Some day camps/daycare facilities have an ongoing relationship with local food establishments + may have worked out a Monday through Friday schedule of ordering lunch from various places, for a flat fee of around $3-$5 per meal.
Day camps that do not offer on-site lunches expect parents to pack a snack + lunch for their child(ren), along with a drink, each day. There may be a large refrigerator unit where the lunches/snacks can be stored to prevent spoilage on hot summer days.
Be sure your child’s name is written clearly on her lunch bag + avoid foods such as mayonnaise, which tend to spoil easily. If the camp doesn’t have a fridge or cooler for children to store lunch boxes, it’s a good idea to include a cold pack to keep items like yogurts, fruits + sandwiches fresh.
Helpful tip: Be sure to follow up with your child about lunch at camp. Ask if she has enough time to eat her food or if there is a reason why she is not getting to finish her food. Be sure that she is able to eat lunch within a reasonable time frame + that the foods you pack are not being tossed into the garbage before moving on to the next activity.
Lunches + snacks can be mixed up in the rush to get everyone set up with their lunch + eating. If your child seems very hungry at the end of their long + busy camp day, asking about their lunch + snack time can help you assess if you need to pack more food or something else is happening.
For example, in one of my daughter’s classes, I found that her snack time was so close to her lunchtime that she had a ton of leftover food each day. I started packing a smaller snack with the same size lunch + found that she was wasting less food this way.
Should I Send My Child to Summer Sleepaway Camp?
The choice to send your child to summer sleepaway camp versus summer day camp versus no camp is, of course, a personal decision. Before registering your child for summer sleepaway camp, here are some things to consider.
The age of your child
Summer sleepaway camp is usually for children that are at least 11 or 12, though some summer sleepaway camps may be for younger children.
The maturity level of your child
More important than age is your child’s comfort level which has a lot to do with maturity. Some 10 year-olds who are old souls may feel at home spending their days + nights with friends at summer camp.
Some 14 year-olds may feel separation anxiety as a result of being away from their families for so long. Again, it really depends on the child, what they’re comfortable with + used to + other factors.
How far away from home the camp is
Some parents happily pack their kids up + drive 2-3 hours to give their kiddos the rustic summer sleepaway camp experience. Or, maybe the camp isn’t necessarily in the woods or mountains, but you’ve selected it for some special offering that your child can benefit from, such as art camp or horse camp.
Keep in mind that in choosing a camp that is farther away, you are solely relying on other people to care for your child, even if something goes wrong. Are you + your child ready to be separated for such a great amount of time and distance? Will you be able to visit them at camp + how often?
Other things to ask yourself:
- Is there a special need or a special medical situation that warrants you’re somewhat nearby in the event of an emergency?
- Is the camp located nearby to a family member or friend whom you may be able to rely on to help?
- Will your child attend camp along with a buddy from school whom she can stick with for safety, a sense of security, friendship +the other perks of having a pal present?
Benefits of Summer Sleepaway Camp
Just as there are pros + cons to summer day camps, there are pros + cons to summer sleepaway camps.
Children become more independent
Although it may not feel like it at first, one of the best + most liberating times your child may have is while being away for a month or more at summer sleepaway camp.
At first, they may be filled with apprehension at being on their own. But with so many fun things to do, new people to meet, friends to make, exciting experiences to be had + a newfound sense of freedom, it can do wonders for a child’s self-confidence + sense of self-reliance.
Kids branch out socially
Summer sleepaway camp is an opportunity for your child to make new friends with new + different types of kids, some of whom she may have never known prior to this experience.
Culturally + socially, your child can broaden her horizons after meeting new friends from different towns, cities + states around the country, at summer sleepaway camp. A bunk buddy from summer camp could become a long-distance pen pal to keep in touch with the whole year through.
Your child can conquer fears
As parents, we mean well, but sometimes our presence can actually hinder our children’s personal growth as we fall into the same predictable behavior patterns. An extended time away from parents, brothers + sisters can help a child break out of her shell to be bold in ways she may never have considered possible.
Kids can learn new ways of doing things. In meeting different people, having a new routine + undertaking new experiences, your child may learn how to do things in new ways. This can contribute to worldly wisdom + expanding one’s awareness, which is a good thing for maturity + personal growth.
Questions to ask before signing your child up for summer day camp:
- What is the daily camp schedule?
- What are drop-off + pick-up times?
- What age groups is this camp?
- What is the camp’s activity schedule for a particular age group?
- Are there themed weeks at this camp + if so what are the themes for this summer?
- Will there be a field trip, or several of them + if so, to where?
- What age are the people in charge of overseeing the campers (i.e. camp counselors, junior counselors, directors, instructors, coaches, etc.)
- How many children per counselor or junior counselor?
- Is my child required to have a physical performed by her doctor before attending camp?
- Am I required to sign my child up to camp for a minimum of days; for example, a full month?
- Is there a discount or other type of tiered pricing based on the number of days or weeks a child attends camp?
- Is there a family discount for sending more than one child to camp?
- Is lunch available for purchase on site, or do I have to pack a bagged lunch?
- What other items am I required to have my child pack each day for camp (typically a swimsuit + towel, lunch + snack, sneakers or hiking shoes, rain poncho, other?)
- If my child is attending a specialty camp, what type of equipment, supplies, uniform or outfit am I expected to purchase in advance?
- Is financial aid or a scholarship available?
How to Afford Summer Camp
Summer camp fees vary depending on the type of camp your child attends + the duration of the camp. A summer recreation program based out of the school may be more affordable than a specialty camp that focuses on advanced skills like horseback riding, computers, fine arts, or sports such as baseball or gymnastics.
One way to help offset the cost of camp is to have your child “work for camp” – that is, assuming this is a camp that she really wants to attend. Not only will chipping in to pay for camp teach your child the value of a hard-earned dollar, but they can gain valuable skills in the process.
There are plenty of tasks that busy moms + neighbors can outsource to young people with a mind for making money to pay for summer camp. There are local moms in need of babysitting or a mother’s helper.
Other ideas for kids to make money for camp include running a paper route, mowing lawns, doing yard work or running errands, house sitting, washing cars + walking dogs.
Is financial aid available for summer camp?
According to an article in USA today, a 2018 survey by the American Camp Association, 93% of U.S. camps who responded to the survey claimed to have some sort of financial aid available for families who qualify.
Don’t allow the stress of paying for summer day camp paralyze you from taking action. If you’re looking for a way to obtain financial aid for summer camp, inquire about need-based grants in which your household income will factor into the amount that you’re required to pay for summer camp.
Another option is a scholarship. If you are a lower-income family, single mother or someone on a limited budget, it can benefit you to begin searching for an affordable camp situation well in advance of school letting out.
If you are really strapped for cash + cannot afford to send your child to summer, check out what the mom from Simply Made Fancy does to host a summer camp for her own kids at home.
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A Complete Mom Guide to Summer Activities with Kids (So Everyone Survives the Summer)
Hooray, it’s summer! Time to relax, have some fun in the sun + enjoy a more laid-back schedule. Whether you’re planning on chilling at home or heading out to the pool, beach, or on vacation, here are some summer activities with kids + some tips to play it safe inside the house, out in the yard + while roaming.
Create a Summer Activities Bucket List
The first thing I do with my kiddos when it’s summer break is make a Summer Activities Bucket List. This is such a FUN activity. We break out an old-fashioned pen + paper + we set to work using our imaginations to conjure up all of the summer activities we can try to accomplish over the summer.
You can get fancy + creative with the design of your bucket list of summer activities but you certainly don’t have to. It can be a standard check to-do list.
Lauren + her 3 kiddos over at Mrs. Weber’s Neighborhood create a handmade summer bucket list. You can check out her ideas for adding summer activities to your bucket list, too.
The Best Ideas for Kids offers a free download of a summer bucket list. Click on the picture of her bucket list to download it from her site.
Check out summer activities throughout + at the end of this post for ideas to add to your own summer activities bucket list.
Summer Activities with Preschoolers
My kids are 7, 5 +3, so we have to find a range of activities that are fun for everyone. Sometimes, the activity is a bit more focused on one or the other, though.
Some summer activities with preschoolers can be just as fun for school-aged kiddos.
Some of the simpler BUT SO MUCH FUN summer activities with preschoolers that you can do at home:
- Bubble gloves
- Drawing with sidewalk chalk
- Throwing water balloons (especially at their sisters)
- Playing in the water table
- Running through the sprinkler
Another activity that my kids love is to have a summer outdoor movie. Steph over at Dresses and Dinosaurs says to set up a screen + projector, put out some fun cushions or chairs (sometimes she + her kids even use water floats) with blankets + pillows. Steph puts together some fun snacks like snack mixes or popcorn + watches a movie with the kids once the sun goes down!
Slight variation on this. My kids have made “cars” out of cardboard boxes, plates, colored duct tape, markers + more to sit in while they watch the movie. This is what I call a two-fer because you get two activities out of it–making the cars + watching the movie. Woo hoo!
Another slight variation is to seat them in one of their play “car” vehicles. Here is the baby in her sister’s Frozen Jeep. (OK. She’s actually standing.)
I don’t know about your kids but my girls LOVE to play in the mud. Alexandra over at Scissors & Glue suggests setting up a mud kitchen in your back yard + letting your kids go to town digging + playing in the mud.
Alexandra also shares how to serve tea time treats from a mud kitchen. My girls would be in total heaven. Tea + mud, oh my!
Time at the Pool
Swimming is usually high on the list of fun summer activities with kids. My girls take swimming lessons + the two oldest participate with the swim “team” for kids in our neighborhood.
