School’s Out For Summer!
Posted on: June 9, 2025 | Activity, Children, classes, Community, Famillies, Friendship, Information, Las Vegas, Motherhood
The last of the backpacks was packed, filled with classroom snacks to share. Pictures were taken, laughs were shared, and tears were wiped. Dressed to the nines and donning a little cap and gown, your oldest has just been promoted from preschool. Next up Kindergarten! As you sit with your newest little one strapped close to your chest, pondering this same journey again in a few short years, the reality that school is out for the summer hits, and now what?
What to do with a “big kid” and a newborn in the Las Vegas summer?!
Psst…I’ve got a secret! As a long-time resident of Las Vegas for over 20 years and a parent to four children from birth to young adulthood, I’m here to share with you that there’s so much to do with your young family! You do need to have some flexibility, some imagination, and a little bit of fun in your life, though. The Las Vegas Valley is chockfull of fun in the sun as well as festivities indoors that will poop the littles out by naptime.
Splash Pads, Pools, and Waterparks
First on everyone’s mind is “how to stay cool” in the heat. The majority of the parks in the Las Vegas Valley have splash pads. What a fun way to burn energy, get some fresh air, and cool off. A splash pad is an excellent way for your little ones to make new friends, and you can also mingle with other parents. Go early (before 11 am) to enjoy the water without the heat. Community pools are open for business, offering lifeguards, affordability, and designated areas for children to play. Each suburb has its hub for information on facilities: North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, and City of Las Vegas. Cowabunga Bay has the best kiddie pool area. This adventure requires planning and is the most expensive of the options. I will say, we would get season passes and plan to spend at least 4 days out of the month at the waterpark.
Storytimes, Indoor Playplaces, and Mommy and Me Classes
If you’re looking for some indoor options, local libraries often offer toddler and preschool storytimes featuring songs, crafts, and a story. This interactive play is approximately 1 hour long and is a great way to establish a routine during the summer. Indoor playplaces are a staple all year round. Places like Kinderland Play, Wally Wombat, SkyZone, Kangamoo, Kidtopia, and LOL Kids Club offer a variety of play options, all while you chill and sip or stand and supervise. These indoor play places offer a pay-as-you-go option or a membership for consistent fun.
You can never go wrong with a mommy and me class! Meeting new friends while breaking a sweat, stretching your body, singing songs, or learning new skills is another fantastic option. Your local recreation centers offer affordable classes. Fit4Mom is a workout club for pregnant, new, and postpartum moms. Prenatal Yoga Las Vegas offers yoga classes for moms and babies, moms and big kids, and meetups. Gymboree has been a pioneer in the mommy and me class scene. They offer singing, dancing, and group play activities with locations throughout the Valley. New Mom school is opening this month, and provides education and community in their offerings.
Summer Trips, Vacations, Campouts
Looking to get out of town to beat the heat? With Utah, Arizona, and California being 2 hours away in all directions, you can’t go wrong for a quick weekend getaway. Plan an outing for one of the days, and enjoy a home away from home. Utah has great camping and hiking sites. Arizona offers scenic views, Bearizona, and a zoo. California has beaches and various adventure parks.
Camp-ins, Movies, and Playdates
Last but not least, my favorite way to enjoy the summer sun is by having campouts. Whether in the backyard or your front room. The magic of the memories created between giggles and stories is priceless. Don’t forget the flashlights! Another Fanning fave was movie nights. Tuesdays are bargain days at most theatres, and children’s movies come back out of the vault for reshowings all summer. Or, how about introducing your kiddo to a new-to-them but beloved classic in your living room, wearing jammies. Snuggle up on the couch and be ready to have the movie added to their new obsession rotation.
Remember your big kids’ “best friend” from preschool? You know the one mom’s number you shyly exchanged at the promotion ceremony? Yep, she’s probably in the same boat, thinking of ways to fill their big kids’ schedule too. So, plan a play date. Invite them over for snacks, play, and conversation. At the very least, you both will have kindergartners in common. At the most, you have just made a lifelong friend.
Summertime, when my kiddos were little, was some of my favorite memories. Traditions were born, and the slower pace was a way to recharge, especially when I welcomed a new baby to the family. We slept in, we maintained a routine, and we limited our outings to one a day to avoid overwhelm and overstimulation. Nap times and quiet times were incorporated into the routine. Lunches were enjoyed inside, at backyard picnics, in the park, or even out as a special treat. Above all, I made sure we had fun and not to the detriment of my pocketbook or sanity.