Seeking a summer schedule for kids that entertains and educates? Capture the essence of summer with a structured yet flexible plan.
This is our daily schedule that I use with my daughters to keep them active and entrained during the summer, with activities we’ll all enjoy.
Key Takeaways
- A balanced summer schedule for kids should include a consistent morning routine, physical activities, learning experiences, outdoor adventures, and an unwinding bedtime routine.
- Implementing a structured schedule can help prevent boredom, maintain a sense of normalcy, and encourage children’s personal growth and independence during the summer break.
- For a successful summer schedule, parents should set realistic expectations, encourage kids’ accountability, and maintain flexibility to adapt the routine as needed.
- Want more helpful, free printables? I have a ton of freebies to help you around the house, with the kids, and more!
Summer Schedule For Kids
So, what does a balanced summer schedule look like? I’ve tried to create a mix of structure and flexibility that keeps my girls entertained, happy, and thriving.
I include learning activities, exercise, chores, resting, and quiet time. And, of course, I made it into a printable that I had to share!
It’s a sheet you can print out every day for a complete weekly summer schedule, with no guesswork on what’s going on.
Without further ado, here’s a breakdown of what’s in my own summer schedule with the girls and what we do for summer break:
Morning Routine
A consistent morning routine for my girls includes:
- Getting dressed
- Eating breakfast (and cleaning up!)
- Brushing teeth
- Getting active
- Completing specific chores
This routine not only sets the tone for the day but also encourages a sense of responsibility in kids.
It helps them start the day right and contributes to a smoother daily flow.
Activities To Get Kids Moving
Being active is a big part of maintaining children’s health and energy levels during the summer.
Some fun and engaging activities we do over the summer are:
- Balloon volleyball (or play Keepy Uppy like true Bluey fans!)
- Simon Says
- Bubble chase
- Yoga
- Freezer dance
- and more!
You can try out the activities we do, but leave a comment if you have some fun recommendations I can show the girls!
Kids Chore Chart
A chore chart can be a powerful tool in teaching kids responsibility and accountability.
Tasks such as unloading the dishwasher, setting the table, or helping with meal preparation can be included in the chore chart.
Since my girls are younger, I have them help fold and put away laundry, pick up their toys during the day and before dinner, and clean up in their rooms.
But every kid and home is different, and there are plenty of age-appropriate chores you can work into your new routine.
Check out some kids’ chore charts I found that break things down by age, and see if one would work for you!
Afternoon Routine
The afternoon schedule can be a mix of learning activities, free time, and relaxation.
You could include schoolwork or educational games, naps (for younger kids), and even a limited period for screen use.
A well-balanced afternoon routine allows children to relax and recharge after a hectic morning, providing them with some much-needed quiet time.
Learning Activities
It’s no surprise that the mom, who was a teacher in a previous life, would have some learning activities all summer long!
Even though summer is mostly about fun and relaxation, having educational activities in your fun summer schedule keeps kids ready for the new school year,
We’ve got to keep children’s interest in learning alive at all times!
It could be anything from reading, writing, problem-solving games, or DIY science experiments.
My suggestions for the girls are more for toddlers, but even their older cousin (a young teen) was interested in playing with us, too.
Here are some activities we plan during the summer:
- Alphabet/shape treasure hunt
- Storytelling with toys
- Puzzles
- Music Lessons
- Rhyming practice
- Simple science (think volcanoes, candy crystals, magic water markers, slime, and more)
Get Outside!
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore the world! You’ve got to strike while the iron and weather are hot.
Outdoor play enhances children’s physical health, reduces the risk of obesity, and provides mental health benefits.
But overall, kids aren’t thinking about that- they’re just raring to go and so ready to have quality playtime together.
Simple outdoor activities we do include water balloon fights, going to our favorite parks or exploring new ones, creating and painting a fairy garden, chalk drawings, and more.
Our best chalk art this year was an entire parking lot and lanes up and down our driveway for the girls to bike and practice safely crossing the street.
We did it twice a week last summer and no doubt it’ll come back this year!
Mindfulness Activities
Incorporating mindfulness activities into your summer schedule fosters emotional balance and self-awareness in your kiddos.
Just like we get overwhelmed, so do kids, and they need to have some quiet and avoid high stimulation for a hot minute.
We’ll do breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and more to have some calm down time after we’ve been crazy outside and need to go in and get ready for the evening.
This practice in our routine also reminds the girls that when they get upset and wound up, they have these techniques to make themselves feel better.
Dinner & Bedtime Routine
That leads us to the end of our routine – I’ve calmed the girls down after playing like crazy, and it’s time to wrap up for the evening.
Our evening routine goes pretty smoothly these days, and I try to keep it simple:
- Eat dinner
- Everybody cleans up
- Pop into the bath
- Read before bed (big snuggle time)
- Have some yoga if we’re too energetic still
- Last hug and kiss before bed
And that’s the end of our summer routine! Do you feel more ready to tackle your summer vacation and keep your kids active?
