Summer has officially begun. Even if the season hasn’t quite started according to the calendar, the kids are out of school, the sun is shining, and the humidity is in full force. Now that the kids are home for the summer, days are a little bit chaotic. Whatever rhythm or routine we have during the school year goes out the window once summer starts. The daily summer schedule for kids at home looks completely different than the schedule that gets us through the school year.

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Daily Summer Schedule for Kids:

This is the first year that I am experiencing summer from the perspective of a child who was in school and is now home. Let me just tell you, that has changed the dynamics a lot. When children are in school they are used to routine, engaging activities, structured learning, and more. The expectations are laid out clearly and kids thrive on that. While we follow a daily rhythm at home, it’s nothing compared to what happens in school. My oldest child thrives on a schedule and his behavior is much better. This has made it that much more important to have a daily schedule for kids this summer.

This daily summer schedule for kids at home is perfect for helping the kids know what to expect throughout the day. I like to remind them that we follow our routines loosely, so it becomes more of a rhythm. When there is a daily schedule for kids you will notice they thrive and it can limit the times you feel like you are constantly reminding your kids to do something. Especially if there is a reward at the end.

Summer Activities for Kids

I made sure that our summer schedule would also fit perfectly with any summer activities for kids that we wanted to incorporate into our days. I have a goal to incorporate some planned activities with the kids each week to keep them engaged and from getting bored, but I am also reminding myself that I can’t do it all. So of course, all of this comes with some extra grace. Summer activities for kids don’t have to be complicated and can be easily intertwined into your day.

A few summer activities I plan to incorporate into our week:

#1 Pool Days

This year I bought a pool pass for the closest pool to us and I can already tell this is going to get a lot of use! With the pool pass I don’t feel bad just going for an hour or two, and it is a great way to tire the kids out.

#2 Daily Walks

I have been working on moving more and I want my kids to do the same. My plan is to get out and take a walk with the kids before it gets too hot each day.

#3 School and Reading

This is where I have to extend grace to myself. I want to plan all these play based learning activities that you see on Pinterest, but I just cannot keep up with it. I am way more likely to stick to a good workbook so I have grabbed this Big Preschool Workbook for Elyse, and a Big First Grade Workbook for Jase. We also have these sticker work books which are my kid’s favorites. During this time Jude loves to do simple puzzles or color sorting. Our Melissa and Doug shape and color sorter is perfect to keep him busy so I can focus on the other two. Continuing some educational activities through the summer helps them not to fall behind, and it helps them feel challenged! It’s good to work their brain during the summer!

#4 Backyard Play

I am working on putting together some outdoor buckets full of the perfect outdoor summer activities. There are so many options for the kids! Here are a few things I will have on hand for outdoor summer activities:

• Water Table
• Water Toys
• Bubbles
• Bubble Wands
• Chalk
• Catch Ball

#5 Independent Play

Independent play is HUGE for kids. The more they learn to play independently, the more they work their imaginations. I will definitely be encouraging independent play in our daily summer schedule.

Having a daily schedule for kids this summer can really help keep the chaos controlled. I am sure some days will be a little more chaotic than others, but it is all a part of the summer time fun.

What are some must have summer activities for your kids? What does your daily summer schedule look like?

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