Summer isn't over yet...

Usually when the weather starts getting crazy hot, I have a tendency to fantasize about fall and lock myself indoors with air conditioning. AND to make things worse, it is usually this point in the summer when my kids and I start getting restless with our lack of routine, I am running out of energy, and I am tempted to let my kids watch Crunchlabs on Netflix for longer than they probably should...

However, we still have another 2 months of warmer temps and another month before school starts. I don't want to waste them being grumpy about the heat.

So this is what I am doing about it:

• I am making a daily schedule for us. This helps me limit screen time, get us out of the door for outdoor fun, and give my kids time to play independently
• I am setting up playdates. Having friends to hang out with gives my kids and me something to look forward to and it holds us accountable to leaving the house.
• I make a list of all the things we want to do before we go back to school. This adds urgency to our summer in a good way. It makes me look at this time as being what it is, a short time that I have an opportunity to do fun things with my kids instead of an endless heatwave.

Be sure to check out the activities I have linked below to get ideas for ways you can end summer with fun instead of hiding from the heat! I genuinely hope this helps you end summer on a high note!

Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens Discount Code Powell Gardens is having their annual Festival of Butterflies through August 2nd. Admission includes admission to the beautiful gardens, activities, crafts, and tons of real butterflies! Use code EOFAMILY for $3 off tickets! Get Tickets

Summer of Soccer Pass in Lawrence ​ This is a great way to explore Lawrence and have fun. When you stop at places on the pass, you earn points and collect prizes or can be entered for the sweepstakes! Plus, different locations offer discounts or free merchandise just for participating! Learn More

KC Summer Bucket List + Bingo Board I've created a list of 26 summer activities you can do around Kansas City with kids! I hope this will help you get out and see new things this summer. KC Summer Bingo Board

Missouri Map The Missouri map is here! I've designed this to help you find the coolest places in Missouri and see all there is to discover here. See everything this beautiful state has to offer. Buy Missouri Map Here

Kansas Map You can buy the Missouri and Kansas maps together OR you have the option to buy them separately. Buy Kansas Map Here

Road Trip Necessities

These are all the things we take on every road trip! If you're going on a road trip this summer, check them out!

Amazon Fire Tablet My kids have been using these on road trips for years. I love that they are affordable for a tablet, have parental controls (we set screen time limits and make sure they can’t get into certain games), and they have great battery life. Tablet

Toddler Cot As a family of 5, we don’t want to have to pay for bigger hotel rooms. We use this cot for our youngest and it has saved us so much money! It takes one second to set up and can easily be washed. Toddler Cot

Car Battery Jump Starter We love this for peace of mind when we’re just driving around home or on road trips. I drive through some remote areas without service so having this helps me feel safer. Jump Starter

Tire Inflator I wasn’t sure we would ever use this when we got it, but it has been so helpful! It’s so nice to use it when the air pressure on our tires changes without having to go to a gas station. We have also used it on our bikes. It’s also nice for peace of mind when we are traveling in the middle of nowhere. Tire Inflator

Roof Rack This has been so helpful for our longer trips or camping trips! It’s easy to attach and frees up so much space in our car! ​ Roof Rack

Want my full road trip list? Find more ideas, including road trip activities for kids HERE.

Summer Trip Ideas

Lake Olathe Spend an entire day at Lake Olathe. The lake is complete with a splash pad, water falls, a swim beach and more! Lake Day

13 Most Beautiful State and National Parks in the Midwest These are my favorite State and National Parks in the Midwest! Discover that the Midwest is more than some "flyover" states. Explore Here

Weekend Trips from Kansas City Here are 7 of the best weekend trips from Kansas City. Get going and find your new favorite getaway! Find Your Trip