Mom Mode activated: 10 ways to embrace the mayhem of a summer at home with kids

Motherhood in the summer is bonkers! Water is everywhere, the kitchen is a revolving door of snacks, and everything is sticky—whether it’s the humidity or popsicle juice is TBD. It’s a lot. Embracing the mayhem, though, is where the magic happens. And if you do, you’ll make countless memories that will warm your heart long after the heat waves pass.  

Are you ready to activate Mom Mode? With the nostalgic spirit of our favorite pizza-loving, crime-fighting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you possess the strength, courage and resilience to navigate through the mayhem and make this summer an epic adventure that your family will never forget.

10 ways to embrace summer mayhem

Here are 10 ways to dive head-first into the chaos and make the most of the last weeks of summer.

1. Embrace spontaneity

This is a time to say “yes” to last-minute adventures, spontaneous outings, and unplanned activities. Relish in the excitement of the unknown. There’s freedom in allowing yourself to let go of expectations and go with the flow.

2. Take the mayhem to the movies

Get tickets now for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, only in theatres August 2. A movie day is the perfect way to escape the summer heat and relax while your kids get to know the world’s favorite Turtle brothers.

3. Explore the great outdoors

We finally figured out why our moms were always insisting we “go play outside!”—so we wouldn’t make a mess in the house. Head to a local park or nature center, or plan a picnic in the backyard. Encourage your kids to get dirty and interact with nature.

4. Create an end-of-summer bucket list

Sit down with your kids and create a list of fun and adventurous activities. Let them contribute their ideas, whether it’s camping in the backyard, building a fort, or making a ginormous ice cream sundae—and check them off together before school starts.

5. Plan a DIY pizza night

Gather some pie crusts, sauce and toppings, and let your kids go wild on making their own pizzas. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are known for their love of pizza and adventurous taste buds, so encourage your little chefs to experiment with unique combinations. Pepperoni and pickles? Sure! Guacamole and marshmallows? Go for it! (Maybe make a backup just in case their Ninja Turtle-inspired creations end up being more yuck than yum.)

6. Create a mutant science lab

Unleash the mayhem with a series of messy science experiments. Play around with different slime recipes incorporating vibrant colors, glitter and pompoms, or explore fizzing reactions with baking soda, vinegar and food coloring.

7. Host group hang-outs

The more mayhem, the merrier! Invite your mom friends and their kids over for a day of play—bust out the chalk, turn on the sprinkler, and sit back while your kids entertain each other for hours. Just be sure to have snacks on hand so you don’t have to move from your lounge chair!

8. Capture memories

Whether it’s with a Polaroid, an iPhone or an old-school tape recorder, capture the crazy and special moments with your kids—they’ll be some of your most treasured memories in the future when you want to reflect on the joyful chaos of your children’s childhood.

9. Have a family talent show

Encourage your kids to discover and showcase their unique talent, be it singing, dancing, telling jokes, puppetry, or performing magic tricks. Don’t forget—grown-ups must participate, too! Embrace the mayhem of rehearsals, funny moments and celebrating each others’ gifts.

10. Be present and enjoy the journey

Before you know it, summer will be over—the days will be shorter, and you’ll be back to packing lunches, juggling drop-offs and trying to decipher Common Core math homework. Live in the now and enjoy the ride!

Bonus: Explore the Turtle lair

Looking for a free, family-friendly immersive experience? Get a taste of the Turtle life by exploring the brothers’ underground home and even training with the heroes to master your own ninja skills. Book your family’s free visit now in New York or Los Angeles.

Book Now

Remember, you’ve got the spirit of a true Ninja Turtle within you. Embrace the unexpected with the agility of Leonardo, whip up fun activities with the creativity of Donatello, laugh about the sticky messes and mishaps with the humor of Michaelangelo, and channel the strength and determination of Raphael to create lasting memories. Because the mayhem won’t last forever, but the memories will. Cowabunga, mama—you’ve got this!