How To Be a Fun Mom: 32 Effortless Ways

As a mom, it can be challenging to balance all the demands of motherhood while also trying to be an enjoyable presence for your children. Not to mention, being a fun mom doesn’t always come naturally once you become a mom! That’s why learning to be a fun mom is essential.

Being a fun mom can significantly impact your children’s development and overall well-being. When you make an effort to be playful and lighthearted with your children, you’re not only creating positive memories, but you’re also helping to strengthen your bond with them.

Kids thrive on attention and affection, so when you take the time to engage in fun activities, you let them know they’re important and loved. And being silly and playing with your kids can also promote their creativity and imagination!

Also, when you encourage your children to explore and try new things, you’re helping them develop essential life skills they will use forever. Plus, when you’re having fun with your kids, you’re also setting a positive example that letting loose and enjoying life is okay (and encouraged!).

Of course, it’s also necessary to remember that being a fun mom doesn’t mean you have to be the life of the party all the time. It’s okay (and essential) to have moments of seriousness and discipline; setting boundaries and expectations is integral to parenting.

However, by balancing being a responsible parent and a fun-loving mom, you can create a happy and healthy home environment that your children will cherish for years to come.

Let’s get started!

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1. Read Their Favorite Book

When learning how to be a fun mom, remember that you don’t have to do anything extravagant! One simple way to be a fun mom is to read your child’s favorite book.

Whether it’s a board book, a classic children’s book, or a new release, getting comfy with your child and reading together can be a fantastic bonding experience. You can make it even more exciting by doing voices for the characters or acting out scenes from the book.

2. Impromptu Dance Party

Having an impromptu dance party with your child is another great idea to do spontaneously. Turn up some of your child’s favorite music and dance around the living room together.

Not only is a dance party a great way to add some exercise into your day, but it’s also an entertaining way to let loose and enjoy each other’s company.

3. Have a Tickle Fight

One thing that always brightens my day is listening to my kids’ laughter. Tickle fights are a surefire way to get everyone in a silly mood and lighten any tension that can arise throughout the day.

4. Bake Some Treats

Baking goodies is another activity you and your children can enjoy together. Plus, baking is something that many kids love doing at any age!

Whether you make cookies, rice crispy treats, or brownies, let your child help measure ingredients, mix the batter, and decorate the finished product. Just prepare for some mess, and try not to stress about it!

Not only is baking a fun way to bond, but you also get a tasty treat to enjoy with each other afterward. And you might introduce your child to a new hobby!

5. Play in the Rain

Playing in the rain can be an adventurous activity your child will always remember. Just put on some rain boots and jackets and head outside to jump in puddles and catch raindrops. Just stay safe and avoid going out in a lightning storm.

Didn’t catch the rain in time? Throw on some rain boots and stomp in the puddles that were left behind!

6. Play a Sport Together

Playing a sport with your kids is a great way to bond with them while staying active. Whether it’s a quick game of basketball or throwing a frisbee back and forth, the competitive spirit can bring out the fun in everyone.

Plus, playing a sport together is a great way to teach your kids the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. And trying out different sports at home is a great way to get your kids interested in joining a local team!

7. Bring Out the Messy Crafts

If your kids love to get creative, you can be a fun mom by bringing out the essential art supplies and making messy crafts. I know firsthand how messy activities can seem daunting, but my older child gets so excited when he plays with something messy!

Whether it’s finger painting or gluing glitter to their latest creation, there’s nothing quite like everyone getting their hands dirty and letting their imaginations run wild. Just be sure to lay down some newspaper beforehand to minimize the mess!

8. Grab Some Coloring Books

If you’re looking for a more relaxing crafty activity, grab some coloring books and colored pencils or crayons and spend some quality quiet time with your kids.

Coloring can be an excellent way for everyone to de-stress and unwind, and it’s also a great way to encourage creativity and self-expression. Plus, coloring books come in many different themes and difficulties, so you’ll surely find something your kids will love.

9. Go on a Treat Date

If your kids are like mine, I’m sure they love sweets. Another way to be a fun mom is to take your kids on a treat date.

Whether it’s a trip to their favorite ice cream place or a visit to a local bakery, there’s nothing quite like getting out of the house and bonding over a sweet treat.

10. Have a Spa Night

Who doesn’t love a little bit of pampering? Hosting a simple spa night with your kids is another fantastic way to be a fun mom.

If you need inspiration, you can set up a DIY spa station with face masks, foot soaks, and nail polish and enjoy some quality relaxation time together.