For adults + older kids, swimming is a great workout for your heart + lungs + a HUGE stress reliever. If you do head out to the pool with the kids, take the necessary safety precautions no matter what the age of your kids.
Swimming + Pool Safety is a Must
- Always swim with a buddy. The buddy system is important so you can look out for each other while in the water. If someone starts to feel sick or loses control while swimming, his or her buddy can call out for help. If your buddy knows CPR, all the better!
- Take breaks. Swimming + splashing around in the pool is tiring. Swimming takes a lot of energy + muscle power. It’s a full cardio workout, which means your heart + lungs are giving it their all. If you start to feel tired + like you can’t keep up, sit this one out. Just a few minutes of rest may be all you need before you’re back in line at the diving board.
- Don’t go in without a lifeguard on duty. Lifeguards are trained to keep people of all ages + sizes safe in the water. They are required to take water safety courses + undergo CPR training. If you’re at a pool or lake, the best way to keep your entire family safe is to look for a lifeguard before heading in together for a dip.
- Invest in swim lessons. Anyone at any age or skill level can learn to swim. Once your child masters being able to tread water + swim in the deep end, you’ll feel so much more at ease while at pools, lakes + beaches. It also opens the door to all sorts of fun, warm-weather activities such as boating, kayaking, wave running + more. Knowing how to swim assures a safer + more enjoyable summer for everyone!
- Never leave children in the water unattended. No matter how strong a swimmer your child may be, you should never leave him or her unattended in the pool, at the lake + especially not while swimming in the ocean. Station your group in close proximity to a lifeguard + put an adult in charge of overseeing the water activities.
- Floaties are everyone’s friends. When in doubt, grab a flotation device. Kids’ life jackets, water wings + pool floaties should be worn according to age, size + weight. Adults too should check the maximum weight capacity on their flotation device. No shame in taking a rest on your pool raft if you feel the need 🙂
- Observe the water depth. Teach kids to be mindful of the number printed on the side of the pool. Teach them early so they know that 3′ is the safe zone but 5′ is the deep end where only the expert swimmers can go. Even if the deep end is roped off, it’s best to make children aware of water depth.
- Mind the rules of diving + swimming. Teach your children that the adults who are in charge of the pool should be respected. If the sign says NO DIVING, NO RUNNING, NO HORSEPLAY then follow accordingly. If kids can’t read yet, take a moment to explain the rules of the pool + that the rules ensure everyone’s safety.
- Keep sun exposure to a minimum. Vitamin D is definitely important, so a little sunshine is okay. But if you plan to be out for several hours, be sure to apply a good, waterproof sunblock. Brimmed hats, awnings, umbrellas, rash guards + beach cover-ups are other, less messy ways to stay shielded from those UV rays.
- Take a rest after eating before you get in the pool. Some say that you should wait for at least a half-hour before heading in to take a dip after eating. This is mostly for swimming so you don’t get cramps. Frolicking in the water doesn’t really count so you don’t have to follow this rule to a tee, but it’s good practice to “rest while you digest” so you won’t end up overexerting in the water.
- Keep water horseplay to a minimum. If someone seems scared or uncomfortable, let them be. Teach kids to respect the space of other people. Of course, some splashing + frolicking is great provided everybody’s enjoying it. But if there’s an uncertain swimmer in your midst or someone who’s afraid of the water, be mindful of their feelings + safety.
For more pool safety tips, check out Pool Safety 101 from Ashley at Irish Twins Momma.
Summer at the Beach
Probably only second to the pool is heading to the beach for a day trip (if you’re lucky enough to live near the beach) or on vacation. In my book, (I’m from Florida but live in Virginia now) the beach is #1 on my summer activities’ list.
The list of things you can do at the beach with the kids is almost endless.
- Playing in the sand
- Building sand castles
- Burying sisters in the sand (Keep their head out, please)
- Carrying a million buckets of water back + forth from the ocean
- Flying a kite
- Digging
- Eating
- Drinking
- Having ice cream from a vendor on the beach or nearby
- Blowing bubbles or bubble gloves
- Surfing (for older kids)
- Boogie boarding
- Playing in the surf/waves
- Playing in the tidal pools (be careful of jellyfish + other sea animals)
- Hunting for shells
- Riding bikes
- Taking a walk along the shore
Safety: Fun in the Sun, Safe in the Surf
Whether you’re a year-round shore dweller or someone who just vacations there during the summer, it’s always a good idea to take necessary precautions at the beach. Here are some tips for making your trip to the ocean a fun + safe one.
- Sunscreen up! The white sand + the reflective ocean water, plus the general lack of shade at the beach make for some quick + painful sunburns. Be sure to apply a good, waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF. Those with fair skin may also wish to bring along a beach umbrella, tent +/or hide beneath the wide brim of a floppy beach hat. If you do manage to get a sunburn, use aloe vera after a bath or shower to soothe + moisturize.
- Avoid going in the ocean without a lifeguard present. The undertow can be extremely strong + waves can overwhelm even an expert swimmer. Beach life guards are there for everyone’s safety + enjoyment, so make sure you’re near one if you’re thinking about taking the plunge. (I know I need all the hands + support I can get since my kids outnumber me + my husband!)
- Stay within designated safe swimming areas. At the beach, you’ll often see colorful flags posted every few hundred feet or so, close to the shoreline. This serves to mark the designated safe swimming areas. Usually, a life guard station is between these flag markers. That’s how you know that this is an okay spot for you + your family to swim.
- Swim with a buddy or in a group. It can be a lot of fun, bobbing up + down in the crashing waves, diving into the foamy surf, being thrashed around by the mighty ocean. But ocean swimming takes the most physical effort + is the most dangerous of all types of swimming or water activities. Bring along a swimming partner or entourage if you plan to go in. Always keep your eye on your buddies while in the water, to make sure everybody’s staying safe.
- Don’t bring kids in to swim in the ocean until they’re strong swimmers. The shore line is the perfect spot to wade up to your ankles, build a sand castle, collect some shells + splash in the foam. But kids shouldn’t go all the way in until they’ve taken swim lessons + are proven strong swimmers. If your family or friends plan to be near where the waves break, it’s a good idea to have kids don some swimmies, a floatie tube or properly sized life jacket to ensure that water play stays fun + safe.
- Mind the tide. Year-round beach dwellers often pay attention to something that vacationers may miss: the tide. When the tide is high, the undertow becomes stronger + that can mean more difficult + strenuous swimming/water conditions. Check posted signs so you pick the best time to swim + be on the beach. Or you can always ask a life guard.
- Keep an eye out for jellyfish. Jellyfish prefer warm water, so if you want to avoid them then head out for an ocean swim earlier in the day before the water heats up. If you’re planning a beach vacation, June + July mean less likelihood of encountering jellyfish on the shore line because the water is still on the chilly side. Where there’s one jellyfish there are usually more. If you spot some, maybe take a break on the sand. If there are tidal pools on the beach, be careful there are not jellyfish or jellyfish tentacles in the pools. Even if the tentacles are no linger attached to the body of a jellyfish, they can still sting! (If you do get stung by a jellyfish, here’s what to do. Immediately rinse the sting with sea water + attempt to scrape out the stinger using something with a dull edge, like the edge of a credit card or a child’s sand shovel. Once back at home or at the place where you’re staying, treat the wound by rinsing with vinegar. Apply a baking soda paste. Hot baths + ice packs may also ease the pain. Finally, relieve itching + discomfort with calamine lotion or lidocaine.)
- Don’t forget to hydrate. Tiredness, confusion + headache are all signs of dehydration, but it’s easy enough to avoid, even at the beach. Take along a small cooler filled with bottles of ice water. If you don’t have water with you, stop for some refreshments on the boardwalk. Remind kids to have a drink every so often after playing. Ice pops are another fun way to stay hydrated on a hot, summer beach day!
- Pay attention to landmarks. One funny thing about the beach is that every entrance looks exactly the same as the last one. Teach everyone in your group to pay attention to landmarks, such as special signs, flags, or a particular building that may be within view. This way, if anyone becomes separated from the group, they’ll be able to find their way back easily.
Summer Camps for Kids
My kids attend (or attended) the summer camp at their preschool. My middle daughter is there right now! Summer camps for kids are a great way to occupy their time (for at least half a day, if not a whole day).
Summer camps for kids can range from general day camps to super-specific camps. Our summer camp for preschoolers is general but each of the teachers has a theme.
For example, the teacher that is in charge of my daughter’s camp does a camping theme with them. All of the activities over the course of the two-week camp is centered around camping.
When she was my older daughter’s summer camp teacher, she did an “around the world” theme. They had passports that they made + they did different activities centering around different terrains + areas of the world (desert, wetlands, Antarctica, etc.) to get their passports stamped each day.
I’ve also seen super-specific camps such as science camp, where the kids focus on science-related activities + learning experiences the entire time they are attending the camp.
Summer Camp Safety
Whether it’s the very first camp experience, or your kid is a seasoned camper, sleep-away or weekly day camp… you definitely want to remind your child of some safety precautions to take before embarking on the summer adventure that is camp!
- Get a referral. A familiar summer camp that your child looks forward to having fun at is probably your best bet. This is my girls usually attend the camp at their preschool. Another good idea is to find places you go with your child (My Gym, the local rec center or a local museum, for example). If this is your child’s first experience at a camp they’ve never been to before, try to get a personal recommendation from a friend whose child has already attended, if possible.
- Take a tour. If it’s a brand new + unfamiliar summer camp, be sure to take a tour with your child. This way, you can get to know the counselors + caregivers while getting a feel for the types of activities they offer.
