Ever wonder how some moms make parenting look so fun? The good news is, being a “fun mom” doesn’t mean you have to be crafty, energetic 24/7, or constantly planning elaborate activities. It’s really about being present, saying “yes” a little more, and finding joy in the everyday moments with your kids. In this article, we’ll explore simple, doable ways to add more laughter, play, and connection into your family life—no perfection required! Here are seven tips on how to be a fun mom, along with a list of 35 simple ways to be a fun mom. 

How to Be A Fun Mom | 7 Things to Keep In Mind That Will Create A Better Relationship With Your Kids

1. Try to Let Go of Perfection

Letting go of perfection creates space for laughter, spontaneity, and real connection. When you’re not focused on having a spotless house, perfectly behaved kids, or a rigid schedule, you’re free to enjoy the messy, joyful moments that truly matter. Embracing imperfection helps you be more present, relaxed, and open to saying “yes” to fun—even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

2. Make Holidays Extra Special 

If you think about it, you only have 18 Christmases, 18 birthdays, etc., with your kids before they are an adult. Doing little things to make the holidays more special—like adding festive touches, starting simple traditions, or planning surprise activities—can make you a fun mom in your kids’ eyes. These small efforts create a sense of magic and excitement. Even the tiniest traditions become something they look forward to year after year. And hopefully, they will want to continue the family traditions with the families they end up creating themselves. For young kids, 

3. Be Spontaneous & Never Stop Surprising Them

Being spontaneous and surprising your kids—even in small ways—can strengthen your bond and make everyday life more fun. Whether it’s a random treat, a surprise outing, or an unexpected game, these little moments show your kids that life with you is full of love, laughter, and joy. It reminds them that you’re not just their parent—you’re their biggest fan and favorite playmate too. Try these lunchbox notes for kids, as a fun way to surprise them at school, or simply give them one in the morning to wake up to! 

4. Let Them Be A Part of The Decision Making

Letting your kids be part of the decision-making shows them that their voice matters and builds their confidence. Whether it’s choosing what to have for dinner, picking the family movie, or planning a weekend activity, involving them makes them feel valued and connected. It also turns everyday choices into fun opportunities for bonding and teamwork.

5. Have One-On-One Time With Each Child

Spending one-on-one time with each child helps strengthen your individual bond and makes them feel truly seen and loved. Even just 15–30 minutes of focused attention—reading together, going on a walk, or chatting before bed—can make a big difference. It shows your child they matter to you, not just as part of the group, but as their own unique person.

6. Be Present

Being present means giving your kids your full attention—putting down your phone, pausing the to-do list, and truly engaging in the moment. Whether you’re playing a game, listening to a story, or just hanging out, your presence tells them they’re important. It’s not about doing more, but about being emotionally available, which builds trust, connection, and lasting memories. 

7. Take Care of Yourself So You Can Take Care of Them

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you’re rested, healthy, and emotionally balanced, you have more patience, energy, and joy to give your kids. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, taking a walk, or enjoying a quiet moment alone, prioritizing your well-being helps you show up as the fun, loving mom your kids need. You can’t pour from an empty cup—so filling yours matters. Check out these 30 easy self-care ideas for busy moms. 

35 Easy Ways to Be A Fun Mom That Your Kids Will Brag to Their Friends About

Here’s a list of 35 fun mom ideas—little things that can make your kids light up and think, “My mom is the best!” These ideas blend silliness, spontaneity, creativity, and meaningful quality time, and most of them don’t require much prep or money. Whether you’ve got five minutes or an entire afternoon, these simple moments can help you connect, make your kids laugh, and create memories they’ll cherish for years to come.

Spontaneous & Silly Fun Ideas

Movie themed dinners – Pick one night a week to have movie night, and you can theme dinner, dessert, or snacks around the movie you pick. Your kids will be so excited for this family activity that they will count down the days until movie night! 

Have a dance party in the living room – Living room dance parties are a fun and easy way to shake off the day. Just turn up the music, dim the lights, and let the whole family dance like no one’s watching. Add glow sticks for extra excitement and your kids will be begging for the next dance night!

Speak in silly accents for a whole hour – Pick a time each week to speak in silly accents like British, pirate, or robot and see who can stay in character the longest! Your kids will be in stitches laughing and might even start making up their own hilarious voices.

Let them dress you up – Let your kids go wild giving you a full makeover with makeup, costumes, accessories, and all! They’ll love being in charge, and you’ll all end up laughing at the fabulous (and possibly outrageous) results.

Jump in puddles together –  Next rainy day, grab your boots and go jump in puddles. It’s way more fun than staying dry! Your kids will light up at the chance to splash with you like it’s the best adventure ever.

Make up a secret handshake –  Create a special secret handshake that only you and your kids know. It can be as silly or elaborate as you want! Every time you do it, it’ll feel like a fun little bond just between the two of you.

Turn dinner into a picnic on the living room floor – Surprise your kids by turning an ordinary dinner into a picnic right on the living room floor. Just grab a blanket and enjoy! It’s a simple twist that makes mealtime feel like a mini adventure indoors.

Wear matching PJs or silly outfits – Pick one day to match outfits as a family, whether it’s silly costumes or cozy pajamas. Your kids will love the chance to be goofy with you, and it’ll turn an ordinary day into a memorable one!

