Thank you to Macy’s and ShopStyle for sponsoring today’s post.
How’s your summer going friends? I can’t believe we’re already to the end of June! It feels like summer is going so fast! I am sleeping in about an hour later than usual, but I still have a little morning time to myself before the house wakes up. James has been in camp for the last three weeks, but we’ve already managed to pack so much fun into this summer.
For some of us, it can be hard to find things for the kids to do all day without resorting to mind-numbing video games, so I asked y’all on Stories what you’ve been doing. You gave great answers, and I’m sharing them in a big fat list here for some summer inspiration, while also sharing what we’ve been up to.
Houston is so wildly hot this time of year, so if you’re going to be outdoors, you’re most likely getting wet, or you’re spending lots of time in the A/C.
Be a Tourist in your own City
Short Sleeve Maxi Dress • Similar Sandals
Jordan and I went to see the Houston Waterwall one afternoon. It’s such a cool and unique place to visit if you’re in town. It’s located just outside of the Houston Galleria so you’d think we’d visit more often but this was Jordan’s first time!
This maxi dress is easy, breezy goodness. I like how easy it is to throw on and get going for the day. The material is super soft and opaque with a good bit of stretch, which makes it easy to move in. I love that Macy’s carries petite sizes so I didn’t have to alter it.
Jordan went nuts for the giant waterfall. There’s quite a bit of water coming off the wall, so be prepared to get wet if you visit.
Eyelet Shorts • Glitter Heart Top
I can’t get over how quickly Jordan is growing up. She seems so much older than her tender three years. Maybe it’s being a girl or a younger sibling, but she’s got so much good conversation and wit that it baffles my mind.
She’s definitely opinionated about what she’s going to wear, but she likes everything we’ve found at Macy’s. You might remember her Easter dress was from there too. They have the best sales, so I try to stock up when my kids are going up to the next size.
Right now through June 30th, you can save 25% off during Macy’s Summer Sale with code STYLE.
When is the last time we went splish-splashing barefoot through puddles? Teach us to bring back joy and innocence, dear children!
Of course, not every city has a Waterwall, but there’s something to be said for being a tourist in your own city! We take for granted some of the fun things that Houston has to offer.
Play Dominos
This girl is obsessed with the “dot game“! I love that she called it that before she learned the real name.
With a three year old, we don’t necessarily play by the “rules” but she has fun matching with them and making them make noise!
Visit a Fun Exhibit
Candytopia just opened in Houston and we were lucky to go early. They have places in Dallas and Atlanta as well! Consider it an interactive museum/lifesize Candy Land game with themed rooms, free candy samples, and a giant (faux) marshmallow pit. It took us about 45 minutes to get through the whole experience.
There are local exhibits like this popping up all over Houston – look in your local area and you might be surprised at what you find.
It’s fun for all ages! James was in camp, but Jordan’s cousins tagged along, and all the girls really enjoyed it!
Cupcake Tee • Eyelet Shorts • White Sandals • Maxi Dress 40% off • Sandals
I’m wearing the same maxi dress from the Waterwall, but in the tank version. The peach color was perfect for our time spent in a sea of sugar!
Cupcake Tee • Eyelet Shorts • White Sandals
All of the art is made out of candy! You can touch and smell it, just don’t lick. 😉
Maxi Dress 40% off • Sandals
Drive a Racecar
James and I both got in the driver’s seat for this one and Mama won! It’s a good thing they let me drive with the kids – the other adults there were aggressive!
Eat Ice Cream
We found the cutest little ice cream shop in our neighborhood. There’s even an adult menu if you need some bubbly with your sherbert! The kids love all the different flavor options and I love the decor!
Act Like a Monkey
Our local park has a cute playground that includes swings, a seesaw, and a rockwall. Just getting outside a playing for a little bit can be enough to chase cabin fever away.
Flutter Sleeve Top • Jean Shorts • Stripe Tankini
Make a Splash at the Splash Pad
There’s a splash pad too for the littles and it’s a fantastic way to beat the Houston heat and humidity.
Isn’t that rainbow swimsuit the cutest?! Macy’s has a great selection of kids swimsuits and even carries my favorite crochet swimsuit that I always get compliments on and feel amazing in.
Buckets aren’t just for sand. We learned early on in our visits to the splash pad to bring along water and sand toys too! Anything that can collect the water and get wet! Jordan likes to find leaves and make ‘soup’ in her bucket.
Enter a Rubik’s Cube Competition
James became obsessed with Rubik’s Cubes this year and watched YouTube tutorials to figure out the algorithm for solving them. He’s gotten quite fast and amassed a large collection of different kinds of cubes. The cube has evolved into so many different shapes and puzzles – it’s amazing!
As his interest grew, we looked into and found a cubing competition (yes, that’s a thing), and signed him up. I’m proud to say he competed in his first competition a couple of weeks ago and set a personal best record of 44 seconds! Isn’t that so cool? By the way, the world record is 4 seconds! #saywhat?!
If Rubik’s cubes aren’t your thing, challenge yourself to try something new. I would never have guessed James would participate in something like this and I am pleasantly surprised and so very proud of him!
