I know that summer can feel overwhelming for many of us mom’s because school is out and days can seem long and exhausting.

I have days like this as well, but overall I really love being a stay-at-home mom in the summer.  There are so many free events and as someone who needs an insane amount of vitamin D to stay happy, I am in my element during this season.  I totally believe kids need structure and a schedule (even if a loose one) through the summer days.  My kids love knowing what to expect and look forward to.  This also helps me feel like my house isn’t complete chaos.

Every summer I put together a schedule to help us stay productive and have fun as well.  Here are some ideas that can help you do the same.  I know times vary for everyone so here is our traditional schedule:

  • Morning (8-10am): Breakfast/Get dressed/ Morning chores
  • Late Morning (10-12am) : Go do an activity (Listed below)
  • Lunchtime (noon)
  • Afternoon (1-3pm): Nap time/Reading time
  • Late Afternoon (3-4pm): School workbook
  • Early Evening (4-5) : Dinner prep/ Kids can watch a show
  • Evening (5-7pm): Dinner/ Family time
  • Late Evening (7-8pm): Family devotions/ Baths/ Bedtime routines
  • Bedtime is 8 for the baby & 9 for the big boys

After that is mommy & daddy free time!! Whoop! Whoop!

Here is what I do for the “school work” part of the day.  I have the kids work on their workbooks for one hour and, I help them with any new concepts.  After many years of trying to find good workbooks that would challenge them, I found ” The Summer Bridge” workbooks.  They are available for ages K-8th and they literally “bridge” the grades, so they review some older concepts and start newer ones so that they are prepared for the next year.  They are sold in many stores, but Amazon seems to be the cheapest.  I only put up a few links below, but you can search for whatever grades you need.


As far as the weekdays go.  We get out almost EVERY SINGLE DAY, whether to the park or meeting up with a friend for a play date.

This keeps me sane.

Here are some ideas but, you can change them to fit your family and your kids interest:

Make it Monday: We will do some type of craft, and I’ll simplify it for the baby.  I use Pinterest often for ideas but, you can also get easy craft books at any store with ideas or cutouts. Here is one that we use.  It’s cheap and easy for all ages and all you need are a pair of scissors & some glue or tape.

Time to Read Tuesday: We will head to our local library for summer programs and to stock up on some new reading selections.  Every local library has one and, many give your child a free book or other various treats when they complete it.

What’s cooking Wednesday: We will cook or bake a new recipe.  I want my boys to grow up and, learn how to be a help to their wives and also be able to take care of themselves, so this is a great opportunity.

Take a trip Thursday: I will plan a fun field trip for this day.  There are so many free activities that take place during the summer for all age ranges and, we have many local websites that list all of the options for that day so, I subscribe to many of those.  All you have to do is google “free summer activities” in your area and, you will find a variety of sites.

Fun Friday: This is a kid’s choice day where they get to pick an activity they want to do! I just alternate it between my boys.

This is more of a guideline when we do not have a plan.  We are very flexible, and add in some play dates with friends.

Some days are also “water days” where we play outside in the sprinklers and with water toys.

I use nap/quiet time to catch up on cleaning, housework, laundry & blogging or whatever else is on my personal to-do list.  My older kids usually don’t nap during that time but, are required to read a book for one hour in their rooms. I usually let them pick one day of the week where they can just quietly watch a movie during that time.  This time just as beneficial for them as it is for me.

I hope this gives you some guidance & ideas as I know when summer starts some of us can feel like a fish out of water and, we just need some ideas to get us on track.  I hope you all have a fantastic summer!

For more summer related articles, check out “10 super cheap things to do with your kids this summer.”

*If you liked this post, I would greatly appreciate you sharing it on Facebook.  Thank You!!

 

 

Guide to fun & productive summer schedules for your kids

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39 comments

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I LOVE Summerbridge workbooks. My girls work through them and I highly recommend them to my clients in addition to work we do during sessions. (I’ve used them since our eldest was in kindergarten). Although, my rising 7th grader(eldest) told me she didn’t have time to do the workbook this year because she has assignments to work on for school next year.

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LOL yes they are the best. You were the one who told me about them years ago! They are way better than any other ones we have tried.

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Great ideas! I really like our themed days. It makes everyday feel special and still keeps a routine. I want to remember those workbooks when my little one is old enough!

We also try to get out each day, too. Whether it be errands, the playground, the library, etc. I think it does us good to get out.

Enjoy your summer!!

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YES I totally agree! Have a great one!

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SO important that a kid has a schedule throughout the entire summer!

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For sure!

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We have very similar schedules. Lately though, we have been taking our lunch and eating where ever we are going for the day. Except Wednesday, which is our library day. Don’t forget to sign up for the Barnes N Noble reading program, the kids get a free book!

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That’s such a great idea!! YES! We need to do that there too! Thanks!

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This is so helpful! I have not known what to do with my kiddos, so we have been playing outside and at the pool a lot. I am going to try this routine and I’m heading to check out those workbooks now!

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Yes! And include those fun days in your schedule!

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This looks like a great schedule! I go back & forth with how scheduled I want our day. Once we are out of the house, sometimes we stay out longer if they are having fun….but then it ruins baby’s afternoon nap so I regret it a little. 🙂

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I totally can relate! I think it’s good to go in with a relaxed mindset!

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Great ideas! I love that you have theme days. My girls always look forward to getting their summer workbooks, but I have never heard of the Summer Bridge books. I will definitely have to check those out because I haven’t gotten my girls their books yet.

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Yes those workbooks are golden!

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Love this! Especially the different themes for different days. Hubby has an ever changing work schedule so daily schedules don’t work great for us, but I could definitely do the themed days and I think my girls would really love it. Thanks for the tips!

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Yes! I totally understand. Thanks so much!

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Great ideas! I will have to try this schedule with my son 🙂

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Awesome! Glad you like it!

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Yes! We always do a summer schedule too. I love these ideas! Thanks for getting my brain rolling.

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Thanks! Good luck!

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I love the idea of a summer schedule! I think my daughter would feel better with a little bit of a routine.

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Yes! My kids thrive with it!

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How have I never considered a summer schedule before? This is so awesome, thanks for the inspiration!

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I’m so glad!

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Loving all the themed days!! Also, the summer bridge workbook is one we suggested as teachers, if parents asked what they should get.

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Thanks!!

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Such a great schedule!!! I need this in my life! We have had 3 days of summer break so far and they have me spinning in circles already! I like how you broke each day of the week into different fun time activities!! Thanks for sharing! XO

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Thanks so much! I hope it’s helpful!

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I love hearing how other people schedule their days at home with kids. We are just starting our summer routine and trying to get in enough (but not too many activities). You are right, one outing a day is perfect for us too (and it keeps me sane!)

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Definitley going to be stealing this summer schedule! I love the idea to try new recipes each week and include the kiddos with it! Such an awesome skill to teach and learn 🙂

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Go for it! Thanks!

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This is so great! I love the idea of still staying somewhat scheduled during the summer.

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Yes me too! It’s so helpful!

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I work at home and dread summers! This schedule would have been wonderful for when my kids were younger, great suggestions!

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Thanks so much!

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These are such fun ideas! I love that you have all of this planned out:)

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Thanks! It helps a lot!

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love this schedule! we’re trying to fall into a new summer routine

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I’m so glad!

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