How I’m embracing a slow, magical summer with my kids

When I think about summer, I’m instantly transported to warm starry nights, sticky popsicle drips, and crispy hot dogs piled high with pickles. Those memories still make me smile, but now, as a mom of three young children, summer looks a little different. Each week comes with a new schedule, constant bouncing between activities, and the inevitable meltdowns from late nights and activity-overstimulation.

But amidst the chaos, there’s something undeniably magical about summer that I’m determined not to lose. There’s beauty in the freedom of unstructured days, the spontaneity of impromptu picnic dinners, and the quiet joy of sitting on the porch sipping lemonade and doing absolutely nothing.

That realization hit me hard: I want to bring back the slow summer—the kind that doesn’t revolve around a packed calendar or the pressure to create nonstop entertainment. I want to reclaim our time and savor the season instead of rushing through it. So, in an effort to take back our summers, here’s how I’m slowing down and rediscovering the summer magic with my kids.

Camp is the planned activity (and that’s enough)

While we love spontaneity, that doesn’t mean scheduled camp days are off the table. As a dual-income family, having our kids in camp is essential, but we’ve reframed the way we look at it: camp is the activity of the day. We’re no longer scrambling to squeeze in extra outings to the beach or amusement parks just because it feels like “everyone else” is doing it. Camp fills their need for structure and stimulation, and the rest of the day is intentionally slow and unstructured. 

When camp ends, that’s when the kids have an opportunity to dive into art projects like painting rocks, watercoloring across paper-covered tables, or experimenting with play dough. This is when backyard soccer games erupt or when the living room transforms into a maze of blanket forts and pillow nests, perfect for quiet reading and imagination-fueled adventures.

One day a week is for family

With both my husband and I having flexible work schedules, we’ve committed to setting aside one day each week as our dedicated family day. Whether it’s a Sunday or a random weekday, it’s a day with no camp, no work, just us. Time together and close to home.

We aim to keep these days low-stress and simple, while still getting out of the house. That might mean a relaxing beach day, a few hours by the lake, or a nature walk at a local park. The goal is to create one day each week that everyone can look forward to—something special without the fuss of full-on planning.

Bringing back evening walks

When our two oldest were little, we used to strap them into the double stroller and head out for long evening walks after dinner. It was the perfect way for them to wind down before bedtime and a chance to actually connect and catch up with my husband. 

This summer, we’re bringing that tradition back. With the heat of the day behind us, the cooler evenings make it doable again. Now that the kids are older, they can choose how they join in: walking alongside us, scootering or biking ahead, or hopping into the wagon with an ice pop in hand. It’s a gentle and easy summer routine with movement, connection, and a relaxing way to end the day.

Making screen time a special event

We’re usually pretty strict about screen time. Our kids typically only watch videos on Friday after school. But during the summer, we loosen up a bit. But instead of letting screens become a daily habit, we’re turning it into something more intentional and meaningful (not mindless!) Enter: family movie night. We all change into pajamas, climb into our big bed, and watch a movie together. With the windows open and a warm breeze drifting in, it feels cozy, memorable, and purposeful.

Embrace those long recipes

You know those recipes that take forever to make and never quite fit into the hectic school-year schedule? Summer is the perfect time to slow down and finally embrace them. Think sourdough bread that rises all day, tangy lemon meringue pie with fluffy peaks, and warm, homemade English muffins fresh from the oven. 

This is also the perfect opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen. (Especially for children like mine who are always eager to lend a hand but rarely get the chance to!). Summer allows us to turn baking into a family activity and create meaningful moments of delicious food and connection.

Celebrating childhood 

Summer is when childhood truly bursts to life. It's a season made for sticky hands, bare feet, and wide-open imaginations. No matter how old my kids are, there’s something wonderfully “childish” about summer that I never want to lose. It’s the joy of finger painting in the backyard, the sweet mess of dripping ice cream on the porch, and the pure delight of running through sprinklers fully clothed, laughing without a care.

I want my kids to experience that kind of freedom—the kind that lets them be messy, silly, and unabashedly joyful. This summer, I’m leaning into those moments that bring childhood to life and giving my kids the space to just be kids. To play, to explore, and to feel the magic of a season that was truly made for them. 

This is how I’m intentionally building summer magic. I’m trading the rush of packed schedules for unstructured, sweet moments and choosing presence over chasing “the perfect summer.” I’m giving myself permission to savor the little things, which often turn out to be the biggest and most meaningful things. In doing so, I’m reminding my kids (and myself) what summer and childhood are truly all about.