Episode Summary

It’s officially summer, and the Chaos Commanders are here with survival strategies, snack updates, and some serious summer planning realness. In this episode, we share our personal summer plans—from sleepaway camps and teen jobs to field trips, screen-time boundaries, and even learning to cook. Whether you’re navigating toddler chaos or managing a teen’s packed schedule, this episode is full of practical ideas, community resources, and creative ways to command the summer without losing your mind.

We also share our own family traditions (hello, butterfly releases), talk about life skills we’re teaching our kids, and brainstorm creative local adventures that don’t break the bank. This is your ultimate guide for a summer that’s structured enough to keep the peace but flexible enough to embrace the fun.

Standout Quotes

“We’re still in sync, even when we can’t hang out.” – Katelynn

“We want them to run feral—but in one location. Contained chaos.” – Katelynn

“It’s a personal goal for me… I want to cut back on iPad time. Otherwise, it gets out of hand.” – Annie

“I want it done the way I want it done, but Mom’s gonna start saying yes to these things this summer because it truly helps so much.” – Annie

Takeaways

1️⃣ Summer doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs a plan. Whether you’re working or staying home, a loose structure can help everyone thrive.

2️⃣ Give kids real responsibilities. From chore charts to cooking, summer is a great time to teach life skills.

3️⃣ Mix education with fun. Summer learning doesn’t have to feel like school—think nature journaling, geocaching, and local tours.

4️⃣ Don’t underestimate your local resources. Libraries, city guides, free community events, and even recycling centers offer hidden gems.

5️⃣ Share the load. Team up with other moms to swap ideas, schedule shared activities, and keep the chaos contained together.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Liquid Death – Cherry Obituary
• Liquid Death – Classic Soda Variety Pack
• Liquid Death – Flavored Variety Pack
• Blueberry Pancake Muffins
• 20 LBS Adjustable Weighted Vest
• 40 LBS Adjustable Weighted Vest
• Story Time From Space

Summer Chaos, Conquered: Creative Ideas to Keep Kids Busy

Micro Field Trips & Local Adventures

Great for both weekdays and weekends—low prep, high impact.

• Local Library Passport Challenge – Visit a different branch each week
• Airport Observation Deck – Watch planes, bring snacks
• Self-Guided Mural Tour – Snap pics of every mural in your city
• Train Station Visits – Learn about travel & transportation
• Free Factory or Bakery Tours – Check your Chamber of Commerce
• Botanical Gardens Bingo – Create your own scavenger list
• Dollar Store Challenge – $5 budget, build something from it
• Map & Compass Day – Teach old-school navigation on a walk
• Museum Day with a Twist – Let the kids “tour guide” you

Experiences & Education (That Don’t Feel Like School)

Learning disguised as fun.

• Theme Weeks at Home – Dinosaurs, space, cooking, insects, etc.
• Kids’ DIY Podcast or “News Show” – Give them a mic and a segment
• Virtual Classes (but make it fun) – Art, LEGO building, magic tricks
• Geocaching Adventures – Like a real-life treasure hunt
• Library Science Kits – Many libraries offer check-out kits for STEM
• Book-to-Movie Club – Read the book, watch the movie, compare
• Zoo or Aquarium “Adopt an Animal” Project – Track and report
• Kid-Run “Museum” – Let them create exhibits and invite friends/family

At-Home Activities That Buy You Time

For those WFH or “please entertain yourselves” moments.

• Tinker Box – Keep a bin with recycled materials for inventing
• Frozen Toy Excavation – Freeze toys in ice and give them tools
• Outdoor Water Lab – Funnels, cups, bowls, bubbles
• Sticker-by-Number Books / Paint by Sticker Kits
• Nature Journaling – Daily doodles of bugs, leaves, sky
• Create a Summer Menu – Let kids plan and prep one lunch each week
• Quiet Time Baskets – Age-appropriate puzzles, books, small toys
• Build-A-Box Fort Challenge – With themes (pirate ship, hotel, spaceship)

Summer Projects for Life Skills & Confidence

Teach independence and build connection.

• Plan a Garage Sale or Lemonade Stand
• Design a Bedroom or Closet Refresh
• Family Recipe Book – Have kids illustrate it
• Create a Personal Budget + Shopping Day – For school supplies, clothes, etc.
• Kids Volunteer Together – Humane society, food pantry, community cleanup
• Help Plan a Family Meal Once a Week – Cooking = math, patience, creativity
• “How to” Video Series – Let them make fun tutorials (folding laundry, washing a car, brushing a dog, etc.)

Connection-Focused Activities

Great for building family memories or slowing down together.

• Mom-Kid Book Club – Short chapter books with simple discussions
• Stargazing Picnic Night – Spread a blanket, bring snacks
• Sunrise Wake-Up Adventure – One day of early morning magic
• Summer Bucket List Jar – Let each family member add ideas
• One-on-One Dates – Rotate kids for personal time
• Backyard Tent Night – With popcorn, flashlights, and stories
• Tiny Acts of Kindness Week – Make cards, clean up, compliment strangers

For Older Kids & Tweens

To keep them growing (and off screens for a bit).

• Intern with Mom Week – Help you with your biz, content, or podcast
• Babysitting Prep Program – CPR, First Aid, & practice sessions
• Film Short Videos or a “Summer Documentary”
• Skill Swap – One teaches the other something new
• Volunteer Resume Builder – Start logging hours now
• Summer Reading Challenge with Rewards
• Group Text Scavenger Hunt with Friends – Everyone checks off list from their own locations

Featured Chaos Anthem

“In the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry

A feel-good, carefree jam that captures the spirit of warm days, outdoor adventures, and the kind of freedom that only summer brings. It’s the perfect soundtrack to this episode—and your family’s summer playlist.

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

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🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com

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