- Use the buddy system. Whether the day’s activity is hiking in the woods, lake or pool swimming, arts + crafts, or sports… encourage your child to hang with a buddy + stay with the group.
- Teach your child about privacy + personal space. If it’s sleep-away camp, your child is going to change into sleepwear, swim wear or day wear, take showers + use the facilities. Teach her the difference between good touching + bad touching. Let her know that she has a right to her own space + privacy. Make it known that if someone makes her feel uncomfortable, she needs to tell you right away.
- Make sure your child knows where the infirmary or nurse’s office is. Bee stings, skinned knees, poison ivy + heat exhaustion can all be a routine part of camp life. Encourage your child to tell his or her counselor if he’s been injured or has any symptoms that may need to be treated. If your kiddo has allergies, be sure that your child’s counselor, camp nurse + caregivers know what the allergies are + how to treat the symptoms.
Amusement Park, the Zoo + Carnivals
Summer time offers its share of fun in the form of carnivals, zoos, amusement parks + water parks. In our area, we have both paid + free options.
One of our summer vacations with the kids is to take them to Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland + Sesame Place. Being from Florida, I have been to Disney about 101 times (maybe more). Check out my article on 4 Tips to Prep for Your Disney Trip with Kids.
We have the National Zoo (free) + Frying Pan Park Farm (free) nearby + Roari’s Zoofari (paid) that are usually on our list of summer activities with kids.
We tend to make a day (or a half day) out of going to the local farms + zoos. We get in the car + head to the place by around 10 am. We pack snacks, drinks (especially water) + sometimes even a lunch.
We take along a blanket to sit on the ground for a picnic on the ground. If there are picnic tables or general tables available, we, of course, snag one of those instead.
Amusement parks are more of an all-day affair. Before you pile all the kids in the car, take some of these safety tips into consideration to ensure the most enjoyment with the least amount of worry.
- Charge up the phones before heading out. Whomever has phones (parents, kids or both) should bring them along on your excursion. This way, if anyone becomes separated from the group, they can put in a quick call to locate the pack. Another good use of cell phones is for meet-ups. “I’ll see you over by the monkey cages at 3:15.”
- Try to keep it to an even number of friends or family. This is particularly important if you’re visiting an amusement park or carnival. If your family is oddly numbered, then bring along a friend for the day. This way, you’ll never be in that awkward scenario where one person has to either ride with a stranger or sit the ride out entirely + get separated from the group. Also, it means there is one adult per child!
- If the sign says don’t feed the animals… don’t feed the animals. Many zoos have designated petting zoo areas where you can purchase animal feed for a quarter + have a great old time letting goats nibble out of your palm. However, kids should be taught that other animals outside the petting zoo may not be as friendly + should not be offered a snack.
- Stow your valuables if you plan to use the water park. It’s helpful to bring a sleeve of quarters so you can get a locker to store your cell phone, wallet + other valuables while splashing about in the water park.
- Mind the height requirements + cautions for various amusement park or carnival rides. Usually the people who work at such establishments are pretty good at knowing when someone is too short to ride a certain ride. However, some folks are more lax about the rules — so it’s up to you to make sure that kids are safe.
- Accompany kids to the bathroom. Play it safe + keep the children with you in the bathroom.
- Take shelter from a sudden storm. Every once in a while, a brief summer thunderstorm disrupts your outing. If this happens, find the nearest place where you can go indoors, such as a gift shop or food establishment. Typically, summer thunderstorms pass quickly so it won’t be too much of a hassle. If caught outside in an electrical storm, be sure to avoid trees, tall metal structures + metal poles.
Take a Hike
Take the kiddos on a family-friendly hiking or walking trail. We recently took a vacation to Shenandoah Valley for spring break. This area has numerous trails so we were able to find a family-friendly one where the girls could walk on their own + we could push the baby in her stroller.
We also have numerous trails surrounding us in the area we live, including one in our neighborhood. Hiking or walking a trail with the kids is one of those summer activities that is great in the morning or later in the day when it is cooler.
Hiking or walking a trail is a fabulous way to introduce your kids to nature. Birds, animals, fish, plants, flowers + fauna are all typically within arm’s reach.
It’s also a GREAT way to tire the kids out so naps just might be in order — even for the kids that don’t normally take naps!
Practice Good Safety While Hiking + Exploring the Woods
While taking a walk in the woods can be enjoyable, there are definitely some things to be mindful of in the interest of your safety, as well as the safety of your kids.
- Select a trail that matches the ability level of the kids. Most people who hike often know that there are easy trails, where the terrain is fairly level + without obstacles. Then, there are more strenuous trails that may lead up mountains, onto rocky terrain + over sloped areas that pose risk to less experienced or less able-bodied hikers. The trails are marked by different colors, such as red, white, blue, green, orange, etc. If you aren’t sure which colors mean what, spend some time looking at the hiking trail map. Or, talk with a park ranger or hiker who is familiar with the trail + can guide you into choosing the most kiddo-friendly trail.
- Bring a charged cell phone. Keep yours charged + on your person during hiking expeditions. One useful thing about having your cell on a hike is that if you decide not to go the full trail, you can navigate your way to a shortcut that meets the road.
- Keep a back pack with plenty of bottles or sippy cups of water. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if hiking during the summer months.
- Take along a first aid kit. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it – but if someone gets cut or scraped while on the trail, a first aid kit with Bactine + band-aids is going to be a welcome + comforting sight.
- Dress for tick protection. Deer ticks carry the dreaded Lyme Disease + Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Take precaution by wearing long sleeves, long pants + tying up or putting a cap over long hair before heading out into the deep woods for a hike.
- If you see a bear, make a lot of noise. Hiking in Bear Country? Bears typically don’t bother humans + are typically only after a potential snack. But mother bears can become defensive if they see you as a threat to their cubs. If you spot a bear in the woods + there’s no avoiding it, spread out your limbs to appear bigger, clap your hands together + make a lot of noise. This is said to scare off bears so they’ll leave you alone.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes in the woods. Prevent forest fires by not smoking in the woods. Smoking and hiking are two activities that don’t mix anyway.
Camp in the Backyard
You don’t have to pack up for a camping trip + drive out to a campground. Turn your back yard into a camp ground — complete with tent + a campfire (Check with your local authority to make sure there isn’t a burn ban in your area).
My girls adore putting up the tent with their dad + getting their sleeping bags, blankets + pillows all set up inside. We live in a wooded area so our back yard does have a camp ground feel to it.
We have a fire pit that we (carefully) roast marshmallows over to make s’mores with the girls.
Campfire Safety this Summer
Are you a campfire person? For many of us, the cool air of a summer night conjures up memories of toasting marshmallows + telling spooky stories around a campfire. If you build a campfire, be sure to practice good safety habits.
- Add a screen. Wood fires can pop, crackle + sparks. You can use a protective screen to avoid the burn of a stray ember.
- Phone it in. Many towns have a special phone number that you can call to find out if there is a burn ban in your area due to dry conditions. This way, you know not to have a campfire if dry conditions could cause a fire outbreak.
- If you dig a fire pit, be sure it’s large and deep enough. The recommendation is 4 feet in diameter and 12 inches deep. There should also be a border of large stones around the fire, to ensure that the flames are kept to one spot. Leave 2 inches of space between the stones for proper air flow.
- Have a water source nearby. This means a working hose that’s hooked up + ready to go if necessary. Typically, you can put out a fire by shoveling dirt from the bottom of the fire pit over the burning embers + wood. But if you want to be more quick about stopping the fire, then use the hose method. This unfortunately creates a ton of smoke, but it may be your best option in certain circumstances.
- Teach kids to stay back from the fire. Also do not allow anyone to run around near the fire pit, where both the flames + the large stones pose a risk. Avoid having people wear loose clothing which could catch on fire if the individual is tending or poking at the fire.
- Don’t forget about stop, drop + roll. This is fire safety 101, taught from the beginning in preschool. Remind all of your campfire attendees that stop, drop + roll is still the best way to put out a fire in someone’s clothes catch an ember.
- Avoid smoke inhalation. If your fire begins to billow out smoke for whatever reason (green wood, spraying water on it to put it out), instruct everyone present to leave the area until the smoke clears.
- Don’t start a campfire on a windy night. If you’re not sure if it’s good campfire weather, you can consult with your local fire department to be sure. Some towns regularly post a risk of forest fire number which is good to know if you host campfires near a wooded area or in a neighborhood where the homes are closer together.
- When in doubt, put it out! If you’re ever wondering if this is the wrong time for a campfire, it probably is. Best to be safe than sorry… so put it out!
Gardening
My girls love to plant flowers, trees + bushes. We live in a wooded area + have had to cut down a few trees that were endangering our house + cars. We bought tons of news trees to plant with them–trying to teach them that if you have to take a tree away that you should plant at least one tree to replace it.
(We planted a lot more than a 1:1 ratio).
Every Spring we plant new flowers with the girls in our flower beds + planters. We have even gone down the road of having tomato plants.
Gardening or planting a garden is one of those summer activities that comes with a ton of benefits for you, your kids + the environment.
The girls even have little gardening sets made for kids that make planting or tending to trees, flowers or veggies easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Summer Time Gardening Safety
Did you know that good gardeners have their own set of rules that they abide by for the best yield of produce + the safest gardening experience? If you’re new to gardening, heed these wise words when growing veggies, herbs + fruits this summer with the kids.
