Making the Most of Summer: Simple Schedules and Big Fun for Families
Summer break can feel like a double-edged sword—on one hand, it's a time for rest, adventure, and family fun. On the other, it can quickly turn into a whirlwind of chaos if there's no routine in place. Whether you're juggling work, childcare, or just trying to keep your sanity intact, having a flexible summer schedule can make a big difference.
Here’s how you can create a simple, child-friendly routine that keeps your days running smoothly—while still leaving room for fun, free time, and new experiences.
Why a Summer Schedule Helps Everyone
Kids thrive with some structure—even when school’s out. A predictable routine helps reduce meltdowns, keeps behaviors in check, and gives everyone a sense of what to expect. The key is not to over-schedule—just create a flow to your day so there’s a rhythm to follow.
Start with a Daily Template
Think of your summer day like a sandwich: structure in the morning and evening, with flexible, fun "fillings" in between. Here's a simple framework you can customize:
Morning (8:00–11:00)
Wake up, breakfast, get dressed
Light chores or responsibilities
Reading time, crafts, or educational play
Midday (11:00–2:00)
Outdoor play or movement
Lunch
Screen time or rest time
Afternoon (2:00–5:00)
Bigger activity (see ideas below!)
Free choice: Legos, water play, drawing, etc.
Evening (5:00–8:00)
Dinner
Family time (walks, board games)
Bath and bedtime routine
Don’t Skip Free Time or Child Choice
One of the best gifts of summer? Time to explore and be bored! Let your child pick activities they love—even if that means doing the same thing five days in a row. Building in 30–60 minutes of “child choice” time each day encourages independence, decision-making, and creativity.
You don’t have to entertain them every second. Sometimes the best learning comes from letting them figure out what to do next!
Plan for Bigger Weekly Adventures
Summer is also a great time to aim for a few larger, memorable activities. These don’t need to be expensive or elaborate—just intentional. You can keep a list up on the fridge as a reminder for your family during the summer months.
Here are 8 fun ideas to target once a week (or as your schedule allows):
Beach day or pool time
Hike or nature walk
Visit a museum, zoo, or aquarium
Picnic at a new park
Library trip with time to read on site
Mini road trip to a nearby town or attraction
Home science experiment day
Family movie night with popcorn bar
Let your kids help choose from the list so they feel included—and more excited to go!
Keep It Light, Keep It Flexible
Summer doesn’t have to be perfectly planned. Your “schedule” can be drawn on a whiteboard or taped to the fridge with markers and stickers. The goal is not perfection—just a little predictability sprinkled with spontaneity.
And remember: It’s okay to have lazy days too. If you get through the day with everyone mostly fed, mostly happy, and a few memories made… that’s a summer win.
If you’d like help personalizing a routine for your family’s needs or want more support with structure and behavior strategies, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help!
– Jason Omoto, MS, BCBA
Father of two, longtime behavior consultant, and believer in better summers for families!