Or, if you have a child who doesn’t necessarily love spa activities and needs some more straightforward ideas, try a luxurious bubble bath with as many bubbles as can fit in the tub! (This brand is my son’s favorite bubble bath!)

11. Make a Meal Together

Like baking treats with your kids, making meals together is an activity many kids enjoy! If you’re new to making meals with your children, starting with easier meals like breakfast can be beneficial.

If you have younger children that you want to cook with, getting some child knives like these ones can be helpful! While you still need to supervise while your child uses them, they are much easier for kids to handle.

12. Get On the Floor

Getting on the floor to play with your kids is a simple gesture that can work wonders at making everyone happy!

When you sit on the floor instead of staying on the couch or in a chair, you can get on your child’s level and show more interest in what they are doing.

Also, when you get on the floor to play with your kids, you might find it easier to let your silly side show!

13. Have a Water Fight

One exciting way to be a fun mom is to have a spontaneous water fight in the backyard. A water fight is perfect for a hot summer day when everyone needs to cool off.

You can drench each other with water blasters, buckets, or balloons. Or you can also turn the hose on, and your kids can try to run through the yard and see who can get hit the least!

14. Show Interest in Their Hobby

Showing interest in your children’s hobbies is another excellent way to be a fun and supportive mom. Whether it’s playing a sport, something creative like painting, or playing an instrument like guitar or piano, taking an interest in what they enjoy shows them that you care about their passions.

Some easy ways to show interest in your child’s hobbies are to attend performances or games or even participate in their activities with them.

Also, even something as simple as asking them about their interests can show them how much you care and will create a stronger bond between you and your children.

15. Have a Tea Party

Having a tea party is a fun activity that younger kids will especially love. And the great thing about tea parties is that you can pretend to drink tea and eat treats, or you can go all out.

You can dress in your nicest clothes, make delicious goodies and your child’s favorite drink, and have a great afternoon pretending to be super fancy.

Plus, tea parties are perfect for a rainy day or when you want to have a quiet afternoon at home. You can even invite their friends over and make it a group activity!

16. Play Their Favorite Video Game

Playing your child’s favorite video game is also a great way to bond with your children while being a fun mom. They’ll love teaching you how to play the game while showing you their skills, and you’ll have a great time playing together.

You can even challenge each other to see who can get the highest score. Showing an interest in your kids’ favorite video games is perfect for a lazy day at home or when you need a break from the outside world.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to be any good at video games! Your kids will just be thrilled that you showed some interest in what they are doing.

17. Squeeze in Some Cuddle Time

Squeezing in some cuddle time is essential, too, when learning how to be a fun mom. Being a fun mom doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be on the go or come up with activities all the time!

Whether reading a book together, watching a show or cartoon, or snuggling up on the couch, your kids will cherish these moments. Not to mention, cuddling can be a mood booster for you and your kids!

It’s a great way to show your children that you love them and are always there for them.

18. Have a Race in the Yard

Racing in the yard is another entertaining activity that will keep you and your kids active. You can set up an obstacle course or simply run around and have fun.

It can also be fun to have your kids make up the rules for the race or obstacle course. Having them plan out the activity can get their imagination working!

19. Watch Their Favorite Movie

Watching your children’s favorite movie is a great way to spend quality time together. You can make it even more fun by popping some popcorn or grabbing their favorite candy before enjoying the show.

Another fun idea is to have a movie marathon and watch all their favorite movies together.

20. Go On a Picnic

Going on a picnic is a great way to get outside the house and enjoy nature together. Pack some sandwiches, chips, fruit, and drinks, grab your favorite picnic blanket, and spend the afternoon exploring and having fun.

Don’t want to leave the house? Have a picnic in the backyard! You don’t have to travel to a park for a fun picnic. And having one at home gives you the ease of never forgetting to pack something important.

21. Build a Blanket Fort

Building a blanket fort is a fun activity that kids of all ages love doing! Gather blankets to throw over some dining chairs, then pile the pillows in to create a cozy and comfortable fort.

Once you’re finished, you can cuddle up with your kids and read a story or watch a movie together. And if you have older children, you can leave the blanket fort up for them to sleep in that night!

22. Have a Pillow Fight

Having a pillow fight can be a fun and energetic way to release some energy and laugh with your kids. Not to mention, it’s a perfect activity to do while you’re building a blanket fort!

23. Have a Slumber Party in the Living Room

Having a slumber party in the living room can be an exciting and unique way to spend time with your kids. You can set up sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets and have some snacks and games ready.

Or, as I mentioned above, you can set up a blanket fort to sleep in for the night. Whichever way you choose, your kids will love having a family slumber party and will probably request it again soon after.

