Ah, summer. That magical season of drippy popsicles, grass-stained knees, and kids who seem to forget how to sleep in. While it should feel like a vacation, summer can sneakily turn into a three-month juggling act where the parent turns into a cruise director (or circus ring leader), lifeguard, snack provider, and conflict negotiator.
But no worries! These 10 sanity-saving tips are here to help you maximize the magic, minimize the meltdowns, and keep everyone smiling until school starts again.
1. Embrace Some Flexibility (Say Goodbye to Rigid Schedules)
Think of your favorite summer days - I bet they involved shenanigans with friends, mini-adventures, and hours of creative play. Kids thrive on some structure, but super rigid schedules? Not so much.
Creating a flexible daily rhythm (think of morning outside time, after lunch quiet time, and a family evening chill time) is an organic way to let kids have some agency, increase independence, and spark creative fun. Flexible frameworks offer predictability without becoming the enemy of imaginative play, spontaneous sprinkler fun, and snuggly movie nights.
Every family can adapt this idea to what works for them. For example, if your kids are in camps all day, plan on allowing flexibility during the evenings and weekends. Give your kids some room to make their own plans and play choices. Summer is a great time for a bit of unstructured play and unbridled imagination!
2. The Boredom Jar and Chore Store: Your New Best Friends
Tired of hearing "I'm bored!" screeching through the halls? Fill a jar with simple activities: build a blanket fort, chalk obstacle course, have a book picnic, build a recycled box city, DIY a bird feeder, pretend you're dinosaurs, etc. Have kids pull an activity ticket out when prolonged restlessness hits. Bonus: Let your kids help fill out the ideas so they're more likely to buy in.
Another easy-peasy and helpful idea for boredom-busting is the Chore Store. This idea is most effective as an optional addition to everyday chores. List supplemental chores (outside of normal requirements) for kids to choose from to earn extra money, treats, tech time, etc.
Protip: When kids are bored, it usually takes at least 15 minutes, often longer, for them to settle into a play choice. This "boredom window" is crucial as it sparks creativity, encourages problem-solving, and helps build their independence. Resist the urge to intervene right away, and watch how they surprise you with their imaginative solutions!
3. Snack Stations = Freedom (for Everyone)
Set them up for self-sufficiency! Create a self-serve snack zone with reachable kid-safe dishes/utensils and pre-portioned snack items that kids can grab themselves. It reduces whining and gives them a sense of independence. Think cut fruit, granola bars, crackers, and string cheese. Keep it accessible, but not unlimited. Make it clear that you are not running an all-day buffet. Depending on the current ages of my kids, I have set up designated snack times and, as an alternative, the number of snacks allowed during the day (they learn quickly to ration them throughout the day). My older kids like to pick their own snacks at the store and keep them in a designated box in the pantry.
4. Themed Days Add Instant Magic
Make the days memorable without reinventing the wheel. Have a themed activity for certain days of the week. Weekly themed days can remain consistent or change throughout the summer. Some ideas are:
Make It Monday
Activity Ideas:
- Build or invent something with blocks, cardboard, or wood.
- Do a craft kit.
- Draw or paint using different types of supplies.
- Create a friendship bracelet.
Get creative with Arts and Crafts.
Tasty Tuesday
Activity Ideas:
- Bake cookies and decorate them.
- Build your own pizza night.
- Make or try different foods from various cultures.
- Create different types of salads.
Water Wednesday
Activity Ideas:
- Set up a sprinkler obstacle course.
- Have a water balloon fight.
- Play sink-or-float with household items in a kiddie pool.
- Make DIY sponge water bombs.
Make a Splash with Water Play.
Thrilling Thursday
Activity Ideas:
- Go on a backyard scavenger hunt.
- Build a blanket fort and pretend it’s a castle.
- Create a treasure map and search for buried "gold."
- Explore local hiking trails with a mini nature journal.
Fun & Fitness Friday
Activity Ideas:
- Try a backyard relay race or obstacle course.
- Play freeze dance to favorite songs.
- Have a family yoga session.
- Go for a bike ride or a neighborhood walk.
Discover our Active Play Collection.
STEM Saturday
Activity Ideas:
- Build a DIY volcano and make it erupt with baking soda and vinegar.
- Create a simple circuit using foil and batteries.
- Solve some fun math puzzles or riddles.
- Experiment with floating and sinking with boats you build.
Shop the STEM Collection for more inspo.
Story Sunday
Activity Ideas:
- Host a family storytime with an out-loud reading.
- Write and illustrate a short story or comic.
