Underrated Summer Magic: 7 Simple Things to Do with Your Littles

Summer. That beautiful, sun-dappled stretch of six long weeks where time bends and bedtime becomes a suggestion. Where your snack cupboard empties at an alarming pace, and the phrase “I’m boooooored” echoes through your house on repeat.

As expat mamas, we often face summer without the backup troops. No grandparents to whisk them off for a week. No cousins around the corner to tumble around with. Just us, our small humans, and the sweet, sticky chaos of summer.

But here’s the thing: the magic doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect or involve pricey day trips. Some of the best memories come from the most underrated things.

Here are seven simple ways to sprinkle joy into your summer days- ones that soothe your soul and entertain your little:

Early Morning Adventure Walks

Before the heat kicks in, throw everyone into comfortable clothes and go for a nature walk. It can be your local park, a forest trail, or just around your neighbourhood. It can even be to the closest bakery for coffee and croissants! Collect sticks, count snails, pretend you're explorers. Remember to pack snacks for the walk and let the fresh morning air work its magic!

Whimsy Tip: Call it a “nature hunt” and bring a bag to collect leaves, feathers, or mystery rocks.

Water Painting the Pavement

Give them a bucket of water and a few old paintbrushes and let them “paint” the sidewalk, fence, or walls. Zero mess, zero cost, infinite delight. Want to add a bit of colour? Crush chalk and mix with a bit of water to make chalk paint!
You can even draw obstacle courses or hopscotch with it, and bonus: they can have fun with the hosepipe to wash it all off and start again. 

Whimsy Tip: Add a few drops of lavender or lemon essential oil to the water for a little sensory magic.

The Library Hideaway

Your local bibliotheek is your secret weapon. Air-conditioned, free, and full of stories. Many offer summer reading challenges, craft sessions, or just a cozy corner to flop and flip through picture books while you take a breath.

Whimsy Tip: Let them choose books in Dutch and English- that way you can practice your Dutch while reading a bedtime story. 

Back Garden “Camping”

You don’t need a tent (but bonus points if you have one). Just throw some blankets, cushions, and fairy lights into your garden or balcony. Bring out snacks, a stack of books, and maybe even dinner.

Whimsy Tip: Tell made-up stories by flashlight once the sun starts to sink.

Make-Your-Own Picnic

You don’t need a fancy park or gourmet spread. Let them help pack their own lunch and just this once, let loose the reins. Think tiny sandwiches, dried fruit, a chocolate chip or three- and eat it on a blanket somewhere else. A different room, the balcony, a patch of grass nearby. Instant fun.

Whimsy Tip: Bring their favourite knuffels as extra guests. Picnics are more magical with some of their besties!

Frozen Toy Rescue

Pop some small toys into a plastic container with water, freeze overnight, and hand them a spoon or spray bottle to “rescue” them the next day. It’s cool, tactile, and oddly satisfying to watch.

Whimsy Tip: Add a dash of food colouring or glitter to the ice water for extra sparkle.

Dance Party Reset

When moods tank (because they will), crank up the music and dance it out. I even use this as a change to pack toys away to the beat of the music. Just a three-song boogie burst to shake off the grumps.

Whimsy Tip: Let your little one be the DJ- kids have wild taste in tunes, and it’s half the fun.

I know it can feel overwhelming staring at your feed full of exciting Europe trips, but if your summer looks less like “vacation vibes” and more like mild chaos with a side of crumbs, you are not alone. Magic doesn’t always wear a price tag or come in a perfect Instagram square.

Sometimes, it looks like chocolate-stained faces, sticky fingers, and belly giggles under a bedsheet fort.

And that? That’s the stuff they’ll remember.

You've got this, Mama. One underrated joy at a time!