Check out these summer hacks to help make this a summer to remember!
Summer is here, and this mama is easing into it with joy, intentionality, and a whole lot more ease than last year.
My daughter just wrapped up the school year, and I’ve been planning summer since January (because if you know, you know—childcare and camp spots in St. Louis fill up fast). Last year, we spent nearly $2,000 on summer care, and while I’m grateful we could do that, I was determined to get more strategic this year—and save some coins while doing it.
Summer Camp Strategy: Low Cost, High Value
This year, I secured two free half-day camps through the St. Louis Public Library system, which partnered with incredible organizations like COCA (a performing arts and dance nonprofit) and Purina (yep, the pet food company!) to sponsor enriching experiences for kids. I also snagged a spot in a half-day arts camp at Laumeier Sculpture Park, and my daughter will attend four weeks of summer programming at her regular school. This combo allows us to keep her engaged, social, and in rhythm—while cutting our summer camp spending in half.
Our Favorite Summer Tradition: Joint Family Travel
Last year, we did something that changed the game for us: we took a joint trip with our close family friends to Fugitive Beach, a hidden gem in Rolla, Missouri— just about 2.5 hours from STL.
Instead of staying right near the beach, we found an Airbnb in Devil’s Elbow, a quiet town nearby. Don’t let the name scare you— the home was amazing:
???? Three bedrooms, two full baths, and a full kitchen
???? Plenty of space for two families of three
???? Mornings spent cooking breakfast together
???? Afternoons out exploring, and
???? Evenings winding down while binge-watching the Olympics
It felt like a breath of fresh air— literally. The slower pace of being in a semi-rural area gave us a real reset. So often, vacations are about thrills and jam-packed itineraries, but this trip reminded us that rest is a destination too.
The Magic of Community Travel
One of the biggest wins of traveling with another family? Built-in community.
☀️ The kids kept each other entertained.
☀️ The adults had real conversations.
☀️ The dads even went golfing one afternoon in nearby St. James.
☀️ The moms got a solo shopping trip to the local Walmart (yes, small-town Walmart is elite!) and some self-care time in the jetted tub.
We visited quirky attractions like the Uranus Fudge Factory, a nostalgic stop on Route 66 where we tried fresh fudge, explored fun shops, and visited their little museum-style exhibits. Even though it rained part of the time, we made the best of it— and it’s now a core memory for all of us.
At Fugitive Beach, we reserved a pavilion, which gave us shade, space, and a home base. The beach is super affordable, with shallow and deep swimming zones, slides, and even alcoholic drinks for the grown folks. The only downside? Port-a-potties. Just being real. No proper restrooms on site— but we made it work.
Why This Works
I can’t recommend joint family travel enough. When you travel with people who share your values, your rhythm, and your energy, it changes everything.
You split the cost, share the planning, and create a village on vacation. It turns what could be stressful into something sacred. My daughter has been asking to go back for months— that’s how much it meant to her.
So, if you’re looking for a way to make summer more meaningful and more manageable, here are a few tips:
My Sanity-Saving Summer Hacks
???? Plan early. January isn’t too soon. Trust me.
???? Look local. Explore free and low-cost camps in your city.
???? Build your crew. Travel with families who match your vibe.
???? Slow it down. Not every trip needs a packed schedule.
???? Share the load. Communal parenting on vacation = life-changing.
This summer, I’m choosing joy, intentional rest, and community-centered parenting. And honestly? That’s the vacation.