- If it’s not in use, store it away. This means shovels, wheelbarrows, rakes + gardening shears. Tools that are left scattered about can pose a risk to the passerby who may accidentally trip + fall over them + you don’t want the kids messing around with sharp objects unsupervised. Also, tools that are left out in the rain can rust over time. Take a few minutes to tidy up after a day of toiling in the garden beds. It is safer + the garden looks tidier, too!
- Replace rusty fencing. Lots of people put up low critter fences to keep rabbits + other varmints away from their veggie gardens. We have to put up deer fencing or the deer in our neighborhood eat EVERYTHING. Over time, this fencing can rust. If someone accidentally scratches themselves on the fence, this can pose a risk. So be a safe gardener + get rid of that rusty fencing.
- Don’t pick veggies after a rain, or when it’s dewy out. The air becomes moist after the sun goes down + everything is covered in dew in the morning. This is the worst time to pick vegetables because wetness transmits mold, bacteria + viruses. Wait until the sun has been shining on your garden for a while to dry everything out, before heading in to harvest.
- Use proper form when bending + reaching to pick vegetables and tend your crops. It’s easy to strain your muscles if you reach too far while standing in an awkward position. Remember to bend your knees when leaning forward + keep your tummy pulled in so as to avoid straining your back while gardening. (This one is probably more for you than your kids.)
- Avoid using chemical sprays on your garden. This includes pest control. Most garden pests can be kept under control either by planting strongly scented herbs nearby your veggie plants, or by simply picking the beetles off the plants. Another option is to knock off garden bugs with a spray of the hose.
Summer Activities Bucket List
I mentioned earlier that my girls + I have not made our summer activities bucket list quite yet but here are some more ideas to inspire you when making your own list.
- Go to a baseball game
- Make popsicles
- Go on a scavenger hunt. Check out scavenger hunt printables) from Red Tricycle)
- Visit a foreign country (from your living room)
- Plant a garden
- Make homemade ice cream
- Check out a program at the library
- Check out books at the library
- Decorate a t-shirt
- Check out the summer movie program ($1 per person)
- Buy ice cream from the ice cream truck
- Visit a museum
- Go to a spray park
- Go to a drive-in movie (We have tickets that we bought the girls as part of their Easter basket gifts)
- Make homemade ice cream sundaes for dinner
- Pick your own berries at a local farm
- Play baseball
- Hoolahoop
- Ride a bike (maybe even learn to ride a bike without training wheels)
- Visit a local book store (We found a really neat one in Old Town Alexandria, Hooray Books, where we found some of the neatest items, including the baby’s new llama Wubba Nub!)
- Act out a puppet show (My girls did this last night)
- Try a new ice cream place (We hit a local shop, Sugar Mama’s,) recently that makes their ice cream locally + it was DELISH! They also have this fabulous idea where you can buy mini scoops of different flavors for 50 cents each so you can try a variety of flavors all at once.)
- Gaze at the stars
- Watch airplanes land + take off (Dulles + Reagan National are our local airports)
- Attend an outdoor concert
- Host winter activities in the summer (See 101 Winter Activities for ideas)
- Enjoy the indoors or rainy summer days (See Rainy Day Activities for ideas)
It’s summer ya’ll so make your summer activities bucket list, start doing + checking items off your list. Have a happy + safe summer!
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5 Kid-Approved Fun Summer Activities
Summer is the perfect time for families to try new kid-friendly outdoor activities. You can have fun + help develop your child’s mind, too. If you’re looking for creative activities that make the most of the warm weather, check out these 5 inspiring ideas.
#1 Dig for “Fossils”
Digging for “fossils” is the perfect activity for sunny days. Although it takes a bit of preparation on your part, your kids will long remember the fun they had with this activity.
Collect some plastic dinosaur toys + bury them in a sandbox or plastic swimming pool filled with sand. When the kids dig the “fossils” up, you can use it as an educational opportunity to teach them about different kinds of dinosaurs.
#2 Driveway Drive-In Movie
Watching a driveway drive-in movie is a memorable treat on a summer evening. Consider inviting other children in your neighborhood to attend + you may even want to build “cars” out of cardboard boxes for the children to use as movie seats.
In order to make sure things go smoothly, research what equipment you need ahead of time so that you can have everything ready. In particular, research the equipment you need to project the movie properly so that it can be seen easily.
You might need a screen + a special projector that could be purchased or rented from home supply or electronics stores. To make the night truly festive, serve classic cinema treats, like pizza, popcorn, slushies, or candy + include some healthy options, too.
#3 Local Scavenger Hunt
Kids may think they know everything about where they live, but surprise them by offering a local summer scavenger hunt that introduces them to new places. Historical sites, museums + tucked away parks are perfect spaces for kids to explore while checking them off their scavenger hunt list.
Some cities offer scavenger hunts that cover the entire city + kids can return their completed hunt list to a local office for a prize or certificate. If your city doesn’t offer this, make up your own. Go online + find art walks, local eateries + nature preserves that can open your child’s eyes to the awe-inspiring world surrounding them.
You can also hold a summer scavenger hunt in your own backyard (literally). You can adapt it to the amount of time you have available. Scavenger hunts have at least two teams; consider pairing up a parent with a child if you have young kids.
A scavenger hunt for children usually has a time limit of 15 or 20 minutes + teams are given a list of 10 to 15 items to find or things to do. To keep things simple, create a list of things that you already have in your backyard. For example, the team may need to find a smooth leaf or a pink flower. The team that finds the most items is declared the winner + awarded a small prize.#4 Summer Matinee
Going to see movies can be expensive, but some theaters offer cheaper prices with summer deals to keep kids entertained. Try taking your youngsters to the earliest movie available on a weekday, or look for summer matinee specials that offer even lower rates for kids.
Theaters across the country often show films that have already been released on DVD during the summer so that kids can enjoy them on the big screen. Prices are sometimes as low as $1. This is a cheap, easy way to entertain a couple of hours inside an air-conditioned building.
#5 Pool Party
“Just add water” is a great motto, especially if what you need is a plan to end summer boredom. Organize a pool party at a neighborhood or community pool to keep kids busy and happy for hours. Invite neighborhood children to meet at the pool on a certain day, set a time that works for you and bring some snacks.
Your primary concern should be safety, so ensure kids wear sunscreen to avoid burns in the summer heat. It’s also imperative that children are supervised at all times. Always ensure that an adult is present. The adult should be a strong swimmer and know CPR. It’s also a good idea to have enough adults to supervise all the kids. Don’t leave a single grown-up overwhelmed with more kids than one person can possibly supervise.
These easy activities can help you + your family have fun in your backyard this summer. Best of all, these ideas are mostly free + easy to set up. Have a wonderful summer!- 3 Benefits of Healthy Eating for Kids
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5 Tips For Summer Safety For Kids
It’s summer, summer, summertime…
(I know you’re singing the song now 🙂 You’re welcome.)
Summer is such fun in the sun time but it is also a time when it is important to pay attention to summer safety for kids.
Here are 7 ways to help keep your kids safe during the summer.
#1 Avoid Sunburn
Sunshine, in moderation, provides a healthy dose of vitamin D, which is needed for the body to function properly.
However, in today’s world, sunburn can lead to skin cancer, which is why it should be guarded against.
If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer, stock up on a good brand of sunscreen.
Go ahead…
Have your fair share of fun in the sun without having to worry about getting burned.
There are two types of ultraviolet rays that emanate from the sun
UVA: The type of rays that can cause wrinkles + premature aging of the skin
UVB: The type of rays that can cause skin cancer
It’s best to choose a sunblock that protects against both types of UV rays if you want to protect your skin + your kiddos for years to come.
#2 Safety While Grilling
There’s nothing quite like spending a summer evening barbecuing with family + friends. My girls love when we grill on our patio + they play on the playground near the patio in our backyard.
But remember, grilling involves fire.
Have a fire extinguisher within easy reach + know how to use it.
Even though you may have a fire extinguisher in your home (probably the kitchen) you may have never had to use one.
So, here’s how you do it:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle to release the contents.
- Spray the flames in a fanlike motion until they’re out.
Rule number one of gas grills is that your grill’s lid should be open if you’re going to turn on the gas.
Keep lit cigarettes + matches away from the propane tank + open flame of the grill.
Prevent children + pets from hanging around the grill when in use.
Do not pour cooking oil directly onto food that is being grilled.
This can start a fire. If you want to add a little oil to your grilled veggies, chicken, or fish, apply it before placing the food on the grill.
You can also create a little foil pouch or use a special grilling pan to place the oil, veggies, chicken, or fish before placing it on the grill.
Keep baking soda readily available. DO NOT use water to try to extinguish a grill fire. Instead, pour a box of baking soda onto the fire to snuff it out instantly.
Turn the grill + the propane tank off when not in use.
When finished using the grill, be sure that all knobs have been turned off + that the propane knob has been turned to the off position as well.
Leaking propane poses a fire risk.
#3 Put Off Poison Ivy
“Leaves of three, let it be.”
That’s the general advice given to identify + deal with poison ivy. It’s likely advice that you want to teach your kids too so they can identify + avoid the threat of poison ivy.
This shiny, invasive vine results in an extremely itchy, stubborn + weeping rash that spreads rapidly + seems to take forever to go away. It can be avoided if you know what to look for.
What’s the difference between poison ivy, poison oak + poison sumac?
Shiny, dark green leaves, in clusters of three is poison ivy.
Poison oak + poison sumac are indigenous to different climates. Poison ivy, poison oak + poison sumac all cause the dreaded itching rash + are all found in different areas in the United States.
Poison sumac grows as a bush, with stems that contain the telltale shiny dark green leaves, but they are arranged in pairs rather than in threes, like poison ivy.
Poison oak + poison ivy grow in a vine-like formation.
