Picking the Best Summer Schedule for Kids | 8 Free Printables

Inside: Learn how to have a stress-free summer with these summer schedules and routines for kids. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to download your free printables! It’s that time of year that every kid loves—SUMMER!
Originally published: May 27, 2020 Updated: April 17, 2025

🎶Summertime, time, time
Child, the living’s easy
Fish are jumping out
And the cotton, Lord
Cotton’s high, Lord, so high”

Any time of think of summer, I start singing that song in my head.

Summer is typically kids’ favorite time of the year, but for a lot of parents, especially those who work, run their own business, or depend on school for childcare, summer can be challenging! And for full-time stay-at-home parents, the summer days are longer, and there is typically more excitement and less structure which can get exhausting fast.

Siblings may fight more, the whining may seem endless, and behaviors you’d rather not deal with can start to show up more and more. Sleep routines begin to slip, and before you know it, what was supposed to be fun turns into frustration and not-so-fun moments. This is NOT what we want for summer and it doesn’t have to be this way!

Kids thrive on routine. Psst, so do adults!

As humans, we need to know what’s coming next, and it helps if we have things to look forward to. When our days are predictable, we feel secure, and that sense of stability allows us to enjoy our time off more fully. Now this is what we want for SUMMER!

Having a plan for the week helps to create lasting memories, too. I live in the desert, so it’s the opposite of where I grew up in PA during the summer. We have to be strategic about going outside, especially if the temperatures continuously stay above 110 degrees, which we often see from mid-June through August!

With the right balance of fun and structure, we can avoid being trapped at home every day, allowing the kids to annoy the heck out of each other, and instead, we find indoor play places, skate parks, drive a few hours to camp, and of course, any outdoor activity with water!

Regardless of where you live, there are so many amazing things to do in the summer!

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The Importance of A Summer Schedule for Kids

While we don’t want to over-schedule our kids during the summer, having some structure and routine can work wonders.

Research shows that routines help reduce stress, which leads to better behavior and a happier home!

When kids know what comes next in their day, many tasks start to become habits. And once something becomes a habit, it requires less mental energy. It’s like putting the brain on autopilot, allowing kids to save their focus and brainpower for tasks that require more thought and attention.

Setting healthy, reasonable expectations within a routine helps foster habits that support optimal brain development.

That said, flexibility within a routine is key. A schedule that varies just enough from day to day or week to week keeps things fresh and exciting, while still providing the structure kids need to stay grounded.

Finally, when kids are accustomed to a routine, breaking that rhythm can lead to additional stress. And as we know, more stress often results in unwanted behaviors. The more we can keep things predictable, the more we can help our kids feel secure and thrive. Again, this totally helps us, busy parents, too!

Want to print our free morning and evening routine chart? Just sign up here, get them delivered to your inbox, download, and print! From time to time we might send you other stuff we think you’ll enjoy!

How to Implement a Summer Schedule and Routine 

What exactly is the difference between a schedule and a routine? 

Routines are tasks or activities that are done without planning because they recur daily. Whereas, a schedule includes activities, tasks, or events that are planned out and typically written down.

For a stress-free fun summer with kids, I think both are important to have both. A routine that includes tasks in the same order every day, in addition to scheduled activities or events.

Here are two examples to illustrate the difference between a daily routine and a weekly schedule for summer:

Example of Routines + Daily Schedule

Routines are built in and around the scheduled activities:

Monday:

• 7:30 AM: Morning routine (brush teeth, eat breakfast, get dressed)
• 9:00 AM: Morning walk outside (scheduled activity unless you want to make this part of your daily routine)
• 10:00 AM: Art project time (scheduled activity)
• 12:00 PM: Lunch routine (prep, eating and clean up)
• 1:30 PM: Play date at indoor playground (scheduled activity)
• 5:00 PM: Dinner routine (making, eating, and cleaning up from dinner)
• 6:30 PM: Soccer practice (scheduled activity)
• 7:30 PM: Bedtime routine (take a bath, read a book, say goodnight)

More Daily Routine Help!
If you want to be even more efficient during your day and maximize quality time with your kids, you can take your daily routines and schedule and implement Chelsi Jo’s Five Time-Block Method! Check out her program, Systemize Your Life!

And to read more about my experience with her programs, you can read my blog post, The Busy Mom’s Guide: 5 Simple Systems for Managing Kids, Home, and Work

There are many different ways you can implement a summer schedule for kids.

