The summer holidays have officially begun – and with them, the potential for sunshine AND rain-filled days, muddy knees, sticky fingers, and, yes… a few cries of “I’m bored!”

At Sawdust & Kindling, we know that summer doesn’t have to be packed with expensive outings, noisy entertainment, or plastic-filled distractions. Instead, it can be a season of slow, meaningful connection – with nature, with our children, and with ourselves.

Here are some of our favourite tips for having a stress-less, soul-filled summer – rooted in nature, creativity and low-tox living.

1. Create a gentle daily rhythm

Children thrive on rhythm – not rigid schedules, but soft structure they can rely on. A simple daily flow could look like this:

• Morning: Nature walk, barefoot garden time, or outdoor yoga
• Midday: Picnic lunch, creative play, quiet reading or rest
• Afternoon: Simple craft or water play, helping prep dinner
• Evening: Family dinner, outdoor game, storytime

This give them the grounding they need, while still allowing room for spontaneity and freedom.

2. make a ‘boredom basket’

Boredom isn’t the enemy – it’s the birthplace of creativity! Instead of filling every moment, prepare a boredom basket or shelf stocked with:

• Nature finds (sticks, stones, feathers, shells)
• Simple craft bits (scrap fabric, twine, beeswax crayons)
• Blank paper with pens and pencils
• Open-ended prompts like ‘make a fairy garden’ or ‘build a mini raft from sticks’
• Books

3. spend time outside – every single day

Even a cloudy day holds magic. Being in nature helps regulate moods, improves sleep, and invites presence. Some ideas:

• Nature scavenger hunts (click here to view our free ones)
• Wildflower spotting or tree ID walks
• Mud kitchen or garden potion making
• Nature journaling or barefoot exploring
• Laying on a blanket and watching clouds
• Star gazing or moth-spotting at night

Nature is the perfect co-parent – and it’s free.

4. keep things low-tox and simple

Summer doesn’t need to smell like synthetic sunscreen and chemical bug sprays. Try:

• DIY citrus + herb bug repellents (lemongrass, lavender, witch hazel)
• Mineral sunscreens with clean ingredients
• Simple summer snacks: frozen fruit skewers, homemade ice lollies with coconut milk and berries, or oat bars you make together
• Use cloths over wipes, glass over plastic, and second-hand over brand new where you can.

These swaps not only fell better but teach better too.

5. keep a ‘summer sparks’ list

Sit down together and create a ‘Summer Sparks’ list – ideas for things you’d like to do over the holidays, but with no pressure. This could include:

• Make flower crowns
• Camp in the garden
• Learn to whittle
• Watch the sunrise
• Paint a rock village

This gives children a sense of ownership and helps avoid the “What are we going to do today?” cycle.

6. just be

It’s okay to have slow days. Boring days. Pyjama days. Messy days. Summer is about the in-between moments just as much as the big ones.

Let go of ‘should’ and tune in to what feels happy. You’ll remember the giggles over messy watermelon faces or the makeshift bug hotel long after the trip to the soft play.

However your summer begins, we hope it’s sprinkled with wildflowers and wonder.

And when the chaos creeps in, take a deep breath, head outside, and remember – you’re doing just fine