Blast a favorite song in the car and sing loudly together – Choose a family favorite, turn up the volume, and belt it out like you’re all in a concert. Your kids will love the energy and the chance to be silly with you!

Make funny faces and selfies together – Grab your phone, pull the silliest faces you can, and snap some goofy selfies. Your kids will love seeing the results and might even start their own silly photo collection!

Have an “opposite day” – Pick a day to turn everything upside down—wear pajamas during the day, say “goodbye” instead of “hello,” or eat breakfast for dinner. Your kids will love the silly chaos and beg to do it again!

Creative & Crafty Fun Ideas

Make a blanket fort – Grab some blankets and pillows, build a cozy fort in the living room, and climb in with your favorite books. Your kids will love the magical hideaway and snuggling up for storytime.

Create a silly home video or fake commercial – Pick a funny product or idea and film a homemade commercial with costumes, props, and all the drama. Your kids will have a blast acting and watching the replay over and over.

Paint or craft without worrying about the mess – Set out the paints, glue, glitter, and let your kids’ creativity run wild—no need to stress about cleanup. They’ll feel free to create and you’ll love seeing what their imaginations come up with.

Try a DIY science experiment or kitchen volcano – Gather simple supplies and make something fizz, bubble, or erupt right on the kitchen table. Your kids will be amazed, and it might just spark a love of science.

Write a short story or comic strip together – Take turns adding to the story—one of you writes or draws a part, then the other continues it. Your kids will love the creativity and surprise of seeing where the story goes next!

Adventure & Exploration Fun Ideas

Go on a surprise adventure – Pick a fun destination and keep it a secret until you arrive. Your kids will be buzzing with excitement the whole way and love the thrill of the unexpected!

Do a scavenger hunt – Create a simple list of items to find around the house, yard, or park, and let your kids go exploring. They’ll love the challenge and the thrill of each discovery! Check out these Spring, Summer, and Fall activity pages, perfect for your kids and family.

Let them lead the way on a walk or hike – Hand over the reins and let your kids choose the path, turns, and pace. They’ll feel empowered and turn a simple stroll into an exciting adventure of their own!

Take them out for ice cream just because – No special reason needed. Surprising your kids with a sweet treat will light up their day and create a simple, joyful memory they’ll always remember.

Sleep in a tent in the backyard – Set up a tent, grab some sleeping bags, and camp out under the stars, even if it’s just a few steps from your door. Your kids will be so excited for the backyard adventure that they’ll talk about it for days!

Start a bucket list – Sit down together and come up with fun things you want to do as a family, then start checking them off one by one. Your kids will love having something to look forward to and watching the list come to life! Here is a free printable summer bucket list! 

Little Ways to Be a Fun Mom Everyday

Say yes more often – Surprise your kids by saying yes to the little things—playing a silly game, having dessert first, or wearing mismatched socks. The joy on their faces will remind you how fun spontaneous moments can be.

Let them help plan a wacky dinner menu – Hand over the meal planning for one night and let your kids come up with a silly or creative menu. They’ll love being in charge and may even eat more when they help choose the meal!

Let them stay up late for a movie night under the stars – Set up blankets and snacks outside and enjoy a movie under the night sky. Your kids will feel like it’s the most special night ever and won’t stop talking about it.

Celebrate half-birthdays or random made-up holidays – Bake cupcakes for a half-birthday or create your own goofy holiday just because. Your kids will love the surprise and look forward to these fun little traditions.

Pack surprise notes or doodles in their lunchboxes – Tuck a silly drawing, sweet message, or joke into their lunchbox for a midday smile. It’s a simple way to let them know you’re thinking of them during the day. Use these printable lunchbox notes for kids for an easy way to make them feel loved, with little effort or cost.  

Ideas for Improving Connection & Presence

Listen fully when they talk—even about Minecraft or unicorns – Give them your full attention, no matter the topic, and show genuine interest in what lights them up. They’ll feel heard, valued, and more connected to you. Check out these would you rather questions for kids, to help start fun conversations and learn new things about your kids!

Be goofy with them, not just for them – Join in the silliness—make funny faces, dance wildly, or tell the most ridiculous jokes. Your kids will love seeing you let loose right alongside them.

Apologize when you’re wrong – It shows your kids that even grown-ups make mistakes and can take responsibility. More importantly, it teaches them that being honest and kind matters more than being perfect.

Try their favorite hobby/game with them, even if you’re bad at it – Whether it’s playing video games, crafting, or dancing around the house, jumping into their world shows how much you value their interests. Your kids will be thrilled to share what they love with you and will cherish every moment of it!

Laugh often and loudly, especially at their jokes – Even the silliest jokes deserve a big reaction—your laughter boosts their confidence and shows you’re listening. Your kids will light up knowing they made you smile and will keep the jokes coming!

Related Articles:

• 30 Day – Be A Better Mom Challenge
• 50+ Relationship Building Activities for Families 
• 100 Screen Free Activities for Kids to Stay Busy All Day

Final Thoughts

Remember, being a fun mom isn’t about doing it all or being perfect—it’s about being present, playful, and creating moments your kids will remember. Whether it’s dancing in the kitchen, building forts, or laughing at bedtime jokes, the little things make a big impact. So give yourself grace, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the journey. Your kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect mom—they just need you.