Mommy Summer Camp: Our Favorite Family Tradition

And it doesn’t even involve a plane ticket

Every year, after the last lunchbox is emptied and the final school bell rings, I take a full week off work. Not for a big vacation. Not for a home renovation. But for something way more fun: Mommy Summer Camp.

It’s a sacred tradition in our house—one full week of fun, spontaneity, and snacks that aren’t packed in bento boxes.

What Is Mommy Summer Camp?

Think: low-stress summer magic without the flight delays, the packing list meltdowns, or the “wait, where’s your other shoe?!” energy of a full-blown trip. It’s me + the boys doing fun, local(ish), memory-making things we never have time for during the school year. It’s basically a staycation, but better—because we’re doing it our way.

No camps. No work. No expectations to be productive.
Just play, connection, and zero pressure to cook anything that doesn’t involve a drive-thru.

What We Actually Do

Every year’s a little different, but here are some past Mommy Summer Camp hits:

• Haunted ghost tour (yes, we’re that kind of family)

• Every splash pad within a 50-mile radius—we’ve probably reviewed 1,700 at this point

• Multiple zoos and aquariums because animals are a guaranteed win

• Beaches, pools, and water parks, oh my

• Random weekday movies with giant slushies

• Trying new restaurants where we don’t eat chicken nuggets

• Ice cream before lunch. Repeatedly.

And of course, “Back to Summer” clothes shopping—because my kids wear uniforms to school, so we skip the usual back-to-school mall chaos. This is our time to pick out their “fun clothes” for the summer: graphic tees, new swim trunks, and maybe something neon because we’re feeling bold.

Why It Works

• We’re not traveling, so the kids sleep in their own beds (and so do I 🙌).

• It’s age-appropriate—they’re old enough to be curious, young enough to still think I’m cool (some days).

• No pressure to clean, cook, or over-perform. I’m not trying to be Pinterest Mom. I’m just Present Mom.

• We make memories, not spreadsheets.

Start Your Own Mommy Summer Camp

You don’t need a whole week off. Even a long weekend or a few intentional afternoons can do the trick. The key is: drop the expectations and just hang out. Let the kids help plan it, eat the snow cone, and skip bedtime once or twice.

And if you need an official camp motto? Ours is: “Fun is the only rule.”