Summer Vacations: A Time to Wander, Wonder, and (Maybe) Rest

There’s something about summer that stirs a longing for adventure, even if that adventure looks more like packing 27 snacks for a 2-hour car ride than sipping drinks on a quiet beach.

Whether you’re planning a big family getaway or a cozy staycation in your own backyard, summer vacations with kids are a season of making memories: beautifully imperfect, joyfully messy memories.

At Community Motherhood, we know travel with children isn’t always relaxing, but it can be meaningful, connective, and full of magic (even if someone’s crying in the backseat).

Why Summer Getaways Matter

Vacations aren’t just about where you go they’re about the space you create for togetherness. Stepping out of your normal routine, even for a day, can help you:

• Reconnect as a family without the pressure of school, work, and daily chaos

• Create memories your kids will carry long after the suitcase is unpacked

• Give yourself a chance to rest, reflect, and just be

• Show your children the beauty of exploration, whether it's a road trip or a nature walk

  
  

And honestly? Sometimes, the greatest gift is a break from cooking.

Tips for Traveling with Kids (and Keeping Your Sanity)

Let’s be real: traveling with littles is not exactly effortless. But with a little prep and a lot of flexibility, it can be fun. Here are a few tried-and-true tips:

Pack light(ish), but smart: Bring what matters and don’t forget the backup lovey, the wipes, and a good sense of humor.

Snacks are sacred: They cure boredom, prevent meltdowns, and make you feel like a superhero.

Plan… loosely: Have a rough idea of what you want to do, but leave space for spontaneity (and naps).

Entertainment is everything: Audiobooks, playlists, activity kits, or a few surprise toys can go a long way in the car or on a flight.

Rest when you can: No one sleeps great in a hotel with a toddler. Lean into it. Lower the bar. There’s always coffee.

Staycations Count Too

Not leaving town this year? That’s okay. Summer magic doesn’t require a plane ticket. Pitch a tent in the backyard. Explore a local trail. Make popsicles and play in the sprinklers. Sometimes, the simplest moments become the most meaningful.

A staycation can offer the same joy of adventure, without the packing stress and you still get to sleep in your own bed.

Gentle Reminder: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Not every moment of vacation will be picture-perfect. Someone might get carsick. There may be tantrums in paradise. But even in the chaos, you’re creating connection. Your kids won’t remember if you forgot the sunscreen. They’ll remember how it felt to be with you exploring, laughing, slowing down.

And mama, you deserve that time too. To take a breath. To enjoy the season. To let go of the pressure and be in the moment, however messy and beautiful it may be.

Here’s to the Summer of Connection

Whether you're venturing far or staying close, summer is an invitation to slow down, to make memories, and to soak in the sweetness of this season with your family.

At Community Motherhood, we’re cheering you on, sunscreen in one hand, snack bag in the other, as you step into whatever adventure this summer holds.