The Benefits of a Summer Schedule for Kids
Beyond keeping kids busy during summer, a well-planned schedule offers numerous benefits.
It provides stability and structure, prevents boredom and burnout, and fosters personal growth and independence.
Let me tell you more about it and really convince you to print out my daily summer schedule for kids:
Consistency and Routine
Consistency and routine are great for helping children foster good habits and give them a sense of predictability.
A daily summer schedule mimics the structured environment they’re used to during the school year.
Knowing what to expect each day alleviates anxiety and allows kids to prepare mentally and emotionally for the activities ahead.
Moreover, a visual schedule enhances a child’s ability to follow the routine with less guidance, fostering independence and self-regulation.
Preventing Boredom and Burnout
A balanced schedule can prevent boredom and burnout by providing a well-thought-out mix of activities and sufficient downtime.
For kids, it means there’s always something engaging to anticipate, whether it’s a craft project, a nature walk, or a new book to read.
This variety keeps their minds active and their bodies moving, reducing the chances of hearing the dreaded “I’m bored.”
For parents, a schedule helps manage the demands of childcare by setting clear expectations for the day.
It allows for designated times to focus on work or self-care, knowing that their kids are occupied with meaningful activities.
Fostering Personal Growth
A summer schedule can be instrumental in nurturing a child’s development, helping them to discover and cultivate new skills and interests, thus fostering personal growth.
By incorporating designated times for independent play, kids are given the freedom to engage with their environment creatively; it’s how they develop problem-solving skills and become self-sufficient.
This autonomy not only contributes to the maintenance of good behavior but also promotes a strong sense of independence.
As they master new tasks and hobbies, their confidence and self-esteem are likely to increase, laying the cornerstone for a lifelong love of learning and personal achievement.
Tips for Good Summer Schedules
Implementing the best summer schedule requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and a flexible approach.
Not everything goes as planned, and there’s other stuff you’ll want to get done – but you can make it work, Mama!
Here are a few of my tips to make your summer scheduling adventure smoother:
Setting Realistic Expectations
By creating realistic expectations and being honest about what is feasible, parents can create a summer schedule that is fulfilling and enjoyable without the pressure of trying to do too much.
By talking with your children, you can set achievable expectations regarding the time everyone can spend together and the activities you can do.
Parents should also be mindful of overcommitting to activities or projects, recognizing that downtime is just as valuable as structured time.
They should factor in relaxation and spontaneous moments, allowing for quality family time that isn’t rushed or overshadowed by an overly ambitious agenda.
Encouraging Accountability and Responsibility
As children grow, parents can use the summer as an opportunity to gradually increase responsibilities in a way that is appropriate for their age and development level.
This can include more complex household tasks, managing a small budget for personal expenses, or taking care of a family pet.
I also encourage the girls to play independently as part of growing up. It allows them to explore their interests, use their imagination, and become more self-reliant.
I’ll let them know what I need to do during the day when they’ll be solo for a bit and when I should be ready to play again.
Staying Flexible and Adaptable
The key to a successful summer schedule lies in its flexibility and adaptability.
Parents need to embrace the ebb and flow of summer, understanding that some days will go according to plan while others may veer off course.
Flexibility also means being open to spontaneous opportunities that may arise, such as an unexpected playdate, which can create cherished memories and break up routines in good ways.
The daily schedule can evolve to better suit the kids’ comfort levels and interests, as well as other family plans, ensuring that the summer remains enjoyable for everyone.
FAQs
What sorts of activities should I prepare for our summer days?
There’s a plethora of activities you can include in your summer schedule, so why not create a summer bucket list? Here are some ideas:
- Baking
- Painting
- Bird watching
- Exploring nature
Choose age-appropriate tasks that your kids enjoy. Ask them what they like to do, and plan it together!
Is this summer schedule free to use?
Yes, my summer schedule is free to use!
You can download my summer schedule and print it by clicking the image above or this link.
How do I balance work and time with my kids during the summer?
Although balancing work and quality time with children during summer may be a challenge, with careful planning, it’s certainly achievable.
You can incorporate your work hours into the summer schedule and ensure that there are activities for the children during those times.
Setting clear boundaries for work time and family time is also crucial.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned summer schedule can be a lifesaver during those long summer days.
From morning routines that set the stage for success to evening rituals that tucked the day away, we’ve created memories that will warm us through every season.
This balance of activities, learning, and play has not only kept the dreaded boredom at bay but also nurtured my little ones’ growth and independence.
It provides a balance of activities and relaxation, fosters personal growth, and helps to prevent boredom and burnout.
I hope this glimpse into our summer days has given you some great ideas for your summer this year!