24. Play Silly Pranks on Each Other

Pranks aren’t only for April Fool’s Day! My whole family loves playing pranks, especially my oldest child. Playing silly jokes on each other can be a fun, lighthearted way to have some laughs and bring joy to everyone’s day.

Encourage your kids to come up with silly and harmless pranks. But also, make sure you participate in pulling pranks because you won’t regret making your kids giggle and smile.

25. Blow Bubbles

Have you met a kid that doesn’t love bubbles? It’s probably unlikely. Blowing bubbles is a great activity that gets your kids outside and can keep them entertained for a while!

Some fun things you can do with bubbles is see who can blow the biggest bubble or the most bubbles. You can also have a competition for who can pop the most bubbles!

26. Make Slime or Play Playdoh/Kinetic Sand

There are plenty of days when I don’t want to deal with the mess that can come with activities like slime, Playdoh, or a Kinetic Sand kit, but those are all activities that my son loves, and they hold his attention for so long!

When trying to be a fun mom, try saying yes to messy toys more often. If your kids enjoy working with their hands to create fun things, they will be thrilled when you bring out the messy activities!

27. Have a Scavenger Hunt

Having a scavenger hunt can be a fun way to explore nature and spend time outside with your kids. Scavenger hunts are also great for promoting your kids’ problem-solving skills.

When finding the best scavenger hunt for your children, you can make or buy one! For example, you can create a list of items you know are relatively simple to find in your neighborhood and then have fun searching for them together.

If you’d rather purchase an already-made scavenger hunt, check out this printable in our shop! It comes with printable activity cards that you can hide inside in case the weather outside is less than desirable.

28. Play a Board Game

Growing up, playing board games with my family was something I loved doing, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen as often as I would’ve liked.

Playing a board game can be an entertaining and competitive way to spend time with your kids. And the great thing about board games is that you can find a fun option for any age group! You can choose a game that everyone enjoys and have some fun playing together.

29. Have a Silly Face Contest

Having a silly face contest can be a hilarious way to create some laughs and have a good time with your kids. You can all make silly faces and see who can create the funniest one.

30. Take Them to Their Favorite Park

Taking your kids to their favorite outdoor park will always be a hit. But one way to take this activity to the next level is actually playing on the playground with them!

Playing with them on the playground structures can be a fun and active way to spend time together. Plus, your kids will always remember when you didn’t sit on the bench and watch them play!

31. Take a Walk and Talk About Their Day

Taking a walk and talking about your child’s day is a great way to connect with them. When you are outside taking a walk, it makes having conversations a little easier because your kids won’t feel like they are in an interrogation.

When walking and talking with your kids, ensure you can give them your full attention and listen to what they say. Also, try asking them open-ended questions to keep the conversation going!

32. Give Your Full Attention

Speaking of giving your children your full attention, it’s crucial to give them your full attention as often as possible. When you are fully present and engaged with your children, they feel heard and valued.

Helping your children feel and know that they are valued can foster a strong and healthy relationship between you and your children and help them develop a sense of self-worth and confidence. Not to mention, you won’t just be the fun mom but also the caring, nurturing mom.

Additionally, giving your child your full attention can help you better understand their emotions and needs, leading to more effective communication and problem-solving.

In a world of ample distractions, consciously giving your child your undivided attention can significantly impact their overall well-being and happiness.

Do I have to be a ‘fun mom’ all day?

Being a mom is a full-time job requiring much energy, patience, and dedication. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed in motherhood and wonder if you need to be a ‘fun mom’ all day.

Trust me, as a mom of two, I have my fair share of doubts about whether I’m a fun mom as much as I should be.

The truth is, you don’t need to be a fun mom all day long. Finding a balance between having fun with your kids and fulfilling your parenting duties is paramount.

It’s okay to take a break and dedicate some time to yourself or do other things, like chores or errands, that don’t involve your kids. But it’s also crucial for you and your kids to make memories you can look back on with a smile!

Even if you start with ‘fun mom’ activities for just 15 minutes at a time, it’s a great thing to implement. And remember that nobody is perfect. Your kids don’t expect you to be a ‘fun mom’ all the time.

What children need is your love, attention, and guidance. So, find a balance that works for you and your family, and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing a great job, mama!

And there you have it; how to be a fun mom. In conclusion, being a fun mom is about finding the right balance between having a good time with your kids and setting boundaries.

With a bit of creativity and a lot of love, being a fun mom can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. So go ahead and embrace your silly side, have some fun with your kids, and create lasting memories that you and your kids will treasure for years to come.

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What was your favorite activity for how to be a fun mom? I would love to know in the comments below!