- Act out favorite book characters in a mini play.
- Visit the library to pick out new books for the week.
Find a new favorite book.
Themes add structure while keeping things fun.
5. Pack a "Go Bag"
Build a bag that is always ready! I've found that it is helpful to keep a generic "Go Bag" with things like sunscreen, bug spray, first aid, wipes, snacks, a towel, water bottles, and entertainment (a few small toys, travel games, or books) in my car at all times.
I also have more specific ones packed and ready for sports or spontaneous outings (like the pool or hiking) in the house, and ready to go. With packed "Go Bags", you can already be halfway out the door to maximize fun and knock out stress when an impromptu invite or playdate opportunity arises.
6. Quiet Time Isn't Just for Toddlers
Implement a daily quiet hour. Everyone goes to their own space with books, puzzles, or quiet toys. Even older kids benefit from a brain reset. And let's be real, you need it too. Especially for younger children, it can be helpful to create a quiet time menu so that kids know what kind of options are available.
Protip: Preassembled quiet tubs for children to grab and use can smooth the way for little ones to transition into quiet time. This is especially true when first starting the practice or if kids have difficulty deciding on activities. These tubs have contained things like Legos, invention supplies, books with figurines or puppets, arts and crafts, sensory bins, etc.
7. Use Screens as a Tool Instead of a Default
We're not here to screen-shame because, let's be realistic, screens are a part of modern life, but we can be mindful and intentional with their use. It's helpful to set clear limits around time and games/apps, plus have viable and engaging screen-free alternatives for creative play or outdoor time. I have also used things like "tech tickets" for screen time that can be earned through extra chores (I'm looking at you Chore Store) or learning pursuits (x amount of reading = x amount of tech). When kids don't expect to have tech available all day, they learn to tolerate and engage more with the world around them.
Our Dino Dana Collection has a link on the product tags for the interactive augmented reality Dino Dana app that inspires creative play with the dinosaur figurines.
8. Prep Activities in Bins or Stations
Have a few activity bins prepped with everything needed for one project. Think scavenger hunt kit, painting bin, playdough, books and puppets, or sensory sand play. Bought games, puzzles, crafts, or building kits, are also easy options. Pull one out when things go off the rails or the whining begins. Future You will be grateful.
Discover more about sensory play in our blog: Sticky Fingers & Growing Minds: Why Sensory Play Is Essential for Child Development.
9. Celebrate the Mini Moments
Summer days don't need to be packed with extravagant plans. Research shows simple, unstructured moments can nurture children's emotional well-being, teaching them gratitude and mindfulness.
Help your kids savor life's small joys, like staying in pajamas until lunch, running through a sprinkler, dancing in the kitchen, or catching fireflies at dusk. These moments do more than fill time; they foster happiness, create cherished memories, and build a foundation for lifelong thankfulness.
To deepen gratitude, try sharing a "high and low" of the day at dinner or before bed. This simple practice encourages reflection, helps kids process their experiences, and strengthens family bonds.
Take it slow this summer and find beauty in the little things that make childhood magical.
10. Lower the Bar. No, Seriously.
Allow yourself to slow down and lower the bar to open the door for moments of real joy, spontaneity, and breathing room.
What do I mean by "lower the bar"? It may look like letting go of perfection and micromanaging and letting your kids take on more responsibility, even if the outcomes fall a little short of your normal standards. Let the kids experience a little boredom, and yes, go ahead and let them get messy too. Muddy hands, sticky popsicle puddles, and wet towels are hallmarks of a summer full of memories. These imperfections aren't failures; they're proof of independence and discovery. Be ok with having normal, non-Pinterest activity days.
Remember that Social Media is a highlight reel, not everyday reality- say farewell to making comparisons. Cut yourself some slack. By giving yourself grace, you're modeling self-compassion for your children. They'll see that it's okay to take a breath, adapt, and focus on what truly matters.
You're already doing great; this summer is about being together, not getting everything just right.
About the Author
Anji Audley is a former teacher and tutor with experience spanning preschool through middle school, bringing a deep understanding of child development and the power of playful, hands-on learning. As a mother of two boys, an artist, a nature lover, and a passionate advocate for learning through play, she loves blending creativity, nature, and fun to spark curiosity in young minds.
With a special love for both science and ELA, Anji believes in the power of integrated, multi-sensory learning to create meaningful and accessible educational experiences. She advocates for learning that is engaging, immersive, and filled with wonder. You can find her hanging with her family and dog, exploring nature, diving into good books, painting, creating, and continuously searching for new ways to educate the whole child.