10 Summer Mom Hacks for Better (& Easier!) Family Adventures

Getting out in nature together is so good for kids and adults, but it can be a little daunting to take kids out to hike and play in natural places for various reasons. These are some of my best summer mom hacks from years of family adventure days and summer fun! 

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We love taking a few special trips in the summer, but most of our fun and best memories are made in natural watering holes, beachy areas, and our own backyard.

While I know how amazing and fun getting out for adventure can be, I also know that it honestly be a little overwhelming and somewhat exhausting to take a bunch of kids out for the day/afternoon. I know that for many, just the thought of going for a hike with your kids, or taking them to play in a creek, or going fishing at a dock stresses you out. Or maybe, you really want to incorporate more outdoor time in your family life, but you don’t know where to begin or had a negative experience that now holds you back.

I just want to say first of all, that you aren’t alone in feeling this way! But I 100% believe that there are ways to make adventuring outdoors with kids (even babies and toddlers) fun and manageable– dare I say, easy even! 

After regularly taking our kids out for several years, I have learned through much experience (trial and error) a LOT of ways to streamline the process. Basically, my goals for outings are…

• more FUN
• less MESS
• more CHILL time for mama
• BETTER FLOW out the door and once we get back home
• all basic needs PLANNED FOR

Here are the simple things I do before and during outings, as well as some of the best recs for adventure days.

10 Summer Mom Hacks for Better (& Easier!) Family Adventures

1. GRAB & GO ESSENTIALS BY THE DOOR (+ CAR BASKET & ADVENTURE BAGS)

Keeping things by the door isn’t exactly a “hack”, but it is one of the best things you can do to streamline the process of getting out the door.

I use a simple command hook by the door for our keys, and have a row of pushpins for easily hanging sunglasses when we’re not wearing them. Also near the door is another (fancier) hook that I use for my Avryn Co wristlet and my Walker Family Goods sling– two of my most-used items for keeping up with the essentials out of the house.

Besides the basics like keys, wallet, and sunglasses, I also have ADVENTURE DAY BAGS packed and ready to go in a bench near the door. Each adventure day bag is packed with outing-specific items for whatever we are doing that day: water/sand, hiking, playing at a park.

I’ve been using this adventure day bag system for three years now and it’s been a complete game changer for simplifying the process of getting out the door. No more hunting for what we need to go to the beach/river/park/trail because all the stuff is already corralled together in a bag we can just grab and toss in the truck.

Read more about our Adventure Day Bags here and make some of your own this summer!  

Finally, I have a stash of items that stay in the car all the time– food baskets for easier meals on the road, emesis bags, a zipper bag of travel games, and in the back, a laundry bag with raincoats, hats, and flip-flops for everyone. (hats for sun and ticks, and flip-flops for when someone inevitably forgets their shoes).

2. SPECIAL DRINK FOR THE DRIVE HOME

Pack a coffee or special drink for you for the drive home. This is an AMAZING hack and can really change the ending of your adventure days. I never plan to stop having hot coffee waiting for me when I finally get everyone back in the car and situated for the drive home.

I have been tagged on Instagram so many times since I shared this last year when I first shared this hack. Your special drink doesn’t have to be coffee– it could be sweet tea, hot tea, a smoothie…whatever! The point is that it’s something to look forward to, and it can keep you awake and alert after an adventure. 

3. POPSICLES IN A DOUBLE-WALLED DRINK CONTAINER

This will be my fourth summer packing in popsicles wherever we go!  I use my Reduce party pitcher to pack popsicles on just about every outing. The double-walled insulated pitcher keeps the popsicles frozen for HOURS. Plus, I can fit about 12 or so in the pitcher, so I can bring enough for our family and another.

I highly recommend trying this hack this summer. The cold popsicles are so refreshing on hot days. I keep these Welch’s juice bars stocked at all times during the spring and summer. The popsicles are just juice– no added sugar or artificial coloring.

(Here’s a bonus hack too– I have a SOG key knife on my keychain that comes in handy on the regular, including for opening popsicles!)

This year I also want to try making some of our own popsicles in this style (not just our regular at-home version). I’ll let you know how it goes!

4. COLD WATER & REFILLS

Not having enough water is a surefire way to put an end to an outing. A few years ago, I upgraded all of us to these 32oz Hydro-Cell water bottles. We love them! They come in lots of different colors, which is nice if you have multiple kids and want different colors for each. They also come with two different styes of lids.

To help with carrying the water bottles everywhere (especially if the kids aren’t carrying backpacks), I got each of them a water bottle sling. The slings are SO HELPFUL. Seriously, I think my kids would have lost their bottles a long time ago if it wasn’t so easy to keep their water bottle on them hands-free. Highly recommend!

