How to Create a Summer Schedule & Routine for Kids That Works for Everyone

Summer often brings a welcome break from the school-year hustle, but it can also throw off routines, leaving both parents and kids feeling a little lost. Without the structure of school days, maintaining a routine can be challenging—but it doesn't have to be! 

Having a summer schedule doesn’t mean overloading the day with activities. Instead, it’s about creating a rhythm—a gentle flow from one part of the day to the next. This structure helps children feel secure and confident, knowing what to expect, while still leaving space for spontaneous adventures.
Let’s dive into practical steps for crafting a summer routine that balances learning, play, and rest.

Steps to Create a Summer Schedule That Works

A. Set a Flexible Daily Routine

A summer schedule doesn’t have to mirror the strict structure of a school day, but a basic routine provides a comforting sense of predictability for kids. Flexibility is key—it allows you to adapt to changing plans without losing the day’s flow.

Why a Flexible Routine Matters: Children thrive on routine because it creates a sense of security. When they know what comes next, they feel more in control, reducing anxiety and meltdowns. A summer routine can be looser than a school schedule but should still have clear guideposts throughout the day.

Sample Daily Schedule:

1. Morning:

• Wake up and breakfast

• Morning chores (make bed, brush teeth, feed pets)

• Educational activity: reading time, puzzles, or a creative project (like writing a short story or drawing a comic strip)

2. Midday:

• Outdoor play: nature walk, ride a bike, or backyard games

• Lunch with family

3. Afternoon:

• Fun activity: DIY crafts, building a Lego creation, or baking a simple recipe together

• Quiet time: reading, listening to music, or doing a mindfulness activity

5. Evening:

• Dinner

• Family time: board games, movie night, or storytelling

• Bedtime routine: bath, pajamas, and a bedtime story

Keeping the schedule flexible means swapping activities when needed—like replacing an outdoor game with indoor crafts on a rainy day—but the daily rhythm remains steady.

B. Balance Learning and Fun Activities

Summer shouldn’t feel like an extension of school, but it’s important to keep kids’ minds active in enjoyable ways. A balance between learning and fun helps prevent the “summer slide” while keeping kids excited about discovering new things. Read our blog on for activity ideas  20 Fun & Easy Summer Activities for Preschoolers: Outdoor and Classroom Ideas

Incorporating Educational Activities:

• Reading Time: Encourage kids to set reading goals—like finishing a certain number of books by summer’s end. Create a cozy reading nook and let them choose books they genuinely enjoy.

• Creative Projects: Have them write a summer journal, make their own comic books, or invent a new board game.

• Science Fun: Try simple science experiments like homemade volcanoes, growing a small garden, or stargazing at night.

• Math Games: Use fun apps or board games that build math skills without feeling like homework.

Making Learning Fun: Pair educational activities with hands-on projects. For example, if a child reads about space, help them create a model solar system. This way, learning becomes an adventure rather than a chore.

C. Prioritize Physical Activity & Outdoor Play

Summer is the perfect season for movement and outdoor fun. Kids need physical activity not just for health but also for burning off energy and boosting their mood.

Outdoor Activity Ideas:

• Backyard Games: Set up obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, or relay races.

• Water Play: Go swimming at a local pool or have a backyard water balloon fight.

• Nature Exploration: Plan nature walks, bird-watching excursions, or camping trips.

• Sports: Organize a casual game of soccer, basketball, or frisbee with neighbors.

Limiting Screen Time: While a bit of screen time is okay, balance it by setting boundaries. Designate “tech-free” zones or hours—like no devices at the dinner table or only allowing screens after completing an outdoor activity.

D. Plan Healthy Meals & Snack Times

Sticking to a regular meal and snack schedule helps maintain healthy eating habits and keeps energy levels steady throughout the day.

Nutritious Snack Ideas:

• Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with berries and granola.

• Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper slices.

• Homemade Popsicles: Blend fruits like watermelon or mango and freeze.

• Mini Wraps: Whole-grain tortillas with avocado, beans, and veggies.

• Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruit, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips.

Involve kids in meal preparation—they’re more likely to eat what they help create. Let them wash veggies, stir ingredients, or pick herbs from a small garden.

E. Encourage Rest and Downtime

Just as activity is essential, so is rest. Downtime allows kids to recharge, reflect, and build creativity.

The Importance of Rest: Younger children may still need naps, while older ones benefit from quiet time to unwind. Balance high-energy activities with peaceful moments.

Calming Activities:

• Reading and Storytelling: Encourage afternoon reading sessions or listen to audiobooks together.

• Mindfulness Exercises: Practice simple breathing exercises or gentle stretching.

• Music Time: Create a calming playlist or let kids explore playing instruments.

• Creative Quiet Time: Provide drawing supplies, coloring books, or simple crafts.

Establish a bedtime routine to wind down from the day—this could include a warm bath, reading a book, or chatting about the day's highlights.

Managing Summer Schedules for Working Parents

Balancing work commitments with your child's summer break can be challenging, but with a strategic approach, you can create a schedule that keeps kids engaged while allowing you to remain productive. Whether you work from home or commute to the office, planning ahead ensures a smoother summer for the whole family.

1. Utilize Summer Camps & Programs

Summer camps provide structured activities, social interaction, and valuable learning experiences for kids while giving parents peace of mind during work hours.

• Day Camps: Look for local programs that match your child’s interests, such as science camps, art workshops, sports camps, or adventure camps.

• Educational Enrichment Programs: Many libraries, museums, and community centers offer summer classes in STEM, coding, or creative writing.

• Virtual Camps: If in-person options aren’t feasible, online summer programs can offer engaging activities from home.
  
  

2. Coordinate Playdates & Childcare

For parents who don’t want to rely on camps every day, playdates and shared childcare arrangements can be a great alternative.

• Swap Playdates with Other Parents: Team up with friends or neighbors to rotate hosting playdates, ensuring each parent gets dedicated work time.

• Hire a Babysitter or Nanny: Consider hiring a part-time sitter or high school student to supervise and entertain your kids for a few hours each day.

• Grandparents or Family Help: If relatives live nearby, arranging for kids to spend a day or two with grandparents can give you uninterrupted work time.

3. Create a Home Activity Plan

If kids will be at home while you work, having a structured plan for independent activities can help keep them engaged without constant supervision.

• Quiet Time Activities: Encourage reading, listening to audiobooks, or completing fun workbooks.

• Creative Projects: Set up a DIY station with art supplies, LEGO challenges, or science experiment kits.

• Screen Time with Purpose: Allow limited time for educational apps, kids’ podcasts, or virtual field trips to make screen time productive.

Pro tip: Create an "Activity Jar" filled with ideas so kids can pick one when they’re bored!

4. Explore Flexible Work Arrangements

Many companies now offer remote or hybrid work options, which can be helpful during summer. If possible, discuss these options with your employer:

• Work-from-Home Days: If your job allows, working remotely even for part of the week can help balance work and parenting.

• Adjusted Hours: Some workplaces allow parents to start earlier or later to accommodate childcare needs.

• Compressed Workweeks: Working longer hours for fewer days can free up time for summer activities.

5. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Workspace

If you work from home, having a designated workspace for both you and your child can help establish boundaries.

• Quiet Corner for Kids: Set up a small table with books, coloring supplies, and puzzles so they can "work" alongside you.

• Visual Cues: Use a sign (like a red/yellow/green system) to indicate when you’re in a meeting or available for a quick chat.

• Scheduled Breaks Together: Plan short breaks to check in with your child, have a snack together, or do a quick stretch.

Conclusion

A summer schedule doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about balance. By blending fun, learning, and relaxation into a flexible daily routine, you create an environment where kids thrive and families enjoy quality time together. With a little planning and creativity, this summer can be both exciting and stress-free for everyone.

Start with a simple structure, adapt as you go, and embrace the magic of summer adventures!