All three of these types of poison plants are invasive, which means they crop up like weeds pretty much anywhere that they are permitted to thrive.
How To Get Rid Of Poison Ivy Around Your Property
Before undertaking poison ivy removal, you’ll want to don protective clothing. Wear heavy pants + long sleeves that cover your arms + legs. Also put on thick socks + boots, as well as thick, protective gloves.
You can either use an herbicide to kill the plants before removing them, or you can don the aforementioned thick, protective gloves + outwear + pull poison ivy out at the root.
After removing poison ivy from your yard, take precautions to prevent the oil from spreading to various parts of your body + by way of your clothing.
Immediately place clothing into the wash + clean with detergent. Thoroughly wash your hands using a liquid soap or detergent. If you think your pet has come into contact with poison ivy, clean him or her as well.
Even jackets, shoes + gardening tools can still have traces of the toxin that remain for years if not properly cleaned. As soon as possible, wash these items, including shoelaces, to avoid further spreading of the poison ivy toxin.
Symptoms Of Poison Ivy
Contact with poison ivy, poison sumac + poison oak results in a raised red rash that spreads and “weeps,” then crusts over. The rash can take weeks to heal as it spreads to various parts of the body causing extreme itching + discomfort.
What do I if one of my kids develops poison ivy?
Poison ivy may start as a rashy patch on one area of the body, such as between the fingers + spread gradually. To prevent it from spreading + to relieve the unbearable itch, apply calamine lotion to affected areas. There are also “barrier” creams designed to prevent the spread of this annoying rash.
Other ways to relieve reactions to poison ivy are:
- Hydrocortisone creams: May reduce discomfort due to a poison ivy outbreak.
- Antihistamine: Since the reaction to the poison ivy toxin is generally an allergy, an antihistamine is a good choice for keeping symptoms to a minimum.
#4 Protect From Pests: Avoiding Ticks, Fleas + Mosquitoes
Ticks + mosquitoes have become more than just a small problem in recent years. These irritating pests carry diseases that can stay with you or your kid for life.
If you know you’re going to be potentially exposed to ticks, fleas + mosquitoes this summer:
- Wear long sleeves + long pants when hiking in the woods.
- Tie back long hair. Ticks are attracted to hair things that move. So if you have long hair, keep it under a hat or tied into a bun or kerchief while you’re hiking out in the wilderness.
- Try a natural bug spray. Ticks, fleas + mosquitoes are repelled by the strong scents of citronella, peppermint oil + clove oil.
- You can make a chemical-free bug spray at home by adding a few drops of each of these oils along with water + a spoonful of witch hazel as a preservative. Natural flea + tick sprays are also found in the pet aisle of your local grocery store, at pet supply stores + at home garden centers.
- Perform a nightly tick check. It takes 24 hours for a tick that carries diseases such as Lyme or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to spread them while attached to your body. So if you know you’ll be outdoors, even if it’s just for a short walk through the neighborhood or an hour in the back yard, be sure to do a tick check before bed.
What to do if you find a tick (or ten of them):
If you find a tick, don’t panic. In most cases, it will be a dog tick that does not spread rickettsia-type bacteria such as Lyme.
There are tick removers you can use to be sure the head isn’t left behind when you pull out the tick. If you do end up leaving the tick’s head embedded, don’t attempt to scrape it out.
Your or your kid’s body will use its natural defenses to gradually release the remaining part of the tick. This helps to reduce the likelihood of the disease spreading from the tick to you or your child.
#5 Family Road Trip Safety
There’s nothing like a summer vacation to break up the monotony of your daily life + serve as the highlight of your entire year.
Summer vacations are often the best memories to look back on, with trips to new places, exciting options in dining, amusements, plenty of sightseeing + fun.
Before you head off on your next family or friend adventure, be sure to keep some safety tips in mind.
Never leave children unattended, either in hotel rooms, by the pool, or while out + about.
Have your kids stay together in a group, with an adult overseeing them at all times. If you need to take a break, you can always have another adult from the group keep watch while you rest or head out for a walk.
Keep your room locked at all times — when you are in + out of the room. Don’t give out your hotel key card.
If you are sharing adjacent rooms with your children or another family or group of friends, be sure that everyone in the adjacent room is also keeping their door locked.
Have an emergency plan in place. Tell kids step by step what to do if they’re lost or otherwise separated from the group, or if something unexpected occurs.
- 3 Benefits of Healthy Eating for Kids
- 8 Savings Goals To Teach Kids About Money
- 10 Best Things To Do During Summer With Kids
- 5 Tips For Summer Safety For Kids
- 10 Mom Bag Essentials I Have For Summer Fun
- The Best Clean Sunscreen Brand I Use On Me + My Kids
- 12 Ideas To DIY Summer Camp At Home
- 3 Resources For Personal + Business Life While You Stay At Home
- How to Protect a Crawling Baby
- How to Keep Happy, Safe + Healthy Girls Throughout the School Year
- 7 Easy Hair Styles For Girls
- When To Start Potty Training Girls
- Best Halloween Costumes for Girls
- 3 Healthy Habits For Girls
- 7 Subscription Boxes For Girls
- 26 Mother-Daughter Date Ideas
- Feeding Time: What to Keep in Mind When Introducing Food to Baby
- Baby on Board: What You Need to Know About Car Seat Safety
- 7 Ways to Help Your Daughter Feel Comfortable in Her Own Skin
- 7 Tips for Nighttime Potty Training Girls
- School Bus Safety Tips to Teach Your Kids
- How to Deal with Unexpected Problems at Delivery
- 3 Characteristics of the Best Mom Car
- 4 Ways to Prevent Your Teen from Texting + Driving
- 3 Tips to Help You Prepare for Labor + Delivery
- Creative Lunch Ideas for School
- Resources + Recommendations for Mommin’ + Bloggin’
- How to Make Hand Washing Fun for Kids
- DIY Halloween Party Ideas for Kids
- 12 Cool Things to Include When Building a House
- 3 Tips for Toddler Girl Summer Fashion
- How to Be a Productive Stay-at-Home Mom
- The Ultimate Guide to Summer Day Camps + Sleepaway Camps
- How to Protect From Child Bee Stings
- 10 Best Books on Raising Strong Girls
- A Complete Mom Guide to Summer Activities with Kids (So Everyone Survives the Summer)
- The Ultimate Guide to Sibling Fighting + How to Stop It
- 7 Things A Mom REALLY Wants for Mother’s Day
- 3 Things to Look for When Choosing a Pediatric Dentist
- 5 Kid-Approved Fun Summer Activities
- A Family Trip Near Shenandoah: Where to Stay, Go + Eat
- Celebrate Earth Month With Green Kid Crafts
- 4 Tips to Prep for Your Disney Trip with Your Kids
- 3 Ways to Model Appropriate Behavior for Your Daughter
- 3 Actions to Take if a Dog Bites Your Child
- 3 Places to Buy Inexpensive but Nice Girls’ Clothes
- 6 Steps to Resolving Conflict with Your Strong-Willed Daughter
- 3 Home Pests That Can Make Your Kids Sick
- 7 Strategies for Dealing with Defiant Daughters
- 7 Books to Help Girls Overcome Anxiety, Fear + Worry + Other Feelings
- The Top 7 Girl Mom Bloggers You Should Be Following
- 3 Tips for Moms Going Back to School
- 3 Tips for Surviving a Move with Young Ones
- 3 Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe in the Car
- To The Mom With A Crazy Toxic Mom
- 12 Non-Toy Easter Basket Ideas for Girls
- 5 Ways To Easier Laundry When You Have Girls
- It’s Flu Season, Ya’ll
- Tips To Be A More Productive Mommy
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 1st Birthday Party for a Girl
- 14 Ways to Tell Your Kids You Love Them on Valentine’s Day
- Speed Up Your Family’s Morning Routine
- How to Make Easy Healthy Family Meals
- 7 Tips to be Done with Dinner in Half an Hour or Less
- The Kid Birthday Tradition I Do Every Year (For All 3 Girls)
- 3 Valentine’s Day Foods + Goodies for Your Sweetie
- Easy Freezer Meals for After Baby
- How to Pick Strong Baby Girl Names
- 10 Valentine’s Day Activities for Young Kids
- 101 Winter Bucket List Activities for Young Kids
- How I Went From Being Skeptical to a Believer in 2.7 Seconds
- 2019 Mom Goal
- 10 Rainy Day Activities for Young Kids
- 10 Cringe-Worthy Questions Only Moms of All Girls Are Asked
- #1 Reason I’m Giving My Kids Experience Gifts, Not Toys
- 7 Steps to Create the Perfect 1st Birthday
-
10 Best Things To Do During Summer With Kids
Are you a mom who spends summers with your kids at home?
Working moms who have seasonal jobs, such as teachers, may look forward to having the summer off to spend quality time with the kids.
Moms who work from home or who are still working remote from COVID, may also switch off, spending some of their weekly hours at a computer or performing business-related tasks + other hours with the kids just taking it easy + having fun.
One thing is for sure, though. As fresh + new as summer may seem during the month of June…
by post-fourth-of-July you may already be hearing that dreaded phrase being uttered by your kids:
“Mom, I’m bored!……….”
Here are 10 best things to do during summer with kids when everyone needs a change of pace + an excuse to step away from screens for exciting new experiences, play, learning + fun times.
PLEASE NOTE: Many of these activities are starting to make a comeback post-COVID.
#1 Visit Nearby Farms
The summer season brings delights of all types from your local farm. Find a farm with a petting zoo. Or, head over to the nearest nursery or greenhouse to pick up plants + seeds that you can grow + care for with your kids.