No matter what water bottle you go with, you want to make sure you have a way to refill them with water during the day. Seriously, don’t leave home without extra!

I keep my Stanley sports cooler in the back of our truck filled with ice cold water. Few things are worse than hot, tired kids who are also THIRSTY.

AND FINALLY, on the topic of cold water, I like using my Souper Cube molds to make the perfect ice for water bottles and coolers. The half-cup molds are the perfect size ice block for our Hydro-Cells. The larger ice block stays frozen longer, ensuring cold water during the day. The large two-cup mold makes enormous ice blocks, which are perfect for the sports cooler.

(Check out my highlight on Instagram for a lot more creative ways to use Souper Cube molds!)

5. ADVENTURE CLOTHES FOR MOM & KIDS

Dressing well for time outside is another key component for fun summer adventures. I have learned from experience that what we wear can have a significant impact on how comfortable we are and how long we want to stay outside.

Wearing clothing and shoes that can go from creek to trail is another one of my favorite tips to share. I focus on clothes that are lightweight and loose-fitting and quick-drying.

FOR THE MAMA

In the summer, staying somewhat cool, being able to get my clothes wet/dirty if I need to help my kids is important.

Loose fitting tanks are my go-to tops, and comfortable shorts with deep pockets are next.

SHORTS:

For park and town days, these shorts from Academy are my FAVORITE. They’re a great length and the pockets are deep enough to hold anything I need them to.

If I know we are going to be near/in water, I try to wear quick-dry clothes just like my kids. I’m obsessed with Patagonia Baggies. The price is a bit higher, but the quality, style, and fit are top-notch. I just asked for a couple more pair for Mother’s Day. I will wear them all summer long in and out of the river/waterfall/lake.

TOPS:

I love Target’s All-In-Motion quick-dry/exercise tanks and sports bras. They’re a great fit again and are comfortable wet or dry all day. They are a staple of my hot summer wardrobe.

SHOES:

Keens, Chacos, Crocs, Natives, etc make great options for kids and adults. My favorite line-up is:

Classic Chacos for general hiking and exploring, Lems Trailheads for longer hikes and (dry) active days, and Astral’s for wading and river days.

FOR THE KIDS

As for my kids, they also have their own summer wardrobe of quick dry clothes. They know exactly what to put on if I tell them to get dressed for an adventure/water day, and they have enough tops and shorts that I don’t have to be doing laundry everyday.

All my kids’ water clothes are from the Breathe On line at Old Navy and again, the All-in-Motion kids’ line at Target. My kids have a mixture of Chacos and Keens for adventure days too.

6. EVERYONE HELPS

Getting everyone used to the expectation that their help is part of the process both in getting out the door, and while you’re out, is huge.

The more often you get out for hikes, trips to the creek, or even trips to the playground, everyone will learn what needs to be done. It can be helpful to consistently give your kids the same jobs each time you’re going out. They have a stake in the process and will do it better and faster each time.

To help my kids understand all that needs to be done before we’re ready to leave, (and let’s be honest, to help me remember in the midst of all the hustle), I created my Get Out the Door Checklist. I have mine laminated so I can set it out on adventure days, and we can check things off as we go. The goal is that everyone will be able to see what still needs to be done and pitch in. (We’re still working on it).

In addition to everyone helping get ready to leave, everyone helps to carry their own things. If you know me, you know I love Walker Family Goods for all things adventure days. I have all their bags, and use them all in regular rotation because they’re so well-designed and great quality.

The Valley pack is my go-to for adventure days (pictured above), plus I like bringing my sling whenever I know I’ll be wading because I can carry some essentials up out of the water.

My kids alternate between carrying their slings and their Arrow packs on adventure days, depending on what we’re doing.

(You can take 15% off a Walker Family Goods order with my code thispilgrimlife15)

Once you’re out, let each child carry something, even if it’s just something small.

7. GO-TO SNACK FOR EVERY OUTING

In my “get out the door basket” by the door, I keep a container of peanuts, raisins, and banana chips. I grab this and tuck it in my backpack or purse for a very simple and filling snack while we are out. Sometimes we need it, other times we don’t. But it’s with us and ready, won’t melt in the car, and is something all the family enjoys.

8. STASH A SPECIAL TREAT FOR THE LAST LEG OF THE HIKE/ THE WALK BACK TO THE CAR/ THE DRIVE HOME

Bring a special treat or fun snack for the walk back to the car when it’s time to say goodbye and leave. Fruit strips, lollipops, etc can sweeten the sting of having to leave, serve as a distraction, and can also give a little energy boost to help everyone get back.

I shared this tip a few years ago and it’s another one that I’ve heard from many who have started using this hack too. I like to keep YumEarth suckers tucked in my backpack, and then a handful more in the first aid kit (lollipops are also helpful for calming down kids if they’ve gotten hurt).

