This is going to be very different from my 61 fun and exciting summer activities for adults post.
Let’s be honest for a second.
You love your kids, you really do—but you’re also just… tired. Like bone-deep, “don’t talk to me until I’ve had my 3rd iced coffee” kind of tired.
And now summer’s here.
Which means no school drop-offs, no lunchbox routines, and for some reason… way more laundry than before??
And while everyone online is over here planning color-coded schedules, week-long camping trips, and elaborate “screen-free activity” charts, you’re over here like—can I just get 10 minutes of peace without someone yelling “MOOOMMMM” through the bathroom door?
This post is not about becoming a supermom.
It’s not about turning your house into a Pinterest board.
And it’s definitely not about adding more pressure to “make the most of summer.” This is about surviving summer.
Thriving, if you’re lucky.
But mostly just… feeling a little more like yourself again.
I’m writing this post for all moms out there and it’s dedicated to my friends who have kids too.
So here are 101 summer ideas that are simple, healing, sometimes hilarious, and totally doable—even on 3 hours of sleep and half a granola bar.
Some of these are for you.
Some are for you with your kids.
And all of them are designed to give you a little breath, a little joy, or at least a break from the chaos.
You’re doing better than you think. Let’s make this summer a little lighter—together.
1. Hide in your car with iced coffee
Yes, with the AC running and your favorite playlist on. Just sit. Sip. Breathe. No one can find you here. It’s sacred ground now.
2. Let them watch a movie twice in a row
It won’t ruin their brains. You won’t go to mom jail. And you might just get 90 minutes to fold laundry or stare into space.
3. Say no to a playdate you don’t feel like doing
You don’t owe anyone your energy. Cancel politely. Protect your peace. The world won’t collapse.
4. Eat a meal without sharing a bite
You made it. You plated it. You deserve to enjoy it without someone asking for “just a little taste.” Stand your ground.
5. Sit on the porch alone after bedtime
The quiet hum of summer nights? Healing. Let the breeze hit your face and remind you that you are still a person.
6. Have a “lazy breakfast” day
Cereal. Pop-Tarts. Frozen waffles. No one dies if there’s no fruit. Bonus points if you don’t do dishes till 3 p.m.
7. Don’t cook dinner one day
Like literally just… don’t. Sandwiches. Leftovers. Crackers and cheese. The fridge is a buffet. Survival mode is fine.
8. Let your kids be bored
You’re not a cruise director. Boredom builds creativity. Or sibling fights. Either way, not your problem for once.
9. Watch your favorite show while folding laundry
Laundry sucks less when you’re rewatching your comfort show. Turn on Gilmore Girls or The Office and vibe.
10. Sit on the bathroom floor and scroll in silence
Not ideal, but honestly? Sometimes it’s the only “me time” you get. Own it.
Would you like me to continue with #11–#101 in this exact style? I can break it into sections (like “Things to Do Alone,” “With Kids,” “When You’re Overstimulated,” etc.), or keep it rolling as one big cozy list.
You said:
Yes.
ChatGPT said:
Amazing—let’s keep going! Here’s the next set: #11–#40, written in the same cozy, slightly sarcastic, emotionally aware tone. These ideas are for burned-out moms who need a little space, softness, or just a reminder that they’re allowed to take care of themselves too.
11. Let the house be messy for one whole day
Step over the toys. Ignore the dishes. No deep cleaning. Just exist in the chaos and know it won’t kill you.
12. Listen to your teenage playlist
Put on that old high school mix and dance like no one’s judging (because they’re not—they’re all glued to Bluey).
13. Watch the clouds while lying on the floor
You don’t have to go outside if it’s hot. Just lie down. Let your brain slow down. It’s weirdly grounding.
14. Text your best friend and say “I’m losing it”
You don’t need advice. Just connection. One “ugh same” text can save your sanity.
15. Let them eat popsicles before dinner
Sugar before vegetables? It’s summer. It’s fine. The food pyramid won’t collapse.
16. Make one corner of your house yours
Just one. A chair, a candle, a book stack. No toys, no crumbs. Just mom-vibes only.
17. Cry in the laundry room if you need to
No shame. Sometimes the spin cycle drowns out the sobbing perfectly.
18. Get a drive-thru treat just for you
Don’t share. Don’t feel bad. Call it “gas station self-care.” It counts.
19. Start a “silly things my kids say” note on your phone
They’re hilarious, even when they’re driving you nuts. Document the chaos.
20. Set a 5-minute timer and sit in total silence
You might go insane. Or… it might feel like a vacation. Worth a try.
21. Say “I don’t know” and move on
Not every question needs a lecture. Sometimes “hmm good question” is the only energy you’ve got. Let it be enough.