Teach kids about the nutritional value of farm-fresh eggs from grass-fed chickens. Say hello to a friendly sow + her hungry piglets. Milk a cow if you can.
Observe a baby chick or duckling pecking its way out of his or her egg to greet the wonderful world.
Watch a farmer at work by touring a local working farm to see how farmers work from the time they wake up until the time they go to bed + how it brings food to our tables.
#2 Plan Weekly Outings With Friends
Gather your mom friends + their kids once a week for an outing.
Each week can be something different depending on the weather + the mood of the group.
Moms + kids can meet up for storytime, craft time, or special activities at the local library. One week can feature a picnic lunch by the creek.
An afternoon movie in someone’s air-conditioned living room on a rainy day can be just as fun as a trip to the multiplex.
#3 Swim Lessons
Join a local outdoor pool or pay a $5-7 per head daily rate so your family can visit a pool + spend the day in the water.
For an extra fee, sign your kids up for swim lessons to learn how to swim or to perfect their strokes.
#4 Read Through A Summer Book List
Create a summer reading list with your kids. Make it part of your summer bucket list or summer routine to read every book on your list.
Kids can greatly improve reading skills, spend valuable time learning new things + generally benefit from setting + achieving reading goals over the summer.
Call your local library to find out if the bookmobile is scheduled to visit your neighborhood this summer.
The thrill of climbing aboard this friendly, book-filled vehicle to select a brand-new story or series is something that your kids will remember fondly for the rest of their days.
#5 Create A Chore List
Make cleaning fun!
Create a chore list + give them a sticker or star for each chore your child completes. You can give them a reward or an allowance if you choose.
Chores can be age-appropriate but some ideas are:
- Sorting, folding + putting away laundry
- Sweeping + vacuuming
- Dusting
- Putting away dishes or loading the dishwasher
- Cleaning their room
#6 Enroll In A Day Camp
Camps typically offer week-by-week enrollment + weekly themes. Find a camp that aligns with your child’s interest, such as:
- Art Camp
- Space Camp
- Drama Camp
- Skateboarding Camp
- Arts + Crafts Camp
- Tennis Camp
- Basketball Camp
#7 Master A New Skill
Your son or daughter will feel a new sense of pride + accomplishment after reaching a summer goal such as learning to ride a bike without training wheels; becoming a stronger swimmer; mastering scooter skills, or learning to play tennis.
Imagine the pride your kids will feel after returning to school having advanced physically this way.
Sports + active play help kids develop strength, speed, coordination + stamina.
Learning to travel by wheels, throw + catch a ball, hit a ball with a bat or tennis racket, shoot hoops, or any other type of sports activity can help your children build confidence.
#8 Watch A Movie
Favorite kid movies are a popular option for moms + kids.
Many theaters offer $1 movies during the summer. Follow with a McDonald’s or Chik-Fil-A lunch + some time in the indoor play place at kid-friendly food establishments like these.
Some parks offer free outdoor movie nights. Pack your own goodies to picnic while you watch.
You can also head to your local drive-in for a family fun-filled night at the movies. Spring for a big tub of popcorn, drinks + candy.
#9 Coordinate Art Project Days
Ask a crafty mom or an art teacher who’s off for the summer to put together some easy + fun projects that kids can do. You can even have her make up a list of art supplies for parents to pick up.
Some art stores offer art kits so you can buy the ready-made kit + follow the instructions included.
YouTube is another great source for finding art projects kids can do over the summer — following along with the “live” instructor.
#10 Visit Local Museums + Art Galleries
Explore local history, art + more. Most towns + cities have a local history museum covering the history of the local area.
Local art galleries can feature local artists or artists that create art centered around the local area industry, culture, or more.
Trips to museums + galleries can pull double duty, where it is a fun excursion with a learning component built-in.
-
12 Ideas To DIY Summer Camp At Home
Last year, we had summer camp at home. This year, we get to return to traditional summer camp.
Last year was different.
So, I made it my mission to find summer camp at home ideas that worked for my girls, even though they are different ages).
I’m sharing 12 summer camp at home ideas you can use for your own kids in your own backyard this year. It saves you money + from having to run kids all over town this summer.
How To Start A Summer Camp At Home
Before we launch right into the summer camp at home ideas, let’s first talk logistics.
Don’t worry, it’s not hard to plan a home summer camp or come up with activities for summer camp at home.
Simply take a little time to make a plan for each month, then each week + then each day.
- Create a monthly theme. Start by choosing a theme for each of the summer months: June, July, August. For example, if you’re planning a STEAM summer theme, then maybe June is a focus on Science, while July is Math + August is technology + engineering.
- Set a weekly theme. Then, break your themes down by the week. Since June is science month, maybe week 1 focuses on the states of matter: solids, liquids + gases.
- Plan the daily activities for summer camp at home. Once you break your theme down by the week, you then have to plan activities for each day of summer camp.
- Set a daily schedule. My kids are at the age where they typically go for half-day camps so our activities for summer camp at home are going to run 9:30-12:30 or 10-1. Set a time for each of your activities.
- Buy supplies + materials. Once you have your plans in place, buy or order any of the supplies you don’t already have but need for your summer camp activities at home.
- Have fun. You don’t have to be rigid (unless your kids are like my kids + need structure). Just have fun with the activities that you have set for the day.
Summer Camp At Home Ideas
Check out 12 ideas to run your own summer camp at home.
1. Summer Camp In A Box
Consider turning to one of the subscription box companies. Several different companies are offering summer camp in a box options.
The great part about using a subscription box specifically created for summer camp at home is that all of the activities are planned for you. All of the supplies are usually included, too.
All you have to do is open box + insert fun.
2. All About Nature
Birds, bugs, trees, plants + flowers are probably things you have in your own backyard. If not, you can head out to a local park, check out books from the library or search the Internet for videos, nature shows + more.
3. All About Art
My girls are all about art. When we sign them up for camp, it is usually an art camp. Painting, drawing, creating masterpieces out of objects you can find around the house puts my girls in their sweet spot.
Some of our favorite art programs hosted virtual online art camps last summer. That’s certainly one way to go.
You may even be able to pick up an art “toolkit” from a local art store or order one online that includes art project instructions + all of the supplies you need to create the art pieces.
YouTube is full of instructional videos that your kiddos can follow along with, too, as another option (if you are not art inclined, like me 🙂 ).
4. Cooking Co-Pilot
My girls love to cook + bake with me. I have invested in various cooking-related subscription boxes + toyed with the idea of sending them to cooking camp.
Not only does a cooking camp teach them to well…cook, it also touches on math + science.
You can use kids’ cookbooks. You can use videos on YouTube. You can tackle a cooking camp in all sorts of ways that are fun + easy!
5. Water Games
Back yards or front yards are perfect for water games. If you have your own pool — even better.
Otherwise, you can set up splash pads, inflatable pools, sprinklers + even an obstacle course to cool off during the hot days of summer.
Top it off with an ice cream or ice cream sundae social + really let the games begin.
6. Crafts
Similar to an art camp (but not quite) is crafts.
Call me a terrible mother but I don’t like messy crafts. That’s what I send my kids to school for.
I’m talking about the non-messy types of crafts. I’m talking origami, making jewelry (think friendship bracelets), making potholders, crocheting, sewing + other handicrafts like this.
To stay with a summer theme, you can even have your kiddos make art out of shells.
They can:
- Make jewelry
- Glue shells to artwork or drawings
- Create magnets
- Make picture frames
7. Games
Bring out the yard games.
Bring out the board games.
Bring out the table games.
Just bring out the games.
Turn what might be a family game night into a day at camp. If you have enough games, you can stretch this type of camp out for the entire summer, too.
8. Camp
As in go camping in your backyard. Set up a tent. Roll out the sleeping bags. Set up a fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Sing campfire songs + tell “scary” stories.
You can even turn it into a summer “sleep away” camp by adding hiking trips, lake (or pool) swimming, arts + crafts + all the other fun that sleep away camp provides.
9. Dinosaurs
My girls LOVE dinosaurs. We have a huge book all about dinosaurs. We watch programs about dinosaurs. They know the names of dinosaurs.
A camp all about dinosaurs would be heaven to them.
Not only can you learn about dinosaurs in books, by watching videos + watching documentaries but you can do activities like DIG FOR FOSSILS or make dinosaur terrariums or make huge plaster molds of dinosaur feet!
10. Space
Space — the final frontier. Exploration of space is another fave in our house. Kids can make a solar system, watch past shuttle launches (We watched Elon Musk launch a rocket recently on TV) + so much more.
You can even turn those Amazon Fresh silver bags into an astronaut suit or turn a box into a rocket ship (that you decorate — what, what?).
11. Oceanology
Under the sea is another fun camp that also relates to summer and those trips to the beach. Kids can learn about sea animals, ocean waves, tides + more.
They can make tons of crafts related to the ocean, start an aquarium, play in an ocean sensory bin, watch documentaries about undersea voyages + the list goes on + on.
12. Music
Kiddos that like music have endless possibilities with a music-themed camp.
Besides the obvious dancing + singing, they can make music notes, make musical instruments to play + even create their own musicals.
Pull out the karaoke machine + let them belt out the tunes.
Host a recital at the end of camp so they can show off their musical talents or dance moves.
Summer camp at home can be fun + exciting. You can use these summer camp at-home activities to create weekly or monthly themes or create the theme for the entire summer.