Instead of providing you with one kind of schedule or routine, I have made many different styles and types that you can fully customize. You have the option to pick what schedules will work best for your family! Click here to sign up and get them delivered to your inbox!

How to Pick a Summer Schedule and Routine

Choosing the right summer schedule and routine for your kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about finding the right balance between structure and flexibility, so your children can enjoy their time off while still benefiting from the stability that routines provide.

For the most success in picking a summer schedule, make sure you involve your kids in the process!

Plan it during a Family Meeting! The more skin your kids have in the game, the more willing they may be to participate and have fun. 

Here are some steps to help you create a schedule and routine that works for everyone:

1. Start with Your Kids’ Needs and Interests

The first step in choosing a summer routine is to consider your children’s unique needs, energy levels, age, and interests. Some kids thrive on outdoor activities, while others prefer quieter, more creative play. Take some time to reflect on what your children enjoy and where they may need more structure or flexibility.

• Active kids might benefit from daily outdoor time, like swimming, bike rides, or sports.
• Creative kids may thrive with scheduled craft time, reading sessions, or art projects.
• Social kids may need more scheduled playdates or group activities.
• Babies and toddlers will need breaks during the day for nap time.
• Teenagers may need time to themselves away from their siblings and parents.

The goal is to create a schedule that incorporates a variety of activities that engage your kids’ minds and bodies in different ways.

Don’t worry about pleasing everyone all the time. Instead, have special days such as “YOU PICK” day that rotate between kids.

2. Set Up Basic Daily Routines

Once you know your kids’ needs, create basic daily routines that they can count on each day. These routines should involve the essentials like waking up, eating, and winding down. Having a regular rhythm gives kids a sense of security, even if the day’s activities vary.

Time Blocking for Your Kids’ Summer Morning and Bedtime Routines

By using Chelsi Jo’s 5-time blocking method, you can create a balanced, structured day for your family that gives everyone space to thrive, even during the summer months.

Morning Block (Before Kids Wake Up)

This block is all about setting your day up for success before the rest of the household is awake. It’s your chance for some self-care or productivity time to help you feel grounded and energized for the day ahead.

• Self-Care or Productive Time (30-60 mins)
  Use this time to take care of yourself. Whether you’re getting a workout in, doing some quiet reflection, or preparing for the day, having this space to yourself will help you feel more centered before your kids wake up.
• Morning Prep (10-15 mins)
  Prepare the environment for your kids’ morning—set up breakfast, lay out clothes, or tidy up common areas. This makes the transition easier when your kids wake up.

AM Block (When Kids Wake Up)

The AM Block is dedicated to your kids getting up and ready for the day, with a focus on routine and connection to start things off right.

• Wake Up & Transition Time (15-20 mins)
  Help your kids start the day calmly with a wake-up routine. This includes getting out of bed, stretching, and having a few quiet moments before the day begins.
• Morning Routine (30-45 mins)
  This is when they brush their teeth, get dressed, and tidy up their rooms. The morning routine helps your kids feel grounded and ready for the day, providing structure they can rely on.
• Breakfast & Family Connection (20-30 mins)
  Sit down together for breakfast. This is the time to connect as a family, talk about the day ahead, and make sure everyone feels secure and ready.
• Morning Activity (30-45 mins)
  End the AM Block with an engaging activity—whether that’s creative play, educational games, or outdoor time. This sets a positive tone and gives them something fun to look forward to.

Work Block (Midday)

If your kids are home for the summer, it’s important to have a plan for this block to ensure you can stay productive while still supporting your kids’ needs.

• Dedicated Work Time (2-3 hours)
  This is your “work” time. Whether you’re working from home, focusing on your business, or tackling household projects, make sure your kids know this is a time for independent play or quiet activities.
• Childcare/Quiet Time Activities
  If your kids need supervision, consider setting up a quiet time routine or having a childcare plan in place. Quiet time activities like reading, puzzles, or individual crafts give them a sense of autonomy while you focus on your tasks.

PM Block (Late afternoon – early evening)

The PM Block is essential for maintaining flow throughout the day. This is the time when your kids have more flexibility, but it’s also an opportunity for family bonding before dinner.

