Summer is a time for relaxation, adventure, and, most importantly, quality time with our loved ones. As a work-from-home small business owner mom, finding the perfect balance between work and family can be challenging. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can create wonderful memories with fun family summer activities while still managing your professional responsibilities.
I’ve come up with inspiration for fun family summer activities that help you balance your career as a work-from-home mom with the responsibility of being a mom to kids that are spending all their time at home during the summer months. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of fun summer activities for the whole family that are perfect for work-from-home moms like you. I’ve come up with a lot of fun things you can do that can also turn into a source of profit for your small business. And I’ve included creative ways that create the perfect time for kids of all ages to prevent summer boredom.
And don’t leave without downloading your free summer bucket list packet – three pages of blank templates that you can use to write down great ideas for things to do to fill your summer break.
Make Plans for Fun Family Summer Activities
Managing regular business hours while your kids are home for summer can seem impossible. And for many of us small business owners, the reason we chose to go the untraditional work route of working from home is the flexibility of our hours.
Every savvy small business owner knows that the key to consistently making money is to have multiple streams of income. You want to have at least one system of passive income in place to generate money while you’re not actively working. Being able to keep money coming in is the best way to enjoy summer break with your kids. Many solopreneurs learn to create a web of interlinked systems that generate money from multiple areas, like affiliate marketing, selling goods, your email list, and creating courses or paid subscriptions.
Once you’ve got your business plans in place, you can turn your focus to having a memorable and fun summer with your kids. And because you should get into the mindset of always finding new ways to earn money, many of these family summer activities can be a way to make you money.
Plan Some Fun Outdoor Activities
The best (and the worst part for many of us that deal with the horrid humidity in the South) thing about summer is the bright sun, warm days, and extended hours of daylight. But when you’re a WFHM, you find yourself with the challenge of keeping your kids occupied while you’re trying to maintain your normal work schedule.
Planning fun summer activity ideas in the outdoors is a fun way to add some variety to your regular working hours. There are plenty of simple outdoor activities that you can add to your working summer schedule that let your kids have awesome fun while you manage your work schedule.
There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors to rejuvenate both your body and mind. I love taking advantage of the warm weather and exploring the beauty of nature together as a family. It’s a great way to beat writer’s block and get the creative juices flowing. Some of my favorite summer fun ideas include
- Heading to local parks and nature reserves for a refreshing hike or leisurely nature walk. It’s a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the serenity of nature. You can also share a leisurely family bike ride.
- Plan a family camping trip. Whether you spend a night of backyard camping in your own backyard (great for introducing little kids to the conditions of sleeping outdoors) or take a weekend trip to a nearby campground, camping provides an opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with your loved ones.
- Dive into exciting water sports and activities such as swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. These activities not only keep you cool but also add an element of adventure to your summer. A trip to theme parks, a water park, or a splash pad can be a fun way for your kids to enjoy socializing. Your kids can play with others while you do some work. Or set up a water park in your own backyard with an inflatable water slide, water guns, water balloons, or an outdoor pool. (If allowing your kids to have a water balloon fight, be careful not to let your kids or your pets choke on the pieces.)
Creative and Artistic Pursuits
As a hardcore creative that does everything from writing to digital graphics to hands-on activities with sellable crafts, I love getting my kids involved. Inspiring your kids’ creative side is a great asset for their future success. You can start your children out young, learning about how to be an entrepreneur.
Handmade crafts are a great source of income to sell online or at craft shows and flea markets. I love teaching my children skills that they can use to make their own money, even at a young age. There are several craft kids’ activities that can be quite profitable, making for excellent summer job ideas for 12-year-olds.
Unleash your family’s creativity and engage in artistic endeavors that allow everyone to express themselves.
- Create a family art studio at home. Set up an area where you and your kids can paint, draw, or engage in other artistic activities. It’s a great way to bond and discover hidden talents.
