Here are six examples of summer routines for kids from real parents and caregivers, as well as expert advice (and a free template!) to help you build your own.<\/p>
Key takeaways<\/h3>- A summer schedule helps bring structure to long, unstructured days, which can reduce boredom and the familiar “I’m bored” refrain. It also supports learning retention and emotional well-being by balancing play, rest and consistent routines.<\/li>
- Effective summer routines don’t need to be rigid — they should reflect each child’s personality, energy level and the family’s daily realities. Including a mix of essential tasks, reading, creative play, outdoor time and exploration helps kids stay engaged while still feeling flexible and fun.<\/li>
- Different scheduling styles — hour-by-hour plans, themed days or simple checklists — can all work depending on how much structure a child needs. Involving kids in planning their routine helps them feel ownership and makes it more likely they’ll follow through.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
Why do I need a summer schedule for kids?<\/h2>
There are a lot of good reasons to stick to a summer schedule for your kid. One major benefit is that it can help prevent the so-called summer slide. Research<\/a> shows that kids can lose between 17-34% of the year’s prior learning during the summer. Keeping kids in a routine, particularly if that routine includes consistent opportunities for learning and play, can help them keep learning all season long.<\/p>A good summer schedule or routine can also help kids stay active and prevent stress and anxiety. “Children of all ages (and even adults) thrive on routines and structure,” says Allison Wilson, an early childhood educator and the senior director of curriculum and innovation at Stratford School<\/a>.<\/p>“Power off the devices and play, sing, be silly, go on walks and bike rides, enjoy picnic lunches, play ball in the backyard, and lay on a blanket after dark to look for shooting stars… “<\/p>— Donna Whittaker, early childhood educator<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>What should I include in a kids’ summer schedule?<\/h2>
Even though we can all benefit from some sort of schedule or routine, how that looks may be different for each child, caregiver and family. <\/p>
“Some kids thrive by being creatures of habit with a more regimented schedule, while other kids love the flexibility of an on-a-whim, spur-of-the moment type of day,” says Donna Whittaker<\/a>, a veteran early childhood educator and Vice President of Curriculum and Education at Big Blue Marble Academy.<\/p>Here are the main categories to consider when creating your own summer schedule for kids.<\/p>
- Essential daily tasks<\/strong>: Getting dressed, brushing teeth, doing chores — you can decide how detailed to get.<\/li>
- Reading time:<\/strong> “Check out your local library summer reading programs or story time,” Wilson advises.<\/li>
- Educational fun:<\/strong> Whittaker recommends cooking a recipe together to build literacy and math skills, a backyard fort to help with problem solving or jumping rope to build fine motor skills.<\/li>
- Opportunities for exploration:<\/strong> “Summer is a great time to explore your local community or perhaps somewhere out of the area,” Wilson says. <\/li>
- Playtime:<\/strong> “Power off the devices and play, sing, be silly, go on walks and bike rides, enjoy picnic lunches, play ball in the backyard, and lay on a blanket after dark to look for shooting stars and catch fireflies all together,” Whittaker says.<\/li><\/ul>
Downloadable summer schedule for kids (free printable)<\/h2>
Create a summer schedule for kids and set up a perfect routine that includes their daily tasks, meals, reading and educational fun and playtime. It’s super simple with this free printable.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/Printable-kids-summer-schedule.png\")
<\/figure>(Click to download this summer schedule for kids<\/a> template as a PDF.<\/em>)<\/p>A sample summer schedule for kids<\/h2>
Your summer schedule will change based on your lifestyle, needs and what kids enjoy. “Some children require more scaffolding when it comes to accomplishing tasks, while others may rebel against the checklist method and be able to accomplish tasks without it,” says Whittaker. “Getting their input on schedules will help them to feel in control and powerful.”<\/p>
Here’s a sample schedule for summer to help you get started:<\/p>
- A summer schedule helps bring structure to long, unstructured days, which can reduce boredom and the familiar “I’m bored” refrain. It also supports learning retention and emotional well-being by balancing play, rest and consistent routines.<\/li>
- Effective summer routines don’t need to be rigid — they should reflect each child’s personality, energy level and the family’s daily realities. Including a mix of essential tasks, reading, creative play, outdoor time and exploration helps kids stay engaged while still feeling flexible and fun.<\/li>
- Different scheduling styles — hour-by-hour plans, themed days or simple checklists — can all work depending on how much structure a child needs. Involving kids in planning their routine helps them feel ownership and makes it more likely they’ll follow through.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
Why do I need a summer schedule for kids?<\/h2>
There are a lot of good reasons to stick to a summer schedule for your kid. One major benefit is that it can help prevent the so-called summer slide. Research<\/a> shows that kids can lose between 17-34% of the year’s prior learning during the summer. Keeping kids in a routine, particularly if that routine includes consistent opportunities for learning and play, can help them keep learning all season long.<\/p>
A good summer schedule or routine can also help kids stay active and prevent stress and anxiety. “Children of all ages (and even adults) thrive on routines and structure,” says Allison Wilson, an early childhood educator and the senior director of curriculum and innovation at Stratford School<\/a>.<\/p>
“Power off the devices and play, sing, be silly, go on walks and bike rides, enjoy picnic lunches, play ball in the backyard, and lay on a blanket after dark to look for shooting stars… “<\/p>— Donna Whittaker, early childhood educator<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>
What should I include in a kids’ summer schedule?<\/h2>
Even though we can all benefit from some sort of schedule or routine, how that looks may be different for each child, caregiver and family. <\/p>
“Some kids thrive by being creatures of habit with a more regimented schedule, while other kids love the flexibility of an on-a-whim, spur-of-the moment type of day,” says Donna Whittaker<\/a>, a veteran early childhood educator and Vice President of Curriculum and Education at Big Blue Marble Academy.<\/p>
Here are the main categories to consider when creating your own summer schedule for kids.<\/p>
- Essential daily tasks<\/strong>: Getting dressed, brushing teeth, doing chores — you can decide how detailed to get.<\/li>
- Reading time:<\/strong> “Check out your local library summer reading programs or story time,” Wilson advises.<\/li>
- Educational fun:<\/strong> Whittaker recommends cooking a recipe together to build literacy and math skills, a backyard fort to help with problem solving or jumping rope to build fine motor skills.<\/li>
- Opportunities for exploration:<\/strong> “Summer is a great time to explore your local community or perhaps somewhere out of the area,” Wilson says. <\/li>
- Playtime:<\/strong> “Power off the devices and play, sing, be silly, go on walks and bike rides, enjoy picnic lunches, play ball in the backyard, and lay on a blanket after dark to look for shooting stars and catch fireflies all together,” Whittaker says.<\/li><\/ul>
Downloadable summer schedule for kids (free printable)<\/h2>
Create a summer schedule for kids and set up a perfect routine that includes their daily tasks, meals, reading and educational fun and playtime. It’s super simple with this free printable.<\/p>
<\/figure>(Click to download this summer schedule for kids<\/a> template as a PDF.<\/em>)<\/p>
A sample summer schedule for kids<\/h2>
Your summer schedule will change based on your lifestyle, needs and what kids enjoy. “Some children require more scaffolding when it comes to accomplishing tasks, while others may rebel against the checklist method and be able to accomplish tasks without it,” says Whittaker. “Getting their input on schedules will help them to feel in control and powerful.”<\/p>
Here’s a sample schedule for summer to help you get started:<\/p>
- Reading time:<\/strong> “Check out your local library summer reading programs or story time,” Wilson advises.<\/li>
- Essential daily tasks<\/strong>: Getting dressed, brushing teeth, doing chores — you can decide how detailed to get.<\/li>
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