Summer Survival for Moms Who Don’t Camp (Or Want To)

Let’s be real: summer survival doesn’t always mean bug spray and bunk beds. For some of us, it just means keeping our kids alive, somewhat clean, and maybe even having a little fun. —without turning into a full-on camp director. And while I know summer camps are basically a rite of passage in the US — I mean, there are entire movies built around the idea — it's just not how I was raised.

Where I come from (shoutout to my fellow Nicaraguan mamas), sending your child away for the summer wasn’t really part of the plan. We didn’t grow up with color-coded packing lists or matching cabin shirts. Our vacation days were spent at home, with our moms sighing dramatically while we hovered three inches away asking for another snack. And even though we might grumble, we kind of love it that way.

We like to keep our kids close. Like ducklings. Loud, chaotic, snack-demanding ducklings. It’s a cultural thing. There’s comfort in the noise, in knowing where everyone is, in suffering together as a family unit (with love... and maybe a little yelling). That said, I totally get that here in the States, day camps and sleepaway camps are the norm. Some parents grew up as camp kids—and now they’re raising camp kids. That’s beautiful, too.

So if you’re a mom like me — someone who maybe isn’t ready to go full nature goddess or send the kids off for six weeks — here’s a summer survival guide that blends a little DIY, a lot of humor, and some good-ish bribes to get through the summer months with your sanity (mostly) intact.

Backyard camping: Adventure with indoor plumbing

Your kid wants to camp? Cool. You want to sleep in a bed and access a real toilet? Even cooler. Enter: backyard camping. Set up a tent, toss in some blankets, and let the kids go wild with flashlights and snacks. You can even do a fire pit if you’re feeling extra. Think of it as the sleepaway camp lite experience — close enough to be exciting, far enough to feel independent, but still within yelling distance if someone hears a raccoon.

Tip: Layer blankets or yoga mats to prevent “my back hurts” complaints, and spray the area to prevent insects, especially ticks. Safety first, always.

The hose is your hero

You don’t need a pool or a fancy water product. You just need a hose, a lawn, and a willingness to let your kids run around screaming. DIY splash zones are a staple of summer survival — because what’s better than letting your children drench themselves while you watch from the shade?

Pro parent move: create a sprinkler obstacle course or repurpose old bottles with holes punched in them. Low budget, high impact. Plus, it helps with lawn care (hello moisture), burns off that “I’m bored” energy, and keeps everyone cool during peak heat.

Screens with a side of strategy

Look, we’re not anti-screens here — we’re just trying to reduce screen time strategically. My rule? Screens are earned. Want 30 minutes of video games? Great — go read, do a craft, or play outside first. It gives us both a little structure and makes me feel like I’m sort of managing things.

Also, some screen time can be educational, or at least tolerable. There are great kid shows that actually teach something, or even YouTube reviews of toys and science kits that spark curiosity. I call this “tech with purpose.” You call it buying yourself a second to sit down and drink coffee before it melts.

Boredom bins = summer routine magic

If your routine is: wake up, snack, chaos, snack, repeat — you’re not alone. That’s why I love boredom bins. They’re just containers filled with games, small crafts, puzzles, or dollar store activities. When someone says, “I don’t know what to dooooo,” you toss them a bin and walk away like a hero.

It creates just enough structure to avoid mutiny, without locking you into a strict schedule. Plus, it encourages independent play, which is basically the holy grail of summer survival tips.

Snacks, shade & staying sane

The summer season is hot, sticky, and snack-intensive. Get ahead of the chaos with a snack station, a hydration setup, and a dedicated shady zone. Whether it’s a pop-up canopy or an old sheet clipped between trees, cool shady spots are essential for both healthier skin and attitudes.

Tip: Keep dry snacks on hand to avoid attracting bugs, and encourage water refills to support their little bodies (and stop them from asking you for the 700th cup of juice). Teaching them to manage their own needs? That’s the real summer survival win.

Close or far, moms are still moms

Whether your summer survival plan includes shipping the kids off to camp, or keeping them close like we do in Nicaragua, the love behind it is the same. Some parents find peace knowing their kids are making new friends, exploring the outdoors, and thriving independently. Others (hi, it’s me) find peace knowing their kid is in their line of sight — even if that peace is occasionally shattered by screams of “MOM! I NEED A SNACK!”

It’s not about what’s better — it’s about what works for you, your environment, your youth, and your comfort level. Some of us were raised to believe that closeness is safety. Others were raised to believe that independence is growth. And the truth is? They’re both right.

So whether your kid’s summer fun comes from archery camp or backyard slip-n-slides, you’re doing great. This isn’t about judgment. It’s about surviving this season — messy, loud, beautiful, and deeply human.

Now pass me the sunscreen and a popsicle. We’ve got a long summer ahead.