- Plan a DIY craft day or workshop. Explore various crafts like pottery, jewelry making, or even origami. The possibilities are endless, and the results will be cherished mementos. These activities can involve the entire family and are a great opportunity for summer job ideas for teenagers. You can enjoy a fun DIY foam activity for younger kids using shaving cream. Or you can create homemade play dough with a few kitchen staples you already have on hand.
- Compile a family scrapbook or photo album. Collect memorable moments and capture them in a beautifully crafted album. It’s a creative way to reminisce about past adventures and share stories with future generations. The good thing about these projects is they can make great sentimental gifts for that special family member in your life.
- Organize a family movie night or even an outdoor movie screening. Set up a cozy space, prepare some popcorn, and enjoy a night of laughter and cinematic magic together. Our local area hosts free summer activities, like free days at the movie theaters (on select movies and hours), kids’ book club at the local library, and organized sports like disc golf, a board game tournament at the local park, and competitions at the skate park. There are also food trucks parked around the botanical gardens, short-day summer camp events, and live entertainment at the local theater.
Learning and Educational Opportunities
Summer doesn’t mean learning takes a break. Turn every moment into a chance for your family to grow intellectually and acquire new skills. I encourage my kids to continue learning and reading all summer so they are prepared for the new school year. Summer is a great time for your kids to develop a love for reading. I created this multi-page reading-themed summer activity book to keep my kids inspired to read books.
Other summer activities you can do to expand your children’s education are to take field trips and explore with easy science experiments. Additional ideas include:
- Visit local museums, science centers, or aquariums. These educational attractions offer a blend of entertainment and learning, providing valuable experiences for both kids and adults, and are great places to get inspiration for your small business. You can also stop by your local fire station and let your kids get a lesson in fire safety with a free program.
- Embark on educational field trips to historical sites nearby. Explore the history of your community and learn about its rich heritage together as a family. We visit historical battle sites, historic parks and homes, cemeteries, and any state park we can find outside major cities.
- Participate in summer reading challenges as a family. Set reading goals, choose books that appeal to everyone’s interests, and discuss them during cozy reading sessions.
- Try out new hobbies or skills together. Whether it’s cooking, gardening, or even coding, learning something new as a family is both educational and exciting. The park, your yard, and the kitchen are some of the best places to spend long days in the summer. Even a trip to the grocery store, Home Depot, a baseball game, or a visit to the county fair to learn about farm animals can be a fun and educational outing.
Community Engagement and Volunteering
I never thought I’d be that old person that despises younger generations, and yet here I am, not even in my 40s, with a severe dislike for most people born after 2000. It seems like these young bucks and babes are all about themselves and not giving a damn about anyone else.
I’ve made it a personal mission to impart as much compassion and empathy to my children as possible. I want them to know that it’s okay to be a hardass as long as you show consideration to others when it’s appropriate.
Summer is the best time to get your kids involved in something that can make a difference for others. Some of my oldest daughter’s favorite summer activities are helping our elderly neighbors, serving at the local soup kitchen, and being a Big Sister mentor. Make a positive impact on your community and instill valuable lessons of compassion and empathy in your children.
- Participate in community clean-up events. Take part in organized efforts to beautify your neighborhood and teach your children about the importance of environmental responsibility. Creating a fairy garden can be a fun way to spend a Saturday morning while creating beautiful places for insects to collect.
- Volunteer at local charities or food banks. By lending a helping hand to those in need, you can show your kids the power of kindness and philanthropy. If you don’t have the spare time to donate, do something as worthwhile, like donating healthy snacks, bedding, essential clothing, and hygiene products to your local shelter.
- Join neighborhood sports leagues or clubs. Engage in friendly competition and foster a sense of community spirit among your family and neighbors.
- Organize a neighborhood block party or potluck. Strengthen the bonds within your community by bringing everyone together for a day of fun, food, and laughter. Hosting a car wash is one of my favorite summer activities for 13 year olds to earn some pocket money through hard work.