22. Rewear yesterday’s clothes
Especially if no one saw you in them. Laundry hack of the summer, tbh.
23. Go barefoot in the grass
It’s cliché. It’s crunchy. But also? It actually does help you chill out a little.
24. Let them make their own snacks
They’ll survive. Might be messy. Might be cheese and Goldfish in a bowl. Still counts.
25. Ignore someone’s opinion on your parenting
Especially that stranger online. Especially your aunt. Especially your own inner critic.
26. Make a “done list” instead of a to-do list
Write down the stuff you already did (like brushing your teeth or keeping tiny humans alive). Gold star.
27. Let your partner do bedtime—then walk away
Don’t hover. Don’t “just help a little.” Go read. Go scroll. Go be somewhere quiet and not responsible.
28. Go for a walk and don’t answer your phone
Leave the group chats. Let the texts wait. Let your brain have space to wander.
29. Whisper-yell into a pillow
The scream is real, but you’ve still got neighbors. Get it out, mama.
30. Watch a nostalgic summer movie
Now and Then. The Parent Trap. My Girl. Let yourself feel all the feelings.
31. Buy yourself a ridiculously cheap and cute summer dress
From Target. From Amazon. From that random shop with the weird sizes. Put it on and feel like someone who gets to be happy too.
32. Take a nap in the middle of the day
Even if it’s just 12 minutes. Even if it’s under a pile of stuffed animals. Close your eyes and disappear for a sec.
33. Let your kid stay up past bedtime just to cuddle
Only if you want to. But those giggles in the dark? Kind of magical sometimes.
34. Leave the dishes in the sink overnight
They’ll still be there in the morning. You won’t be arrested.
35. Make your coffee extra special one morning
Whipped cream. Syrup. Sprinkles if you want. Channel your inner barista and romanticize the heck out of it.
36. Sit on the floor with your kid and do nothing
Not a game. Not a craft. Just sit together. Let them climb on you. Or not. Let it be still.
37. Light a candle for no reason
Even if it’s 10 a.m. Even if it’s 100 degrees. Candle = cozy = peace.
38. Write a list of things you’re proud of (from this week)
Even if it’s “didn’t yell during that meltdown” or “kept everyone alive.” It counts.
39. Buy a $5 face mask
Put it on. Look like a swamp monster. Scare your kids for fun. Glow up for you.
40. Say “I love you but I need a break”
It’s not mean. It’s not selfish. It’s real. Teach them that moms have limits too.
41. Say “no” without explaining
You don’t owe anyone a reason. “No, that doesn’t work for us right now” is a complete sentence.
42. Let your kid wear mismatched clothes
If they dressed themselves? That’s a win. Stripes and polka dots never hurt anyone.
43. Buy the “silly” thing just because it made you smile
The cat mug. The glitter pens. The sunflower magnet. Let yourself have small joy.
44. Let your partner handle the meltdown
Even if you’re secretly better at it. Let them figure it out. Sit in the other room and eat a cookie.
45. Take a long shower and pretend you’re at a spa
Close your eyes. Let the water run too long. Use the “fancy” shampoo you’ve been saving. You deserve it.
46. Don’t answer that call
If it’s not urgent and you’re not in the mood? Let it ring. Protect your bandwidth.
47. Say yes to help
If someone offers to babysit, bring food, or take the kids for an hour? SAY YES. Even if it feels awkward. Say yes.
48. Make your bed and sit on it with a snack
Not for aesthetics. Just to remind yourself you have a bed. And quiet time is allowed there.
49. Write down 3 things your kid did that made you laugh
Even on hard days, they’re tiny weirdos. Remember the joy parts too.
50. Leave the group chat for a day
You won’t miss much. You will feel lighter. Promise.
51. Do something kinda dumb, on purpose
Blow bubbles. Jump in the pool fully dressed. Dance to ‘90s music in the kitchen. You’re still allowed to be silly.
52. Let them have cereal for dinner
Zero shame. Zero effort. Maximum peace.
53. Rewatch your favorite childhood movie
Curl up with a blanket and pretend you’re 11 again. It’s healing.
54. Spend 10 minutes outside before anyone wakes up
Early morning air, a quiet cup of coffee, maybe a bird chirping = reset button.
55. Unfollow accounts that make you feel like a bad mom
Curated lives are not your reality. Protect your mental space.
56. Listen to a podcast that makes you feel seen
Not a productivity one. Not a parenting one. One that just feels like a friend.
57. Create a secret snack stash
Somewhere high. Somewhere safe. Where tiny hands can’t find it.
58. Let your kid be loud without correcting them
Just for a minute. Let the chaos be chaos. Deep breaths. No yelling. Just vibes.
59. Skip the sunscreen battle once
Put a hat on them. Call it a day. Choose peace over SPF this one time.