• Unstructured Play or Family Time (30-45 mins)
  After the structured time of the day, this block allows for free play or family activities. Whether they’re outside running around or indoors playing board games, this time lets them unwind and have fun.
• Dinner Prep & Connection (45-60 mins)
  Plan for dinner prep at this time to keep the evening flowing smoothly. You can use this block to connect with your kids, talk about the day, and get everyone involved in helping prepare the meal.
• Sports Practices
  This is typically when kids have practices or extra-curricular activities that you can squeeze in during the final hours of their awake time.

Evening Routine Block

The Evening Routine Block ensures that the transition from day to night is smooth and peaceful. This block includes everything that helps your kids wind down and get ready for bed.

• Wind-Down & Hygiene Routine (20-30 mins)
  This block is for calming activities, such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, and getting into pajamas. It signals to your kids that the day is coming to an end.
• Quiet Time or Story (15-20 mins)
  Follow up with a quiet activity like reading a book, telling a story, or having a calm conversation. This helps settle them down and makes the bedtime transition easier.
• Goodnight & Connection (5-10 mins)
  End the evening with a brief moment of connection, like a hug, goodnight kisses, or words of encouragement. This provides a sense of security and ensures a positive close to the day.

These routines don’t need to be rigid, but they provide structure that helps kids feel more grounded.

3. Plan Flexibility Into Your Schedule

Summer is all about making memories, and while routines are important, so is allowing for flexibility. Make sure your schedule has plenty of free time where kids can follow their own interests, whether that’s playing with toys, spending time outdoors, or simply relaxing. A schedule that feels too packed can lead to stress and resistance, so aim for a mix of planned activities and unstructured time.

For example, you might have a weekly structure, but allow for flexibility on certain days:

• Monday: Morning swim, followed by a creative activity in the afternoon.
• Tuesday: Morning bike ride, free play in the afternoon.
• Wednesday: Playdate with friends in the morning, quiet time after lunch.

Free play time with no screens is extremely beneficial for developing brains and minds!

Allowing flexibility gives your kids time to feel that there is a balance of fun, relaxation, and necessary structure, without feeling like their summer is all about schedules and to-do lists.

4. Create Some Family Traditions

Summer is the perfect time to build lasting memories and traditions. Consider adding a few family-specific rituals or activities to your schedule. These traditions can be as simple as a weekly ice cream night, a Friday afternoon picnic at the park, or a Saturday movie marathon. These traditions give your kids something to look forward to each week and help make summer feel extra special.

5. Be Prepared to Adjust

No schedule is set in stone, and that’s especially true during the summer. Life happens! Unexpected weather, last-minute playdates, or simply the need for a lazy day. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule as necessary. The key is to keep it fun and stress-free for everyone, even if things don’t go exactly as planned.

6. Don’t Forget Sleep

If your kids want to stay up a little later, make sure they are getting up a little later too! Sleep is imperative to brain development, and the lack of sleep is becoming an epidemic. Be mindful of how many hours of sleep your kids need and do what it takes to help them get enough. 

I had the opportunity to interview a neuroscientist about why it’s okay if your teen sleeps until noon! And we also interviewed Lisa Lewis, author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive for another great talk all about sleep!

7. Pay Attention to Cost 

When planning activities, think about and budget and how much summer activities cost.

Thankfully, there are so many free activities for kids to do such as swimming at your neighborhood pool, going to library events, local parks and playgrounds, playdates, dispersed camping, etc.

What we have done is find year-long memberships that were reduced in price through promotions or sites like Groupon. This cut down on costs a lot as we frequented the water park, Science Center, and indoor play places.

8. Self-Care for YOU!

This is not as obvious, but we need to make sure within these routines and schedules that we don’t forget to take care of ourselves as parents. Personally, I do a modified version of The Miracle Morning.

I have been able to stick to my own routine hours before my kids wake up, but for you, your self-care time may be during your kids’ nap or quiet time. If you don’t have a built-in quiet time, I highly recommend incorporating one into your summer routine as well.

Again, this time can be for you as much as it is for your kids! 

Since we avoid screens as much as possible because my boys’ nervous systems can’t handle it and it’s not worth the battles, they love to do projects from companies like Kiwi Crate (use code SHARE30 for 30% off). And Legos are always a winner, too, of course!

Pssst… if you are running on empty, I have a Free eBook that walks you through how to take care of yourself so you have more to give to your family. Implementing these concepts have seriously been life-changing for me!

