Summer break can feel like a breath of fresh air—for about a week. Then comes the chaos: irregular bedtimes, constant snacking, and the all-too-familiar chorus of “I’m bored!” That’s where a summer schedule for kids comes in. A thoughtful routine not only helps kids feel secure and focused but also makes your home a calmer place.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to build the ideal summer schedule, include fun activity ideas, and share my favorite tools and resources to keep your kids engaged all season long.
Why a Summer Schedule for Kids Is So Important
Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore new interests, unwind from school stress, and spend more quality time with family. But without a little structure, those long sunny days can spiral into endless screen time and whining. A good summer schedule for kids creates predictability and balance, which are both crucial for young children.
🎯 Tip: Structure doesn’t have to mean rigid. Think of your schedule as a flexible guide—not a strict timeline.
What Should a Summer Daily Routine Include?
Your summer routine should be a healthy mix of:
Morning wake-up time and simple chores
Physical activity (outdoor play, a walk, splash pad)
Creative play (building, crafting, pretend play)
Quiet time/reading
One-on-one time or outings
Screen time (within limits)
Bedtime routine
💡Want to simplify planning? Use a visual schedule or checklist that your child can follow independently.
Our Favorite Tools for a Simple Summer Routine
Creating and sticking to a summer schedule for kids is much easier when you have visual supports and activity ideas ready to go. Here are some of my favorite tools:
Make outdoor time extra fun with a spinning sprinkler that keeps kids cool and active.
Example Summer Schedule for Kids (Printable Coming Soon!)
Time
Activity
7:30 AM
Wake-up & breakfast
8:00 AM
Morning chores (make bed, brush teeth)
8:30 AM
Outdoor play or walk
10:00 AM
Learning activity (workbook, reading)
11:00 AM
Creative play (crafts, LEGO, puzzles)
12:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM
Quiet time / screens
2:00 PM
Outing or backyard time
4:00 PM
Free play / sibling time
5:30 PM
Dinner
6:30 PM
Family time (game night, read aloud)
8:00 PM
Bedtime routine
💡 This is just a framework. Adapt it to your child’s age and your family’s lifestyle!
Not sure what to do during quiet time? These low-stimulation shows for toddlers are calming and age-appropriate—perfect for slowing things down without overstimulating your child.
Keep Your Kids Moving With Outdoor Fun
Even if you have a small backyard, building in regular outdoor time helps burn off energy and reduces behavior issues. Invest in water play, bubbles, obstacle courses, or ride-on toys.
Looking for toys that get kids up and moving? These 54 fantastic active toys for toddlers are perfect for keeping them busy during morning or afternoon blocks.
Use part of your day for free play or structured indoor activities. Set up art stations, LEGO tables, building blocks, or play kitchens so kids can entertain themselves while you get a few things done.
If you need to keep your toddler active indoors, try these toddler climbing toys for indoors—a great way to channel energy without leaving the house.
Want your mornings to run more smoothly before play begins? These 11 toddler mom hacks will help set your day up for success.
Learning Activities to Prevent Summer Slide
Just 15 minutes a day of learning is enough to keep your child’s brain engaged during summer. Use workbooks, flashcards, or storytime to reinforce skills in a fun, low-pressure way.
Kids don’t need to be doing big activities all day—but short, simple movement breaks are powerful for regulating mood and energy. Consider sprinkling in 5-minute dance parties or yoga for kids between tasks.
We love using GoNoodle videos as a quick way to reset our day. There’s everything from silly dance routines to mindful breathing exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions: Summer Schedule for Kids
What’s the best way to start a new summer routine?
Start by observing your child’s natural rhythms—do they play better in the morning or afternoon? Build your schedule around those cues and post it somewhere visible.
How can I keep my child from asking for snacks all day?
Include snack breaks in the schedule and set a visual timer. You could also make a snack station with pre-approved healthy options.
Should I include learning in our summer routine?
Absolutely! Just 15–20 minutes a day with a workbook like Summer Bridge Activities can keep skills sharp without overwhelming your child.
What if I have multiple kids with different needs?
Try shared blocks (like outdoor time and meals), and give each child a bit of solo choice time where they do their own thing.
How strict should I be with the schedule?
Be consistent with anchors like wake-up and bedtime, but leave some room for spontaneity. Flexibility makes the day feel like summer—not school.
🧺 Conclusion: Build a Summer Schedule That Works for Your Family
Creating a summer schedule for kids doesn’t mean turning your home into a boot camp. It’s about bringing just enough structure to your days to help your kids thrive—while still making room for the spontaneous joys of summer. Whether you’re juggling multiple children, working from home, or just trying to avoid hearing “I’m bored” for the 10th time today, a consistent daily rhythm can make all the difference.
Start with a few key anchors—wake-up, meals, outdoor time, rest—and plug in activities that match your child’s interests and energy levels. Make it visual. Make it flexible. And most importantly, make it fun.
Remember, your summer schedule isn’t just a parenting tool—it’s a chance to create memories, build habits, and strengthen your family’s bond.
Mom of 3 sharing positive discipline strategies at home from personal experiences so you can raise kind and independent children & lead a balanced family life.