60. Watch trashy reality TV with zero shame
Put on that guilty pleasure show and sink into the drama like it’s a warm bath.
61. Journal like no one will ever read it
Let it all out. The rage, the boredom, the funny stuff, the “I’m so done” moments. Get it on paper.
62. Take a selfie just because you feel cute
Not to post. Just to look at later and say, “Damn, I’m still here.”
63. Let them skip bath night
They’re not crusty. They’ll survive. You will too.
64. Do a quick stretch with a YouTube video
Even if it’s just five minutes. Your body will thank you. Your mind might, too.
65. Buy a journal that’s only for you
Not the grocery list. Not the meal plan. Just you stuff. Write messy.
66. Put your phone down for 30 minutes
Even if you pick it back up right after. You might notice something sweet in the silence.
67. Blast music while doing chores
Suddenly dishes become a solo concert. Loud music = therapy with a mop.
68. Light incense or spray room spray
Shift the vibe with scent. Fake peace till you feel it.
69. Let your kid help cook, even if it’s slower
Breathe through the mess. They’ll remember this more than any perfect meal.
70. Make a “when summer ends I’ll miss…” list
The squeals. The barefoot mornings. The popsicle stains. Notice them while they’re here.
71. Say “I’m not okay today” out loud
Normalize that. Even to your kids. Especially to yourself.
72. Walk barefoot in the kitchen with the fan on
There’s something soft and calming about cool tile and summer air. Try it.
73. Let the laundry pile win
You will not be on trial for letting it overflow. It’ll still be there tomorrow.
74. Drink something cold and fancy in a wine glass
Even if it’s just lemon water. Elevate your hydration game.
75. Start reading a book, even if you don’t finish it
Crack it open. Smell the pages. Read one chapter. It counts.
76. Watch your kid while they sleep
Not in a creepy way. Just pause and feel the softness in that quiet moment.
77. Write down your wins at the end of each week
No matter how small. “Didn’t scream during the toothpaste tantrum” totally counts.
78. Text a fellow mom and say “I see you”
Remind someone else that she’s not alone. It’ll lift you too.
79. Skip the playroom cleanup
Shut the door. Let it look like a Lego crime scene. You’ve got better things to do.
80. Order dinner and pretend you cooked
Transfer it to your plates if you must. No one needs to know. You’re a genius.
81. Create a “scream playlist”
You know, the songs you put on when you’re this close to losing it. Scream-sing them. Loudly. In the car if possible.
82. Give yourself a “B+ mom” award
You tried. You survived. You gave snacks. You showed up. That’s above average.
83. Set a boundary with love
“No, I’m not up for that today.” Full stop. Be soft and firm.
84. Romanticize something tiny
Lighting a candle. Folding a towel. Wiping the counter. Add a little meaning to the mundane.
85. Take a photo of something quiet
Not posed. Not curated. Just a moment that made you exhale.
86. Don’t respond to that email
At least not right now. It can wait. You can rest.
87. Forgive yourself for snapping
You’re not a monster. You’re human. Say sorry, then let it go.
88. Open the window and breathe
Just pause. Fresh air on your face. Inhale. Exhale. It helps, even for 30 seconds.
89. Watch them play without joining in
You don’t have to play every time. Just observe. Smile. Let it be enough.
90. Sit down while they’re still awake
You are allowed to rest even if the day isn’t “done.” You don’t have to earn your rest.
91. Create a bedtime wind-down just for you
Candle. Book. Ice roller. Quiet music. Even 10 minutes of a routine makes a difference.
92. Buy a silly sticker for your water bottle
Something that makes you laugh. Something small that says, “I still have a personality.”
93. Let your kid see you happy
Dance. Laugh. Sit in the sun and say, “This feels good.” Model joy too.
94. Try a weird summer drink recipe
Lavender lemonade? Watermelon mint spritzer? Go full Pinterest fantasy and sip it like royalty.
95. Clean just one corner
Not the house. Just the counter. Or one drawer. Tiny wins. Don’t underestimate them.
96. Make a “do nothing” playlist
Lo-fi beats, piano covers, rainy day vibes. Play it when your brain feels like soup.
97. Delete an app that drains you
Even if just for a week. TikTok, Insta, that parenting forum. Detox your scroll.
98. Sit in your car for 2 extra minutes after errands
Don’t rush back in. Let the silence hold you a little longer.
99. Say “this is hard”
Out loud. To yourself. To your partner. To your journal. Naming it makes space for grace.
100. Hug your kid without rushing it
Hold them for just a second longer. Let yourself melt into it. Let the moment last.
101. Tell yourself: “I’m doing enough.”
Because you are. Even when it doesn’t feel like it. Especially then.
