How to prepare for a summer with children (and enjoy it as a parent)

Cómo preparar un verano con niños (y poder disfrutar como padre)

Tips, games and basics that save days... and nerves

It always starts the same way: you dream all year about that trip to the beach, the house in the village, or that first swim. You imagine yourself relaxing. Reading. Tanning without interruptions. Spoiler alert: reality comes with sand in your underwear, sandwiches that end up on the floor, and unnecessarily loud "where's the baby?"

But don't worry. At La Muda, we'll tell you how to plan a real vacation, one that includes relaxation for everyone (even the person who always organizes everything).
Spoiler two: it's you.

🎯 1. Flexible routines = survival

It's great to have a structure... but don't overdo it.
It's summer. You're on vacation. Leave some time.

Plan without fixed schedules . If you're visiting a city, don't put pressure on yourself to see everything in one day. If you don't see something today, you will tomorrow. And if not, that's okay too.

A minimum of routine helps the day flow (and avoids 6 p.m. meltdowns due to not having eaten on time), but don't turn your vacation into a military schedule.

- Tomorrow = beach or pool
- Midday = nap or movie (ideal for indoors)
- Afternoon = walk, quiet games, slushies and patience

🧠 Tip : Make a "summer plan" with drawings. It gives structure to the little ones... and to you.

👉 And don't carry the burden yourself. Let them plan with you. Let them participate. If they're involved, it works better (and you'll take the mental load off).

🪣 2. Outdoor games that don't take up half a suitcase

Light, simple and without the need for an app:

- Bucket + watering can + imagination : they build castles, make stone soup, or wash shells. And you, sitting down.
- Express scavenger hunt : "Find something red, something oddly shaped, something shiny." They're busy. You watch them from the towel.
- Cloth balls : they don't hurt, they don't puncture, and no one cries if they get lost.

And if they are old enough:
👉 Take advantage of organized activities . Many hotels and tourist areas offer children's entertainment, workshops, games, and safe spaces where little ones can have fun without you having to supervise them every second.

Yes, you can sit down and have a cup of coffee. Black. Hot. And without interruptions.
That's summer too. You deserve that too.

🌞 3. Comfortable clothing, easy to put on, take off… and find

Plan what you take carefully. Not the whole drawer. Prioritize:

-Shoes that last.
-Clothes that don't cause trouble.
-Spare clothes for children (minimum 2 a day if there is sand, ice cream or puddles).

Our recommendations tested on real creatures:

- Beach shirts for moms : lightweight, zipper-free, and hassle-free. They dry quickly. They look good even if they get dirty.

- Soft shorts: They climb trees, roll in the grass, survive.

- Extra-large towels 100x180 cm : to wrap them, dry them, or cover them like a human donkey. 100% Portuguese cotton.

- Sunglasses : not just cute, but also useful, with UV 400 protection and polarization. The "sun bothers me!" qualms are halved.

🍉 4. Snacks that don't melt (or destroy your peace)

Always wear them. Always.
Ideas that work:

Chopped fruit in a Tupperware

Soft cookies

Sandwiches in cloth

Cool bottled water

🎒 Mini tip : Pack a backpack just for them. With snacks, a towel, and something small to play with. They'll feel older, and you'll carry less stuff.

🥸 Parental Hack : Don't want to share your snack? Put that Snickers in a lettuce leaf. It works. There are other equally original ideas floating around on TikTok and Instagram; try them. You have nothing to lose.

🧘 5. You're on vacation too

Important: You don't have to be 100% available all summer. We'll sign it for you.

Find time to:

-Have a drink without interruptions

-Read without interruptions

-Lie down without anyone splashing

And if there's more than one adult, share the load . Don't always let it be you who's responsible.

🏨 Airbnb? Fine. A hotel with breakfast and no washing machines? Even better. You didn't come to wash dishes. You came to relax too.


🧰 Bonus: The Lifesaving Summer Kit

That list that seems basic… until you forget:

✔️ Sunscreen + aftersun
✔️ Sunglasses and hat
✔️ Medications (yes, all of them, even the "just in case" ones) For example, if you have tired legs and are going for a walk, take the cream, yes, you will appreciate it.
✔️ Spare clothes
✔️ Toys that shouldn't be put in the washing machine
✔️If you're going to the beach, bring a bag to fill with water to wash your feet before getting in the car.

There are thousands of tricks on social media, and some of the most useful ones. Research what works best for you.

All set?

At La Muda, we design things for real families. The kind that arrive late, get dirty, laugh, and survive August.
You bring the patience. We bring the basics.

👉 [See summer collection for kids and families]