Slow days can be the best days.

As summer is here, I find myself a bit panicky about what I will do to "entertain" my children when they are home with me. As if a good day is measured by the quality of the activities you do with your children. I have to take a moment and remind myself that this is not true. I find the best and happiest days with my children are the ones that are actually quite simple. Here are some of my favorite low-key activities that I love to do with my kids.

• Taking a walk. My oldest is usually biking alongside us. Simply taking a walk is my number one way to brighten any mood and get out of the house without loading up the car. Lately (especially if my kids don't want to walk), it will end at a coffee shop with baked goods or a park for them to play.

• Playing in a sprinkler. This takes you back to the simpler days of childhood. There is something nostalgic about sprinklers. If you have a backyard, hooking up a sprinkler for the kids to play is always fun.

• Going to the library. There are so many amazing public libraries around St. Louis with great children's sections. I also love the quietness of a library, it can be so calming.

• Visiting a bakery. When we need to get out of the house and don't want to attempt anything extreme, we will visit a local bakery or ice cream shop. Sit on a bench and eat ice cream, and you will soak up the simplicity of summer with kids.

• Go to a park. Most of our low-key summer days involve visiting the local parks around St. Louis.

I hope your summer is filled with some slow days that turn into your favorite days!!