9. CAR SICKNESS REMEDIES & TRICKS

I have a couple of kids who struggle with getting car sick on longer trips. We’ve tried different things in the past, but as one child has mostly grown out of it, I have hopes that my other child will too.

In the meantime, we’re currently having some relief with the first several tips in this list. I asked for others’ experiences and tips on Instagram, and these are what people shared. I think it’s just important to remember that there’s no one certain fix. Give a few a try and see what works best.

CAR SICKNESS REMEDIES ::

• sit front and center
• don’t start a ride on an empty stomach
• open windows for air flow
• install window shades to avoid direct sunlight
• bring “neutral” food to snack on (we like pirate’s booty or peanuts)
• use peppermint (gum, essential oil, mints)
• pack emesis bags just in case
• always keep a package of wipes and a change of clothes on hand just in case
• use motion sickness tablets for longer trips

10. ADVENTURE DAY MENU

The last hack on my list is a menu for adventure days. It’s important to consider both what you will eat while you are out of the house (whether you are packing a lunch or just snacks), AND what you will eat when you get back home (because you are not going to want to do a lot of cooking!).

One of the biggest, most important, things I’ve learned over the years is that if I don’t bring enough food to eat while we are out…we won’t be out for long. I HAVE to pack high-protein snacks/lunches, plenty of water, and food that is appealing when everyone is getting hangry..

Dinner on adventure days MUST be quick and easy! If you do not have a plan when you’re leaving the park, you will find it very hard to resist drive-thru. (There’s nothing wrong with the drive-thru. We did it last night. But I can’t afford to do that every time we come home.)

I refer to this list of the easiest dinners to make after adventure days often– dinners that you can prep ahead of time, pull from the freezer, or quickly throw together once you’re back home. You can check out the list and get a free printable Adventure Day Menu here:

BONUS FAVORITE MOM HACKS FROM READERS ::  

• Extra bags! Having plenty of bags to keep wet clothes together, gear tidy, and trash/supplies contained really helps.
• If your kids want to fish, bring something extra for younger kids (or those that don’t want to fish) to stay occupied. Watching people fish from the bank or dock is only fun for the first ten minutes 😉
• Find places to go by asking around, joining outdoor/nature groups on Facebook, getting a Day Trips book for your area, or finding a Wild & Free group near you.
• Make popsicles with extra/leftover smoothie.
• Fill gallon jugs of water and leave in the car. Use the warm water to rinse sandy hands and feet.
• Microfiber camping towels to reduce packing bulk.
• Reserve certain audiobooks for listening in the car. Kids get excited about the ride home.
• Let young kids use spray bottles from the dollar store (instead of water guns). They’re easier, last longer, and there’s not much mess.
• Plan a crockpot/easy dinner for after adventures so you don’t have to leave early to come home and prepare.
• Always save a snack for the ride home! (I usually reserve apples for this because they’re filling and take a while to eat)
• Keep a laundry basket in the car or by the door for wet/dirty clothes.
• Soapy water play after sand play!
• Make a changing station in the trunk. Not only babies, but dry, clean clothes for the drive home.
• Keep a package of paper plates in the van just in case. They come in handy often.
• Keep a “summer” bag always packed with essentials. (Similar to my adventure day bags)
• Make a calendar for chores and schoolwork for kids to refer to in the mornings (check out my customizable summer checklists!)
• Use cloth diaper wet bags for wet clothes. They never leak!
• Stand the bag of popsicles upright when freezing.
• Eat at least one meal outside everyday to reduce the mess inside.
• Keep a small soft cooler filled with snacks in the car for unexpected long outings.
• Always keep necessities stashed in the car!
• Ear plugs. (#nuffsaid)
• Use a caddy for school supplies to carry items like sunscreen, water, phone, etc, with you outside.
• Give each kid a fanny pack to carry.
• Sand cloud towels.
• Pop-up beach tents that pack small and light.
• Keep a spray bottle in the car to quickly cool down carseats when you get back to a hot car.
• Always keep a picnic blanket and extra swim suits in the car…just in case!
• Two meals out of the week I make a 4x batch and freeze for tough days
• Pack a makeup sponge in the beach bag for easy facial sunscreen application on kids!
• Use old peri bottle with clean water to spray/wash kids hands before lunch at the beach.
• Keep bottled water and packaged snacks in the car.
• Popsicles always buy extra time outside for kids. (This always works at our house too!)
• Let the kids paint with water the sidewalk, driveway, or side of the house.

You can check out the rest of my adventure ideas and tips on the Family Adventuring Page, and shop some of our favorite summer gear in my Amazon Shop! 

Do you have any tips I’ve left off? Please leave them in the comments! 

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