Summer with Kids: Sun, Sand, Parks and Slight Chaos

 

Let’s talk about summer with kids

When I was young, summer was always my favorite time of year. We’d start the season in the U.S. with my mom’s side of the family, then head to the South of France with my dad’s. For me, summer meant endless sunshine, the beach, soccer camp in the States, dips in the pool, and of course—some of the best food of the year.

Now that I have two kids of my own, I still love summer—but it comes with a slightly different energy (read: planning, snacks, and keeping two little people entertained for two whole months).

So what do we do?

We kick things off with the grandparents, of course. This year we spent a week with my parents in the same tiny seaside town in the South of France where I spent all my childhood summers. Watching my own children enjoy the very same simple pleasures—catching crabs in the rocks, making sandcastles, swimming in the sparkling Mediterranean—makes my heart burst. And I love seeing the bond deepen between them and my parents.

That said, it wasn’t all easy. It took Baby C a good 3–4 days to stop crying every time we were at the beach and my parents tried to hold her. So really, we only had about three full days of pure happiness. Because let’s be honest—no mama is truly happy when her child is upset and crying all day long and you don’t know how to fix it.

After that, we came back to Paris for a quick week and then left again—this time to Marbella to be with the abuelos. We left just a week ago, but it already feels like our whole family has bloomed since being here.

There’s something about being here that brings out the best in all of us. We’re all more relaxed, more connected, more present. The kids have changed—but in the most beautiful ways. It’s like the warmth, the space, and the freedom of summer have reset us all.

Baby C isn’t such a baby anymore. She’s a little firecracker of a toddler—full of big emotions, songs, dance moves, silly faces, and bossy charm. She walks into a room and instantly lifts the mood.

And A? Seems like a different child. Being with his abuelos is his absolute favorite thing in the world. Sure, he might get away with a little more than usual, but it’s hard not to smile when you hear him yell “Abu!” and “Tata!” a hundred times a day, asking them the most wonderfully random questions. He is being the best version of himself and I’m over the moon happy to see him this way.

Next up: August in Paris

Let’s see what adventures await—but I’m certain there will be plenty of park picnics, bike rides, and moments spent soaking up these slow summer days together.

If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Paris, here’s a list of our favourite parks to explore:

• Jardin du Luxembourg – for its classic Parisian charm, playground, and puppet shows.
• Jardin d’Acclimatation – a mini amusement park with rides, animals, and endless fun.
• Jardin du Ranelagh – perfect for little ones with its carousel and wide lawns.
• Jardin du Trocadéro – stunning Eiffel Tower views and plenty of space to run.
• Jardin des Tuileries – a central spot for play between sightseeing stops.
• Parc Monceau – whimsical statues, shady paths, and a family-friendly vibe.
• Square Robert Schuman – a neighborhood gem with a great playground.
• Place des États-Unis – small, pretty, and perfect for a quiet play break.
• Bois de Boulogne – sprawling green space with lakes, ponies, and adventure galore.

Summer with kids takes some days to adjust—for everyone. But if you can let go of the rigid routines and embrace the later bedtimes and slower mornings, you’ll find your rhythm. Yes, my kids are going to bed at 10:00/10:30pm. And yes, I’m okay with that. They’re waking up around 9:00am, napping for two hours midday, and absolutely thriving. Re-entry into “normal” life will be tricky—but that’s a problem for future me.

So if you’re a parent stressing about late bedtimes, missed routines, or too much ice cream—let it go. Watch your kids bloom instead. The laughter, the sun-kissed cheeks, the bonds with grandparents—this is the good stuff. Even the mischief is part of the magic.

Sending peace and love