Summer hits fast, especially in West LA neighborhoods. One minute your kids are deep in math homework, and the next they’re bouncing off the walls because school’s out. But if you’re a working parent, summer vacation can feel less like fun and more like a guilt trip. You’re busy with Zoom meetings or hustling around town, while it seems like everyone else has epic summer adventures.
So how do you keep your kids happy, your job secure, and your sanity intact without feeling awful? Here’s how to ditch that guilt and make summer easier, right here in our own backyard.
Setting Realistic Expectations (Hint: You’re Doing Great)
First things first: stop being so hard on yourself. Working parents everywhere face the same struggle every June. The guilt hits when you imagine everyone else lounging on Venice Beach or picnicking at Culver City Park while you’re stuck at your laptop. But trust me, most families aren’t out there having the perfect summer either.
It’s totally normal if you can’t entertain your kids every minute. Kids actually benefit from free time, even boredom. It helps them learn independence and creativity. So, don’t feel bad if you can’t plan every hour. Let go of the guilt, set realistic goals, and remember—you’re doing awesome just keeping things running smoothly.
Find Your Local Summer Heroes: Camps to the Rescue
You don’t have to handle summer on your own. There’s help everywhere, especially in neighborhoods like ours. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by balancing work and parenting, there’s an easy solution waiting right here at home. Local camps can save your summer—seriously.
Maybe you’ve thought about camps but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Well, now’s the time. Our area is packed with incredible options. Whether your kid’s into sports, art, drama, or coding, LA, Del Rey or Orange County summer camps have something perfect for them. The cool part? Camps help your kids build skills, make new friends, and give you space to actually get your work done without interruptions every ten minutes.
The best part about sending your kid to camp isn’t just that it frees up your schedule. It also gives your kid the chance to explore interests away from home. Kids come back confident, happy, and excited to tell you everything they learned. Camps aren’t just babysitters—they’re experiences your kid will love, and you’ll feel great about.
Lean on Local Networks (Because Parenting Takes a Village)
Sometimes, the answer’s right next door. West LA communities are famous for their tight-knit neighborhoods. Make the most of this! Start chatting with other parents at local spots like the Mar Vista Farmers Market or the playground at Veteran’s Park in Culver City. Chances are, they’re juggling summer too.
Organize kid swaps. Offer to watch a friend’s kids one afternoon if they’ll watch yours the next. Set up playdates or group hangouts at local spots like Burton Chace Park or Clover Park. Not only will your kids get to hang out with their buddies, but you’ll gain precious hours of quiet to catch up on work or even just breathe for a minute.
When you lean on other parents, summer feels less stressful. Everyone wins, and your kids get more social time—something they definitely missed during the school year.
Rediscover Your Local Libraries and Hidden Gems
Sometimes, the simplest activities become the ones kids love most. Your local libraries, from Culver City Julian Dixon to the Palms-Rancho Park branch, are goldmines of free fun. Many have storytimes, craft hours, and movie screenings for kids. Plus, they’re great spots to quietly work while your kids are entertained nearby.
Even taking a quick drive over to the Beverly Hills Public Library can feel like a mini-adventure. It’s a spacious spot perfect for settling in with your laptop while your kids dive into a reading program or an interactive story session. It’s air-conditioned (big win on those hot afternoons!), relaxing, and completely guilt-free. You’re both productive, and you’re giving your kids a love of reading that’ll last way beyond summer vacation.
Don’t forget about smaller hidden spots. Mar Vista Gardens often hosts community art projects or garden walks. Del Rey Lagoon Park has quiet corners perfect for picnics or nature walks. These little escapes add excitement to ordinary afternoons, no long drives needed.
Involve Kids in Your Routine: Make It Feel Like Summer
You can’t spend every summer day away from work, but you can still make your kid feel special. One way to do this is by including them—even briefly—in your routine. If you’re heading into work near downtown Culver City, plan a morning stop at Copenhagen Pastry on Washington Blvd. Grab something tasty together before you head to your office. These little moments count. Kids remember the donut mornings, the quick jokes, and laughter.
At lunchtime, sneak out and grab sandwiches together at Lodge Bread Company on Venice Blvd, or pick up a treat from a food truck nearby. Let them see that you’re not forgetting about summer fun, even though you still have responsibilities.
Also, let your kids pick fun mini-adventures once in a while. Maybe they’ve been begging to go rollerblading in Santa Monica or bike the Ballona Creek Trail. Even if it’s only for an hour or two on the weekend, they feel seen, loved, and included. Suddenly, the fact that you worked all week fades into the background.
Working Remotely? Turn Your Backyard into Summer Central
If your job keeps you homebound, it can feel impossible to balance summer fun and Zoom calls. But here’s a trick: turn your yard into a mini summer wonderland. Fill a cheap inflatable pool, set up a DIY tent fort, or create an outdoor art studio with washable paints. While you tackle emails, they can splash, paint, and explore right outside the window.
Break your workday into blocks. Tell your kids when you’ll step away for short breaks. Join them for quick activities—maybe a water balloon fight or popsicle break—then head back inside refreshed. This way, you stay productive, and your kids feel you’re right there with them.
You can also partner with local neighbors. Invite another family to join you for backyard fun while parents trade off supervising. You might be surprised how many local parents jump at the chance to share this kind of setup.
Keep it Simple and Flexible
Summer isn’t supposed to stress you out. If your schedule feels packed, slow down. Westside LA life can move pretty fast, but summer doesn’t have to. Cancel unnecessary events, say no when you need to, and keep your summer relaxed and open. Kids don’t need a million activities to have a great summer—they mostly just need you present when you’re able.
When plans inevitably fall apart—and they will—embrace the chaos. Laugh off the disaster ice cream spill at Menchie’s on Overland or the traffic jam on Sepulveda. Flexibility makes summer happier for everyone. Kids pick up on your attitude, so if you’re chill about unexpected changes, they’ll learn to roll with it too.
Even if work is hectic, you can keep home life simple. Cookouts at Kenneth Hahn State Park or an easy picnic dinner at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey can feel like an escape. Low-key is usually better.
Summer Guilt? Let It Go. You’ve Got This.
Your kids won’t remember how perfectly planned your summer was. They’ll remember moments with you, sunny afternoons with friends, and discovering something cool in their own backyard. Being a working parent doesn’t mean your kids get less. It just means you need to lean on your community and trust yourself.
So breathe easy this summer. You’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think. Your kids will grow up with amazing memories, knowing that their parents hustled, loved, and made their summers special—even in small ways. Let the guilt go, get out into your neighborhood, and make this summer your family’s favorite one yet.
