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A little sunshine goes a long way.
I’m so excited—Summer is upon us! That means longer days, fewer layers (finally), and the perfect excuse to get outside. Around here, summer is all about keeping my littles busy with outdoor fun and low-cost activities that don’t require a packed schedule or overthinking it.
So here’s our no-pressure, real-life summer bucket list—8 simple things we’re doing this season to make memories, burn energy, and soak up all the summer vibes. Nothing fancy, just good fun for toddlers, babies, and busy mamas like me.
1. Walk and Play at the Park
A classic for a reason. This one’s a natural energy burner and full-on entertainment. Let the littles run wild while you sip iced coffee. Yes, make it a whole morning or afternoon vibe. Toss in a mini picnic if you’re feeling it—just grab a toddler-friendly water bottle, a blanket, and enjoy your small window of peace.
2. Backyard Bubble Play
Break out your best bubble machine and let it go wild. Whew—this one saves so much energy, and your kiddo will have a blast every time. Turn it into a weekly activity and you’ll both look forward to it.
3. Indoor Play Centers
Total gem. Perfect for rainy days or when it’s too hot to function. Just bring socks, snacks, and wipes—because the kids won’t want to leave. And honestly, you might even get a minute to breathe. It’s a win.
4. Festivals and Outings
Check out local events, food truck days, and community festivals—they’re usually free or low-cost and packed with fun. I like to prep at the start of each month by checking local calendars. We keep the stroller or wagon loaded and essentials packed so we’re always ready to roll.
5. Splash Pad Days
These are spontaneous, joyful chaos. Kids will literally run in the water until you drag them away. Pro tip: keep a “splash kit” in the car with towels, swimsuits, and sunscreen so you’re always prepared. This one’s a staple once temps really climb.
6. Sidewalk Chalk + Snacks
=Simple, but gold. Give them a big tub of sidewalk chalk and a juice box and you’ve got a solid hour (or two) of creative play. Use your driveway, porch, or find some park pavement. Easy, fun, and no planning required.
7. Library Runs
Books, crafts, and sometimes even puppet shows—libraries are underrated magic. Toddlers are super curious right now, and this is a quiet reset that benefits everyone. Bonus: air conditioning.
8. Parent-Child Dates
One-on-one time is everything—especially with a new sibling in the mix. I’ve started taking my toddler on little dates just the two of us. It can be as simple as an ice cream run or a park trip with a new toy. A little effort goes a long way in helping your kiddo feel seen and special.
So that’s our simple summer bucket list—no pressure, no Pinterest perfection, just real-life fun for real-life moms. Whether you try one or all eight, the goal isn’t to do it all—it’s to soak up the sweet little moments and sneak in a peaceful coffee break when you can.
What’s on your summer bucket list?
Tell me in the comments! I’d love to hear your ideas and add a few to our rotation. And if you found this helpful, go ahead and share it with another mama who could use a little stress-free summer inspo.