Catch a Baseball Game
Can I brag on James again?
He convinced me that we needed front row seats at the Astros game because that’s the “best chance at catching a ball, Mom!!!” and he was DYING to catch a ball. Well, sure enough, one came our way, and he leaned over and caught it with his glove.
But then, he surprised me and everyone else by immediately turning to the girl sitting behind us and giving it to her. #cryinghappymomtears
He later approached the ball boy and asked if he could have a game ball and he said yes! And, a random fan also tossed him a ball. So, James ended up going home with two new baseballs! Isn’t that a great life lesson. Give and you shall receive.
The baseball game was fun, even if you’re not really into sports – like me. 😉 There’s a lot of activity going on during the game itself and lots of things to see and do at the park.
Visit a Friend’s House
Watching your child become BFF’s with your BFF’s children is the best! Ali-Shaun joked with me that this is what we would’ve looked like as friends back in the day.
We stopped in for a visit with Ali-Shaun and her daughter Abby – who is older than Jordan, but like I said earlier, she’s growing up so fast she doesn’t seem that much younger! It’s fun for her to play with someone else’s toys for a bit and the mamas get to visit. Nothing fancy, but a really fun way to spend an evening!
Eat Mexican Food on Taco Tuesday
or Wednesday, or Thursday, or Friday 🙂
Our local Mexican food joint is the best! And it’s always so loud and bright in there, it’s a great location for our whole crew to meet up after the boys have been at camp all day.
Walk to the Park
Can they make her romper in my size please?! So glad we brought her stroller… and she s l o w l y pushed it almost the whole way! But seriously, that romper!
SWING ON THE SWINGS
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Float Down the Lazy River at Lost Pines
Nothing says summer like floating down a river (real or man-made) in a tube! It’s fun and leisurely for all ages – even though Jordan liked to splash the whole way through!
Go to Camp
These friends attended a 3-week camp where they could pick their courses and learn some valuable life skills. Some days I think it seemed more like a school day than they would have preferred, but I love to see them all growing and using their time off of school for a little enrichment!
Go to the Movies
Jordan and I saw the new movie ‘Secret Life of Pets 2’ at the fancy and super comfortable iPic theater, but don’t miss out on the $1 movies offered during the week at most movie theaters. You can catch some old favorites for prices closer to what I remember from when I was a kid!
Keep Cool with Popsicles
We’re big fans of popsicles at our house, and I’m a big fan of asking them to go outside to enjoy them! 😉
Go bowling
Bowling is so much fun! We love to go to our local lanes, but I found these soft bowling pins and ball that Jordan is obsessed with. While I’m working, I can hear her and Grandma playing over and over and over!
Kid Tip : I put small trips of washi tape on the floor so Jordan knows how to line the pins back up.
Go Swimming
This one may seem obvious, but spending time at the pool is easy and inexpensive (if you bring your own snacks). Jordan loves jumping in and out of the baby pool!
MORE SUMMER FUN IDEAS
Watch Fireworks
If you’re in Cypress, Texas, shoot me a message- my little brother, Chaz and his wife Jessica, have two fireworks stands there and they’re already hoppin’ for Fourth of July!
Play Games
Play Monopoly
Play Cards
Throw a Ball
At the Park
Make a Picnic
Fly a Kite
Go for a Bike Ride
Play Tennis
Outside
Play Water Balloons
Play Golf
Play with Sidewalk Chalk
Make a Lemonade Stand
Plant an Herb Garden
Run Through the Sprinklers
Play Hopscotch
Let the Kids Wash Your Car
At Home
Take a Nap
Stargaze at Night
Put together a Puzzle
Play Doctor with Stuffed Animals
Have a Fancy Tea Party
Make a YouTube Video (even if it doesn’t go online, the kids will enjoy seeing themselves on your screen)
Paint or Color a Picture
Bake & Decorate Cupcakes
Build a Fort
Read Books
Indoor Experiences
Visit the Public Library
Bounce at a Trampoline Park
Visit the Children’s Museum
Do Good Things
Volunteer at a Nursing Home or Pet Shelter
Bring a Cool Treat to Your Local Fire Station
Donate Gently Used Toys & Clothing
Go Somewhere
Pick Berries
Go to a Concert
Go to an Amusement Park
Go to the Zoo
Go to the Beach
This weekend we’re doing a weekend getaway to Galveston. I’m super excited because my Mom is coming with and we all enjoy her so much. It’s an easy trip for us because it’s just an hour car ride away.
I feel like this summer is flying, but thankfully, we still have July and half of August before school starts back up.
Does this give you some ideas for the rest of your summer? What have y’all been up to?
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Great post! It’s nice to have a good list to refer to when you hear the famous “I’m bored” statement. Thanks for sharing!
Great ideas! I’d like to add ‘sleep outside one night.’ My granddaughter loves this! Happy summer!
That is a fun idea! I bet the kids love it!
This is a great post, thanks! And that photo with James kissing his little sis is just precious!!
Thanks Janelle. I’m so glad I captured that moment!