Life

Courtesy of Carter's
5 Ways To Enjoy Some Family Time Once The Kids Go Back To School

by Bustle Studios

Do you ever feel like once the school year is back in session that all bets are officially off? The reality of juggling busy mornings, after-school schedules, pick ups, drop offs, and endless errands comes crashing down, and suddenly it can feel like any hope you had for some easy family downtime is officially over. While this may feel like the case, I promise there are actually several easy ways to sneak in some quality family time after your kids go back to school — and they're all simpler than you think!

Even if your family's weekly schedule is packed with extracurriculars and commitments, you can still make everyday moments matter, and Romper has partnered with Carter's to offer up some inspiration for making the most of every moment — from weekends to bed time. Scroll on to see what supplies you can gather from around the house, and find the perfect outfit that'll bring everything together.

Turn Your Kitchen Table Into An Arts And Crafts Station

Allison Gore/Romper

Shop the Glitter Create The Future Matchtastic Tee, Pencil Leggings, and Robot Jersey Tee.

Don your most artistic outfits and gather around the table to explore your creative sides! Set up a simple craft station with whatever supplies you happen to have handy — construction paper, scissors, finger paints, you know the drill — and enjoy spending time drawing, collaging, painting, and creating as a family.

Whip Up A Delicious Treat In The Kitchen Together

Allison Gore/Romper

Shop Denim Overall Dress, Double Ruffle Slub Top, Carter's Slip-On Sneakers, and Bacon Stache Slub Jersey Tee.

You don't have to be a master baker or a fully-trained chef to enjoy time in the kitchen with your family! As a matter of fact, since so many of us are already spending time in the kitchen preparing snacks and meals, it's actually a super easy way to sneak in a bit of time together. Try taking on a box of brownie mix, a build-your-own pizza bar, or even enlist their helping at night when you're packing the next day's lunches. They'll love learning (and tasting) new recipes, and you'll have fun watching them learn a new important skill.

Go Exploring In Your Own Back Yard

Allison Gore/Romper

Shop Dinosaur Jersey Tee, Camo Slim Cargo Pants, Everyday Pull-On Pants, Glitter Dinosaur Criss Cross Matchtastic Tee, and Heart Leggings.

Because summer break ending is no excuse for staying inside! Turn your own back yard into an adventure-filled playground with toy shovels and rakes for super official archaeological digs, a magnifying glass to study new insects, and of course the right cargo pants that make it easier for them to stash their supplies as they explore.

Hit Up The Park For A Good Ol' Field Day

Allison Gore/Romper

Shop French Bulldog Ruffle Matchtastic Tee, French Bulldog Graphic Leggings, I Need Space Jersey Tee, and Pull-On Poplin Play Pants.

Make good use of that sports ball collection that's slowly growing out of hand by loading them all into the car and hitting the park together! Spend a weekend afternoon teaching them new sports, making up your own games, and enjoying the late summer sunshine.

Make Bedtime Even Sweeter With Books And Cozy PJs

Allison Gore/Romper

Shop Feline Sleepy Poly Sleep Tee, Love You French Terry Sleep Pants, and Camo Poly Sleep Tee.

No matter what kind of reading material your kid is into these days, bedtime will always be the perfect time of day to enjoy it as a family. From board books to school-assigned reading, make the end of your day even more special by bringing in a soft blanket, some furry friends, and your kid's favorite pajamas.

This post is sponsored by Carter's.