The warm days of summer certainly encourage us to relax with family and friends and that should be what summer is all about! While you and the kids transition to a less structure filled days, it can still be helpful have a daily schedule so everyone knows what to expect. Whether you are keeping track of summer camps or just wanting to add some learning time into the week, a free summer schedule template can really help you and your child get organized. Plus, it is always fun to cross things off your to-do list! I hope you find this printable summer schedule for kids useful. I have also included a list of a few things you may want to add to your child’s summer schedule.
Summer break is here, and parents are looking for ways to keep their kids entertained, while also ensuring they continue to learn and relax. Finding the perfect balance between fun, learning, and relaxation can be a challenge for parents during the summer months. In this article, we will provide an ultimate summer schedule for kids that includes a mix of activities, learning opportunities, and downtime to ensure your kids have a fulfilling and enjoyable summer break.
Free Summer Schedule Template
Please feel free to print several copies of this summer schedule I created for my kids. To make that easy for you, here is a schedule pdf file.
This weekly summer schedule includes the days of the week so they can mark important blocks of time. It also includes a To-Do List section (a great place for chores) and a Project or Activity of The Week (great for older kids to set bigger goals). This weekly planner is one of the best ways to add a little structure to your own summer schedule. From quality time to educational activities to summer fun, this will help you fit it all in! I am a big believer in teaching kids how to schedule and manage their time. This kids schedule template is an easy way to keep the family organized and on the same page.
Plan Your Summer Routine
It might be tempting to let your kids sleep in really late and float through the day without a schedule for the summer days. We usually allow this for a week tops and then we switch to a daily routine and a kids summer schedule. This helps keep them from getting too much screen time or getting bored. I also feel like it is a great way to schedule in summer learning activities.
My kids and I sit down together to plan our daily routines. Depending on the age of your children, 11 and under you may want to take the lead, 12 and over you may want to let them take the planning lead. It is a great way for them to learn to organize their time. You can print several of the kids summer schedule templates and fill them out each week or all at once in advance and make additions as things come up.
You may want to schedule in things like summer camp, reading time, musical instrument practice, chores, nap time or quiet time, and bedtime routine. Believe it or not, your kids will appreciate the structure. Don’t forget to put in some down time for creative play and outdoor fun into the kid summer schedule template!
Morning Activities: Learning and Fun Combined
In addition to the fun and learning activities we’ve included in the afternoon, we’ve also got some great ideas for the morning. How about combining learning and fun with some morning activities? This way, kids can start the day off on a positive note while still learning something new. A morning trip to the library is just one example of an activity that can be both educational and enjoyable. Browse the shelves for books on topics your child is interested in, or choose a new subject to explore. Another idea is to have a science experiment or art project ready to go in the morning. This way, kids can engage in hands-on learning while improving their creativity and critical thinking skills. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s something your child will enjoy and look forward to each morning.
Afternoon Activities: Get Moving and Creative
After a morning of learning and fun, it’s time to get moving and creative in the afternoon! Encourage your kids to engage in physical activity by going for a bike ride or playing a game of soccer in the backyard. Not only will this help them stay active and healthy, but it will also improve their mood and boost their energy levels for the rest of the day.
For those who prefer more creative activities, consider setting up an art station with various materials such as paint, markers, and clay. This will allow your kids to explore their imagination and express themselves in a fun and engaging way. Alternatively, you can organize a scavenger hunt in the backyard or neighborhood, which will provide a sense of adventure and excitement while fostering problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Remember, the afternoon activities should balance physical and creative stimulation to keep kids engaged and excited.
Evening Activities: Wind Down and Relax
Remember, a balanced summer schedule for kids should include plenty of relaxation time. As the evening approaches, it’s important to wind down and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Encourage your children to engage in calming activities such as reading, drawing, or listening to music. Avoid screen time, as the blue light can interfere with sleep patterns.
In addition to individual relaxation time, make sure to spend quality family time in the evening. Consider playing board games, going for a walk, or having a family movie night. This will not only help your children unwind but also strengthen family bonds.
As the night draws to a close, ensure that your children are getting enough sleep to prepare for the next day’s activities. Remember, a well-rested child is a happy and engaged child.
Weekend Activities: Plan Family Fun Into Your Kids Summer Schedule
As the week winds down, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the most of the weekend with your family. Summer tasks are important, but so is fun time with your family and independent play time. Be sure to plan some fun summer activities for kids, putting corresponding outings onto specific dates of your long-term summer calendar. Make sure to schedule in some time for fun things like playing outside, swimming in the community pool, hitting a water park, or heading to the local children’s museum. Get their input on what they would add to their summer bucket list! Consider easy wins like ice cream nights and free time every Friday as a reward for creating and following a predictable routine.
One great idea is to take a family hike or bike ride in a nearby park or nature reserve. Not only will you get some fresh air and exercise, but you’ll also have the chance to explore new trails and enjoy some quality time together.
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, consider a movie night or game night at home. Set up some snacks and let each family member choose a movie or game to enjoy together.
For those who want a bit more excitement, there are plenty of adventure activities to try. Consider going zip-lining or rock climbing for a thrilling experience that everyone can enjoy.
Whatever you choose to do, be sure to make the most of your time together. Weekends are the perfect opportunity to bond with your family and create lasting memories.
Schedule In Necessary Appointments
The summer is a great time to schedule in any doctor or dentist appointments that you can get out of the way while the kids are out of school. If you take your kids to the dentist during the summer, your dentist’s office should be able to block out time during the day to see all of your kids at once.
Brush Up Those Reading Skills
Summer reading is a great activity for kids to keep their reading skills sharp and to teach delayed gratification. Many businesses – like Barnes and Noble, Chuck E. Cheese, and Borders – support local reading with special calendars, resulting in free items and additional special offers once the calendars are completed and turned in. Find some summer reads for moms and top picks for kids books. It is a great idea to include 10-45 minutes of reading (based on their age) into your child’s daily summer schedule.
Creating a summer schedule for kids at home helps bring structure to their days while still allowing plenty of time for fun and relaxation. A balanced routine might include set blocks for reading, outdoor play, creative projects, screen time, and chores, giving children a sense of predictability and purpose. Starting the day with a simple morning routine, like breakfast and getting dressed, followed by planned activities and quiet time in the afternoon, can help prevent boredom and reduce behavior issues. Flexibility is key—leaving room for spontaneous outings or rest days ensures summer still feels like a break from the school year.
Conclusion
In summation, the ultimate summer schedule for kids provides a perfect balance between learning, fun, and relaxation. By following the morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend activities outlined in this article, parents can ensure their children have an enjoyable and fulfilling summer break. Remember to adapt the schedule to fit your family’s unique needs and preferences, and most importantly, have fun and cherish this special time with your kids. As the saying goes, “summer will end soon enough, but memories will last a lifetime.”
I hope this free summer schedule template helps you organize your summer break because it always flies by! These summer schedule planning tips should help you make the most of your summer for both fun activities and getting things done! This is really a great idea for helping your child learn to become organized as well. Do you think you will give this printable summer schedule for kids a try? What do you think is the best thing about a daily summer routine for the whole family?
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Maya says
Thank you! Great and useful tips! also, love the summer schedule template! I will print that out to use with the kids as we plan our summer routine!