Schedule & Routine Ideas: What to Do During Summer Vacation

There are so many different ways you can make a summer schedule and daily/weekly routine. I have made printables of the different types that you can download here!!

Pro tip! Print out whatever schedule will work best for your family. You may want to try out a few at first! >> Print out the schedule, laminate it then reuse it week after week all summer long! You can totally print a new one every week but I sure love my laminator!

Time Block Schedules For Kids 

Although block schedule has “schedule” in the name, as I already discussed in detail above, it is actually a way to help you keep a consistent daily routine by scheduling activities and tasks within blocks of time. The blocks remain the same every day; the activities and tasks typically change.

Summer of Joy Block Schedule

The “Summer of Joy” schedule works perfectly with Chelsi Jo’s Systemize Your Life 5-Time Blocking Method especially if you are still working throughout the summer. For the middle block, I added, “Work, Rest or Play” so it can fit whatever season you are in!

Summer Block Schedule for Kids

The Summer Block Schedule is another way you can use a block-method of scheduling and adding in your routines.

Sample of How to Use the Summer Block Schedule

• 7:00am – 9:00am (Block 1): MORNING ROUTINE – Get dressed, eat, brush teeth, get ready for the day
• 9:00am – 12:00pm (Block 2): FUN ACTIVITY – Go somewhere fun or plan something to do at home on days you don’t feel like going anywhere. 
• 12:00pm – 1:00pm (Block 3): LUNCH & CLEAN – Eat and clean up the kitchen.
• 1:30pm – 4:00pm (Block 4:): QUIET TIME – Nap, rest, quiet or room time.
• 4:00pm – 6:00pm (Block 5): DINNER – Prepare and eat dinner then clean up after dinner.
• 6:00pm – 8:00pm (Block 6): BEDTIME ROUTINE – Hang out, read, and prepare for bedtime.

Activity Block Schedule

Another way to do a block schedule is to do the same activity in a certain block every day. 

An Activity Block Schedule is a method of organizing the day into designated blocks of time dedicated to specific activities or types of tasks. This approach helps provide structure while allowing flexibility within the day, making it an ideal tool for managing your family’s time, especially during the summer or when balancing multiple responsibilities.

The blocks can be as short as 20 minutes or as long as several hours, depending on the activity. The goal is to set a clear expectation for what happens during each block of time, which helps reduce stress and provides a sense of order while still leaving room for spontaneity and fun.

How to Use an Activity Block Schedule:

1. Adjust Based on Needs:
   Every family and child is different. Some kids may need longer blocks for certain activities, while others may prefer shorter, more frequent breaks. Observe how your kids respond to the schedule and adjust accordingly. This flexibility ensures that the schedule works for everyone involved, promoting harmony and preventing burnout.
2. Identify the Activities:
   Start by listing out the activities or tasks you want to include in the day—these could be family activities, chores, learning time, creative play, exercise, or even self-care. You can divide your day into blocks based on the needs and priorities of your family.
3. Create Time Blocks:
   Group similar activities into blocks of time. For example, you might have a “Creative Play Block” from 9-10 AM where the kids do arts and crafts or play with toys, followed by a “Learning Block” for reading or educational activities. Make sure the time blocks are realistic for the tasks at hand, giving enough time to complete each one without feeling rushed.
4. Be Flexible:
   One of the main benefits of an Activity Block Schedule is its flexibility. While it’s important to stick to the general flow of the day, it’s also okay if things take longer or shorter than expected. The blocks should serve as a guide, not a rigid rulebook. This approach allows for some breathing room, especially with kids who may get caught up in play or need more time for a particular task.
5. Incorporate Breaks and Free Time:
   It’s essential to include unstructured time or breaks within the schedule to allow for rest, recharging, and spontaneous play. You don’t have to fill every minute of the day with structured activities. A well-balanced schedule will also incorporate some downtime for the kids to relax or play freely.

Master Activity List By Category Schedule

The first block schedule I created is inspired by Modern Minimalism! She created a master list of activities and tasks, and then grouped them all into categories like help, move, create, etc.

For the daily schedule, kids pick an activity under each category to do during that block of time.

Daily Routine with a Mind, Body, and Soul Focus

I often see these kinds of lists for kids to complete before they get screen time. It ensures they are filling their minds and bodies with good things first. 