Family Game Nights and Competitions
Who says work and play can’t go hand in hand? Organize family game nights and friendly competitions to unwind and enjoy quality time together. Family games are one of the best free things, and it can be so much fun for the kids to team up against the parents. It can strengthen family bonds, and it’s the perfect place to launch family chats to get updated on all the new things going on in each other’s lives.
- Host a regular family game night with board games or card games. Let everyone take turns choosing their favorite games, and watch as laughter fills the room. Some of the best things to play include cards, dominos, Uno, Phase 10, Yahtzee, and Farkle.
- Plan a friendly sports competition in the backyard. Set up a mini Olympics with fun activities like sack races, relay races, or even a water balloon toss.
- Organize a family talent show or karaoke night. Showcase your family’s unique talents and have a blast singing, dancing, or performing skits together.
- Create a family-friendly obstacle course or scavenger hunt. Design a course that involves teamwork, problem-solving, and lots of excitement. It’s a surefire way to create lasting memories. You can also create a time capsule as a fun family project.
Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
Sometimes, it takes leaving it all behind to drag my kids (and the husband) away from their video games. I won’t lie; I enjoy some gaming too. I’m more of a Sims and Warframe folk myself, but the rest of the crew is all about COD and Diablo.
I’m a homebody with a huge distaste for having to leave the house and engage with society. But some days, it’s nice to escape the monotony of daily routines and embark on exciting adventures near or far. The good news is that there are plenty of ways that I can have explorative adventures without having to engage with people.
- Explore nearby cities or towns as a family. Discover new cultures, visit museums, try local cuisines, and create unforgettable memories.
- Plan a road trip to visit relatives or friends. Reconnect with loved ones while exploring new destinations along the way. It’s a great way to strengthen family bonds and create lasting connections.
- Enjoy a beach day or a lakeside getaway. Build sandcastles, swim in the cool waters, and soak up the sun. Relaxation and fun await you and your family.
- Visit amusement parks or water parks for thrilling rides and water slides. Release your inner child and let the laughter and joy fill your summer days.
Cooking and Barbecuing Together
If you’ve checked out my Xenial Momfessions, you’ll know that I’m a huge supporter of giving my kids crucial life skills. From cleaning to cooking, my kids have a rotating list of chores that they do so they get experience with everything they’ll need to know when they’re out in the world as adults.
Turn your kitchen into a classroom of creativity and deliciousness by involving your family in the culinary process. Cooking isn’t just a crucial life skill that can help your children live healthier lives while saving money on not having to eat out. It can also teach your kids about fractions, following directions, safety, and teamwork.
- Try out new recipes and cooking techniques. Explore various cuisines, experiment with flavors, and encourage everyone to contribute their ideas. It’s a tasty adventure for all.
- Organize a family barbecue or picnic. Fire up the grill, prepare scrumptious meals, and enjoy a delightful outdoor feast with your loved ones.
- Set up a DIY ice cream or popsicle station. Let your kids unleash their imaginations by creating their own unique frozen treats. It’s a cool way to beat the summer heat.
- Have a family baking day with homemade treats. From cookies to cakes, let your family explore the joys of baking together. And don’t forget to savor the delicious results!
Use These Family Summer Activities To Have Fun without Affecting Your WFH Small Business
As a work-from-home small business owner mom, finding the right balance between work and family can be a challenge. However, summer provides an excellent opportunity to prioritize quality time with your loved ones. By engaging in a variety of fun-filled family summer activities, you can create lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and recharge your own energy. So, don’t forget to make the most of the summer season by exploring the great outdoors, unleashing your family’s creativity, embracing learning opportunities, engaging with your community, enjoying friendly competitions, embarking on adventures, and cooking up some delicious moments together. With a little planning and enthusiasm, this summer will be one your family will cherish for years to come. Happy summer!
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- Reading-themed Summer Activity Book
- Alphabet Trace Activity Book for Littles
- DIY Preschool Activity Book
- Cursive Printable Practice Planner
- 53 Money Counting Printables
- Printable Math Activity Workbook
- Find the Letter ABC Maze
- How to Draw Cartoon Characters
And To help keep your life managed and balanced, check out these resources.
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