You might also want to check out:
- A Complete Mom Guide To Summer Activities With Kids
- The Ultimate Guide To Summer Day Camps + Sleepaway Camps
- 3 Benefits of Healthy Eating for Kids
- 8 Savings Goals To Teach Kids About Money
- 10 Best Things To Do During Summer With Kids
- 5 Tips For Summer Safety For Kids
- 10 Mom Bag Essentials I Have For Summer Fun
- The Best Clean Sunscreen Brand I Use On Me + My Kids
- 12 Ideas To DIY Summer Camp At Home
- 3 Resources For Personal + Business Life While You Stay At Home
- How to Protect a Crawling Baby
- How to Keep Happy, Safe + Healthy Girls Throughout the School Year
- 7 Easy Hair Styles For Girls
- When To Start Potty Training Girls
- Best Halloween Costumes for Girls
- 3 Healthy Habits For Girls
- 7 Subscription Boxes For Girls
- 26 Mother-Daughter Date Ideas
- Feeding Time: What to Keep in Mind When Introducing Food to Baby
- Baby on Board: What You Need to Know About Car Seat Safety
- 7 Ways to Help Your Daughter Feel Comfortable in Her Own Skin
- 7 Tips for Nighttime Potty Training Girls
- School Bus Safety Tips to Teach Your Kids
- How to Deal with Unexpected Problems at Delivery
- 3 Characteristics of the Best Mom Car
- 4 Ways to Prevent Your Teen from Texting + Driving
- 3 Tips to Help You Prepare for Labor + Delivery
- Creative Lunch Ideas for School
- Resources + Recommendations for Mommin’ + Bloggin’
- How to Make Hand Washing Fun for Kids
- DIY Halloween Party Ideas for Kids
- 12 Cool Things to Include When Building a House
- 3 Tips for Toddler Girl Summer Fashion
- How to Be a Productive Stay-at-Home Mom
- The Ultimate Guide to Summer Day Camps + Sleepaway Camps
- How to Protect From Child Bee Stings
- 10 Best Books on Raising Strong Girls
- A Complete Mom Guide to Summer Activities with Kids (So Everyone Survives the Summer)
- The Ultimate Guide to Sibling Fighting + How to Stop It
- 7 Things A Mom REALLY Wants for Mother’s Day
- 3 Things to Look for When Choosing a Pediatric Dentist
- 5 Kid-Approved Fun Summer Activities
- A Family Trip Near Shenandoah: Where to Stay, Go + Eat
- Celebrate Earth Month With Green Kid Crafts
- 4 Tips to Prep for Your Disney Trip with Your Kids
- 3 Ways to Model Appropriate Behavior for Your Daughter
- 3 Actions to Take if a Dog Bites Your Child
- 3 Places to Buy Inexpensive but Nice Girls’ Clothes
- 6 Steps to Resolving Conflict with Your Strong-Willed Daughter
- 3 Home Pests That Can Make Your Kids Sick
- 7 Strategies for Dealing with Defiant Daughters
- 7 Books to Help Girls Overcome Anxiety, Fear + Worry + Other Feelings
- The Top 7 Girl Mom Bloggers You Should Be Following
- 3 Tips for Moms Going Back to School
- 3 Tips for Surviving a Move with Young Ones
- 3 Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe in the Car
- To The Mom With A Crazy Toxic Mom
- 12 Non-Toy Easter Basket Ideas for Girls
- 5 Ways To Easier Laundry When You Have Girls
- It’s Flu Season, Ya’ll
- Tips To Be A More Productive Mommy
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 1st Birthday Party for a Girl
- 14 Ways to Tell Your Kids You Love Them on Valentine’s Day
- Speed Up Your Family’s Morning Routine
- How to Make Easy Healthy Family Meals
- 7 Tips to be Done with Dinner in Half an Hour or Less
- The Kid Birthday Tradition I Do Every Year (For All 3 Girls)
- 3 Valentine’s Day Foods + Goodies for Your Sweetie
- Easy Freezer Meals for After Baby
- How to Pick Strong Baby Girl Names
- 10 Valentine’s Day Activities for Young Kids
- 101 Winter Bucket List Activities for Young Kids
- How I Went From Being Skeptical to a Believer in 2.7 Seconds
- 2019 Mom Goal
- 10 Rainy Day Activities for Young Kids
- 10 Cringe-Worthy Questions Only Moms of All Girls Are Asked
- #1 Reason I’m Giving My Kids Experience Gifts, Not Toys
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-
The Best Clean Sunscreen Brand I Use On Me + My Kids
I am a Florida girl living in (more like stuck in) a Virginia world 🙁 I remember growing up that our motto was you have to get that “first sunburn of the summer” for a good base tan.
Yikes, amiright?
Now, as a mom, I slather or spray my kids + myself with sunscreen on a daily basis. I recently set out to find the best clean sunscreen brand for me + my family.
Here is what I discovered + chose.
What Is Clean Sunscreen?
Let’s start out by explaining what clean sunscreen is.
No, it’s not the opposite of dirty sunscreen…but close.
Clean sunscreen is a sunscreen that does not contain any harmful ingredients.
Some of the harmful ingredients you can find in sunscreen can cause some scary stuff like:
- Hormone disruption
- Inhibited fetal brain development
- Skin + eye irritation
- Respiratory problems
Ingredients You Won’t Find In Clean Sunscreen Brands
Now that we know what clean sunscreen is, let’s take a look at the ingredients that you don’t want to see in your sunscreen:
(Spoiler alert: This list is going to scare the be-jeezus out of you.)
- Benzalkonium Chloride: A disinfectant used as a preservative + surfactant associated with severe skin, eye + respiratory irritation + allergies. Found in: sunscreens, moisturizers.
- Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA): Surfactants + pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption + inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry-cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.
- Oxybenzone: Sunscreen agent + ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization + allergies + possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds): PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners + moisture-carriers. Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide + 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.
The Sunscreen Brand I Chose + Why
I started to dig deeper. I took a look at the sunscreen we have in our house.
I started reading the labels on sunscreens they sell (on Amazon because I wasn’t out looking at sunscreen on shelves in the middle of a pandemic).
I tried a sunscreen sample that my friend Tina gave to me when she dropped off my skincare regimen sampler packets.
I investigated this sunscreen…
…+ even put it on my FACE!
In the end, I chose the Beautycounter Countersun line for me + my family to use as sunscreen to protect us from the sun.
They even came out with a daily use sunscreen for your face.
The Best Clean Sunscreen Brand
The best clean sunscreen brand that I use on myself + my family is Countersun. It is a complete line of sun protection to cover you + your kiddos from head to toe.
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10 Mom Bag Essentials I Have For Summer Fun
Summer is a season of spontaneity + on-the-go fun. Friends may pop up with an unexpected invite to the pool, beach, or local water park.
If you’re a busy mom of kids who doesn’t want to miss the action, it can definitely benefit you + your family if you get organized!
I always have these 10 mom bag essentials for summer fun stocked at all times.
What Are My 10 Mom Bag Essentials For Summer Fun?
I am glad you asked. These are the items you want to keep in your bag of tricks 🙂
#1 Swim Gear
Since you never know when an impromptu swim time or water play opportunity may present itself, keep one swimsuit per family member in your bag.
#2 Sun Protection
Always, always, always have sunscreen in your bag.
A clean sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) protects skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Brimmed hats such as baseball caps, fishing hats + bonnets for babies will all help to shield tender skin from UV rays that cause sunburn + can lead to skin cancer.
#3 Extra Clothes
Afternoons spent at the beach, unexpected dinner invites after a day at the pool, meet-ups at the park post-swim lesson (+ just the yuck your kids tend to get all over them throughout the day) are all good reasons to bring an extra change of clothes for kids when out + about in the summertime.
Hey, Mama, don’t forget to drop your own bathing suit, cover-up + an extra set of clothes to make a quick change into dry clothing + move on with the fun without skipping a beat.
#4 Summer Footwear
Typical summer footwear includes flip-flops for the beach, pool, camping showers + just hanging around on a hot day.
You may also want sneakers with socks so that kids can play sports. Water shoes, too, are another good addition to your mom bag essentials.
Since all of these shoes can really weigh down the bag you carry, you can also store a bag of shoes in your car so they are handy if you need them.
#5 Small Toys + Books
Younger children may require toys, games, books + activities to occupy them on long or long-ish car trips, or during down-time on a day at the beach, in the park, or on summer vacation.
Items you can keep in your mom bag:
- Books
- Deck of playing cards
- Small games
- Crossword puzzles
- Mad Libs
- Coloring books
- Sticker books
Change out the activities periodically to keep things fresh + interesting.
#6 Snacks
No mom bag would be complete without kid-friendly snacks.
Popular favorites that you can throw + keep in your bag include wrapped + sealed snacks such as:
- Crackers
- Chips
- Cookies
- Graham crackers
- Cheese-and-cracker packs
- Peanut butter-and-cracker packs
- Dried fruits such as raisins
- Chewy fruit snacks
- Granola bars
- Cereal-and-fruit bars
If you’re stocking your bag for the day you can include items such as:
- Sliced fruit
- Cheese
- Cut veggies
A smart solution for perishables such as watermelon chunks, carrot sticks, celery sticks, berries + other fresh produce is to purchase a reusable vinyl “food bag” that you can drop into your mom bag before you head out with the kids each day.
#7 Drinks
Along with snacks, another mom bag essential is drinks.
Most popular for the kiddos is:
- Water
- Juice boxes/pouches
You can use stainless-steel water bottles that can be refilled with ice + water or juice.
#8 Bug Repellent
You’re also going to include some bug spray as part of your mom bag essentials.
For moms who prefer safer, environmentally friendly products, there are a growing number of chemical-free choices in insect repellent.
