As much as I was looking forward to Summer [1] with my kids (No packed lunches! Endless pool days! No-stress bedtimes!), the reality is that the season's copious fun [2] comes with a side of exhaustion. Sure, I love waking up a little later; spending the days playing in the backyard, diving into pools, and heading to and from camps; then spending the nights chasing fireflies, barbecuing, and watching family movies way past our usual bedtimes. But there's also the reality of having to fit errands, housework, and actual work into all that Summer fun, and the result is that I'm usually asleep before the sun goes down (I mean, it does stay light pretty late) and desperate for the alone time that was easy to find during the school year.

A mom has to be crafty to sneak in some time away from her kids during the Summer, but it can be done. From finding camps that your kids will love [3] (and you'll love dropping them off at) to enlisting the childcare help of friends, family, and babysitters, the following 10 tactics will help you get a breather, find some alone time, and yes, avoid your kids this Summer. After all, all that s'mores making, sunscreen slathering [4], and craft creating deserves a reward, and that reward is a break from parenting. Here are the easiest ways to ditch your kids this Summer and score some solo hours.

Babysit Swap With Family or Friends

The truth about Summer is that we're all in the same boat, juggling camps [5], family vacations, and a lot of empty days to fill for our kids. Partner up with another family with children who get along with your own, and arrange a kid swap. You watch their kids for an afternoon, evening, or even overnight, and they'll do the same for you on a prearranged date.

Join a Gym With Childcare

My town's pools don't open until 11 a.m., which means I have about four hours every morning to fill for my kids, and my gym's childcare program [6] is a lifesaver. Whether I drop them off for 45 minutes so I can fit in a quick, sanity-saving workout, or for two full hours (my gym's maximum time) for a workout, steam, and shower, we all enjoy the structure and change of scenery the gym provides.

Impose Daily Independent Play Time

Teaching your kids to entertain themselves (and independence in general [7]) is a good thing, and if you get the added benefit of some alone time, it's even better. Once your kids are old enough, set a daily time when everyone is required to play or read independently for 30-60 minutes. Set an alarm to help them keep to it.

Plan Some Play Dates

While hosting a play date [8] might just seem like it will add to your Summer stress, most of the time it has the awesome side effect of meaning your kids will also be invited to other kids' houses for future play dates, giving you a breather. Just be mindful of only letting your children invite friends who have generous and reciprocating parents.

Plan a "Grandma" Camp

What is grandma camp [9]? Well, it's basically handing over parenting duties to your parents or in-laws for a set amount of time, which they'll fill with trips to the park, crafts you'd never attempt, and more ice cream cones than any kid should probably consume. Basically, it's a win for everyone.

Look Into Local Park Districts

Your local park district (or one in a neighbouring town) is a treasure trove of supervised Summer activities for kids. Depending on their ages and interests, you'll find camps for children who love sports [10], cooking, crafts, nature, superheroes, and so much more; one-off classes and activities; and even the occasional parent drop-off times (i.e. cheap babysitting). Some fill up almost immediately, but more specialised, shorter camps and activities tend to have availability well into the Summer season.

Enlist the Help of Your Partner

If you're a stay-at-home mom or your family's lead parent, Summer is the time to ask your partner to step up. Plan a biweekly mom's night out, sign up for an evening Pilates or yoga class, or just save grocery shopping and errands for after your spouse gets home. Because a solo trip to Target [11] is always a good idea.

Plan a Couple's Getaway

Summer days can seem never-ending when you're a mom of kids small enough to need a lot of attention and big enough that you're used to them being in some kind of school program for at least part of most days. I, for one, am so exhausted by the time my husband gets home that I can barely muster a "how was your day?" Give yourself a break and strengthen your marriage [12] by planning a weekend getaway, where you can nap, relax, do kid-unfriendly activities, and reconnect.