The blocks in this schedule can be divided into 1.) Wake Up 2. ) Late Morning 3.) Afternoon and 4.) Evening

Wake-up tasks include everything that has to do with care:

• Personal care such as eating, getting ready, and brushing teeth. 
• Family care such as daily chores or doing tasks that are helpful to the family. 
• Soul care such as reading a daily devotional, filling out a gratitude journal or daily reflection journal. *My son LOVES this One Question a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal: Time Capsule for Kids journal

Late Morning tasks include activities for the body such as: 

• Ride bike
• Exercise
• Jump on the trampoline
• Swim
• Hike
• Play with friends

Afternoon tasks include ways to build the brain such as: 

• Read or listen to a book
• Write 
• Do a science project 
• Make crafts
• Play the piano or write music
• Watch an educational video
• Design or build something
• Listen to a podcast – here are the podcasts my kids love!
• Make kindness cards

Evening tasks are whatever needs to happen to end the day or wind down:

• Dinner
• Clean kitchen/rooms
• Family time or play a game
• Read
• Sleep!!

Daily Checklist

I got this idea from one of my favorite parenting podcasts, Sunshine Parenting with Audrey Monke.This is the checklist we now use the most since my kids are older.

Instead of focusing on a specific schedule, your kids need to check off everything on the list each day. They can do the activities whenever they want as long as they get done. This kind of list is especially great for older kids and teenagers who don’t rely on you as much.

Summer Bucket List Schedules

I love the idea of having a summer bucket list!

If you don’t know what a bucket list is, it’s a collection of aspirations, goals and dreams someone would like to accomplish before they leave this earth. This concept can be applied to kids and what they want to do in summer break.

There are different ways you can do a bucket list. You can pick from a huge list of activities like you can find on Busy Mom Smart Mom (Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids: 100+ Ways to Beat the Heat) or you can do a weekly bucket list schedule that includes places they want to go to and things they want to do; goals can be incorporated into the schedule as well. 

I’ve seen many bloggers make each day of the week a theme that starts with the same letter as that day of the week. Just check Pinterest! There are some very creative schedules out there! 

I created my own version of a summer bucket list printable for you as well!

Daily Summer Schedule and To-Do’s

Some families prefer to mix it up or change their schedule depending on the day. I’ve included a section for the schedule of events and tasks, gratitude, priorities, and meals.

Good Ol’ Weekly Schedule

This is what our family has been using until we decide what we want our blocks to be. It’s super simple to use! I laminated ours so we could reuse it every week.

Every night, we figure out what we are going to do the following day and fill in the schedule. I keep it on the fridge so it’s super easy for the kids to see. They can also add to it!

Weekly Themed Schedules

One last way you can structure your summer schedule for kids can be to adapt from summer camp!

Each week has a theme and with a general block schedule already in place, the activities and tasks you do will revolve around that theme. Here are super fun themed schedules:

• Camp, Learn, and Play – 17 weekly themes planned out for you! No Time For Flashcards
• DIY Summer Camp – 11 weekly themes full of fun. Steamstational
• At Home Summer Camps for Kids – 12 themed weeks with 84 activities including crafts, games, sensory play, dramatic play, open-play ideas, printables, and more! Teaching Mama

Download Your Free Summer Schedules

Ready to get organized and make the most of your summer?

Download your free summer schedules now to help create a balanced, fun-filled routine for your family. With easy-to-use templates for daily routines, activity blocks, and more, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a stress-free summer while keeping everyone engaged and on track. Fill out the form below and they’ll be sent to your email inbox.

What Will You Be Doing This Summer? 

Let me know if any of these schedules are helpful in planning your summer vacation with kids. If you have friends looking for routines or summer schedules, please share! 

If parenting is feeling extra hard with all the kids at home, I have a 12 week parent transformation program that will help you transform your relationship with your kids from a source of stress to a journey of growth and connection. I especially love working with parents of neurodivergent kids or kids who have big challenging behaviors and don’t know what else to do. My own kids have helped me become an expert in that area!

Click here to set up a time to chat with me to see if I can give you the support you need!

Here’s to a happy summer!

Adriane (Raising Kids With Purpose)

Hello!!! I’m Adriane. I’m a mom to three loud boys, am a research-a-holic and very passionate person who writes at Raising Kids With Purpose. Parenting can feel so hard sometimes but with mindset shifts and understanding, it can be very enjoyable. My hope is to inspire parents like you to create lifelong connections with your children and enjoy the journey along the way!