You can find essential oil + Neem-oil based options you can put in a take-along spray bottle, or as an oil that you can apply directly to the skin.
You can even mix your own insect repellent at home using:
- Clove oil
- Peppermint oil
- Lemongrass oil +/or citronella or rose geranium
There are also stretchy bracelets that come wrapped in sealed plastic packaging, which have been soaked in an essential-oil based mixture. Pop a few of these in your mom bag on your way out for the day.
#9 Plastic/Wet Bag
Keep one or more plastic bags or a wet bag in your mom bag.
Use them to store wet bathing suits + towels while traveling home from the seashore, lake, or pool. A plastic bag comes in handy to dispose of trash, such as food wrappers from the kids’ snacks.
#10 Hair Ties + Small Brush
With three girls, I also keep a supply of hair ties + a small brush in my mom bag. Perfect for pulling hair into ponytails for swimming + brushing out the snarls from wet hair before it dries into a matted mess.
If all of this sounds like too much to fit into one tote bag to lug around all summer, don’t worry.
You can stow away items in your trunk + swap them in + out of your mom bag, as needed.
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How to Use Pinterest for a Mom Blog
Pinterest is a BIGGIE. If you’re not familiar with Pinterest, all it really is is an electronic bulletin board where you can pin the ideas you come across so you can access them later.
Pinterest is a Search Engine
Here’s the thing about Pinterest, though. While it seems like it’s just a big electronic bulletin board, it’s really a search engine.
In fact, it’s the second largest search engine (ONLY second to Google).
This has a lot of implications for your mom blog, but essentially, if you manage it right (with SEO, etc.) when you pin your posts to Pinterest, you have the opportunity for search engines like Google to rank your Pinterest pins + you have the opportunity for your audience that is searching on Pinterest to find your post pins.
How Pinterest Can Work for Your Mom Blog
Super quick example. For all three of my daughters’ first birthdays, I PORED over hundreds (if not thousands) of party themes + ideas. I planned all three of their parties from Pinterest pins.
MORE importantly for you, I bought a lot of the products I needed for the parties because I found it through Pinterest.
I have to say that TONS of MOMS are all OVER PINTEREST.
Whether your biz is product or service based, Pinterest works. AND if you are a mom blogger or pro of ANY kind, you need to be where your potential clients are – + they are on PINTEREST.
Here’s how it might go down.
A mom is searching for 1st birthday party theme ideas. They see your pin for a guide with 100s of 1st birthday party theme ideas. They click on the pic you pinned. They click on the guide pic that opens up OR they click on the website below that says where the pic is from + voila they’re reading your guide.
Keep in mind that your guide + the pic that you’ve posted to Pinterest sits on your blog.
As they peruse your fab guide, they realize that you sell some of the fabulous theme items (or offer the theme services) that you feature in your oh-so helpful guide. They buy said products (or book your services).
A SALE + all because they came across a picture you posted on Pinterest that led them to a guide that led them to the products/services you’re selling that they want to buy.
Pinterest for Mom Service Businesses
Remember, Pinterest works just as well for services. If you offer a guide on the top 100 ways to throw a big 1st birthday on a small budget + you’re a party planner, you’re setting yourself up to land some business.
Now it goes a lot deeper than this because people can turn around + pin your pins, which again is how the word spreads + how sales numbers get a boost.
How to Put Pinterest to Work For Your Mom Blog
From a business or blog owner’s perspective, this is what you want to do to share your content. First, open an account on Pinterest.
You can use your personal Pinterest account or open an account for your business/blog. That’s up to you. One thing, you want to do is create boards for your pins.
When you post a pic with your blog posts (which every blog post should have a picture), you can then pin this picture to your Pinterest account on the appropriate board.
Complete each section of the pin, starting with a keyword rich title, fill in a keyword rich description + input the link that takes them directly to the content where it sits on your blog.
If you’re offering a free guide or download of some sort through the pin or as a content upgrade from the post, you want to mention this in the pin description as well.
In other words, try to add a call to action to the description, so you can get them to click on your pins.
Pin it and you’re done. It’s now searchable, pinnable + shareable.
Create Visual Content for Pinterest
Another thing you can do is create “a teaser” pic. This is where you choose a photo + use a site like PicMonkey or Canva to add some text to the photo. You take the same steps to get it on Pinterest + it can have the same effect.
Pinterest also offers promoted pins now, so you can pay to promote specific pins. It’s a great way to share your free opt-in + get moms to JUMP. ON. YOUR. LIST.
You can pin your posts manually or you can schedule pins using a tool like Tailwind. If you use my link, you get your first month for free. I use Tailwind + love it.
Not only should you be pinning to your own boards, but you should be pinning to group boards, too.
Find + join group boards that cater to the moms you’re trying to attract. When you’re a member of a group board, you can pin your pins to the board—getting it in front of an audience that you might not have an opportunity to get in front of otherwise.
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How You Can Boost Traffic To Your Mom Blog Today
In 2008, I left the corporate world to start my freelance writing business full time.
The main reason I did this is because I knew that one day I wanted to have a family + writing from home would afford me the opportunity to do what I love (to write) + stay home with my kids.
It wouldn’t be until 2013 that I had my first daughter. So for 7 years, freelance writing from home was my full-time gig. It paid the bills. It made me happy.
I’ve written countless blog posts for other people’s blogs + blog posts for companies + businesses (all for money, of course). I’ve had different blogs of my own over the years, too.
Right now, I have three blogs:
I’ve been running my Wedding Planner Copy blog for a couple years now. I am happy with my pageviews per month but I am always testing out strategies to improve the quality of the wedding pros that land on my blog.
In December 2018, I started this blog (Girl Mom Chaos) + interestingly enough, one of the strategies I use has produced more pageviews than the Wedding Planner Copy blog does after two years of being up + running.
(Although, I started using the same strategy for the Wedding Planner Copy blog + am now seeing similar results.)
Here’s what I did:
1. I focused on one social media platform
Social media is where it’s at, right?
Well, I picked one platform + I gave it my all. That platform is PINTEREST.
What you might not know is that Pinterest works more like a search engine than a social media platform so it is second only to Google for searches! Nobody is going to Pinterest to be social. They are going to Pinterest to do research or to find something they are looking for –they are searching!
In one month, I had 39k views. As of June 2019 (so 6 months later), I have 130k views.
Are there other Pinterest accounts that have more?
Of course.
BUT…39k views in one month is HUGE. + to get to a 130k in just 6 months is ah-mazing.
My Wedding Planner Copy Pinterest account had 19k views per month in December. As of June 2019, it has 55k.
Let that sink in for a second. Pinterest is HUGE in gaining quality attention + then driving those quality visitors to your blog/website. Pinterest is one of my top traffic sources for both my wedding copy blog + my mom blog.
Over 90% of my traffic comes from my pins on Pinterest. If you haven’t tapped into the potential that Pinterest has for growing your mom blog, check out my article How to Use Pinterest for Your Mom Blog.
If you want to automate your Pinterest efforts so you have more time to focus on other platforms, run your mom blog + well, be a mom, check out Tailwind.
It is the only scheduler that is Pinterest approved. Tailwind is what I’ve been using + I believe it has allowed me to take my mom blog to the next level in just one short month + up my game even more over the last 6 months.
2. I focused on my content
Take a step back for one second.
The only way I was able to figure out that Pinterest is the biggest source of traffic for both of my blogs is because I created stellar content for both that I was then able to pin on Pinterest.
After I hit the publish button on any of my blog posts, the first thing I do is schedule that content to be pinned to my Pinterest boards.
If you’re interested in learning how to create stellar content to share on Pinterest, check out my Mommy Business Blogging ebook.
It takes you step-by-step through the process of writing stellar blog posts + then how to promote those posts to attract the right visitors to your mommy business.
3. I am engaging more with my dream readers
When I started engaging with my readers on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter + Instagram, it also made a HUGE difference in my blog traffic, blog comments + more.
I take the time to respond to people’s questions + comments on my blog posts or social media posts. I start conversations on Twitter. I am active in the RIGHT Facebook groups.
All of this is helping me to attract quality traffic to both of my blogs.
Want to tap into my complete blog traffic growth strategy?
These are just a few of the tips + tricks that I’ve learned in my attempt to boost the traffic to my blogs.I perfected a step-by-step blueprint to help mommy bloggers that want to create stellar content + then use that content to drive traffic to their blog + website.
If you don’t know where to begin with blogging for your mommy biz or you’re struggling to increase your numbers, build a loyal following for your blog + convert those followers into business The Mommy Business Blogging Ebook is the perfect resource to help you understand what you’re missing + give you the tips, tricks + tools to make a difference!
Start your blogging journey with me!
Haven’t started a mommy business blog yet (or you’re still operating on a free platform) but you’re ready to become a pro? Find out how to start a profitable blog:
Download my guide on Setting Up A Mommy Business Blog
Enroll in my free course Learn to Blog Your Mommy Blog to More Business
- 3 Resources For Personal + Business Life While You Stay At Home
- What New Working Moms Should Know
- Self-Care for Moms
- Writing Copy Stinks
- How to Write an eBook to Make Money
- Resources + Recommendations for Mommin’ + Bloggin’
- 5 Ways to Balance Life as a Work-From-Home Mom
- 7 Ways to Grow a Mom Blog in 2019
- How to Build an Amazing Mom Blog
- The Rise of the Work-at-Home Mom + How To Do It
- How I Grew My Facebook Group to Over 4k Members in 2 Years
- How to Start a Mom Blog
- Some of My Fave Marketing Blogs
