Get ready for a great summer with a little bit of planning! The Summer Activity Planner will help you organize an intentional summer while still leaving room for spontaneity.
Why I Started Making A Summer Plan
Making a plan for summer time started about 4 years ago for my family. Living in the hot Arizona desert means being indoors a lot during the summer.
Splash pads and the public pool are available in my community but you can only be outside in 100+ temps for so long before little kids start getting tired, hungry and too hot!
Screen time became a go to choice for entertainment for my kiddos during the summer.
But I didn’t want my kids to be spending hours on screens. That’s when I came up with a Screen Time Checklist for them to complete.
It has evolved over the years into a complete Summer Activity Planner. It’s a routine that my kids now anticipate and look forward to!
Why You Should Make A Summer Plan
#1 TO KEEP YOUR SANITY
By setting up a plan you won’t need to constantly answer the question of “What are we doing today?”
Taking some time at the start of your summer to make a plan will give your brain a rest because you won’t be in a constant state of decision making.
#2 KIDS THRIVE ON ROUTINE
Kids like to know what they are doing each day and now that the school routine is over that routine needs to be replaced. Insert the new summer plan.
It’s OK to be more relaxed during summer, but we can still create a loose plan that will add some routine and consistency during the summer.
#3 LOOK FORWARD TO FUN
Give yourself and your kids something to look forward each day or week of your summer break.
By having a plan in place you are being intentional with your limited summer break time.
Creating a summer bucket list is a fun way to dream with your family and then you can plan to make some of those dreams come true!
#4 TO STAY ON BUDGET
We do need to think about money and keep a budget during the summer. Though I would love to go to Starbucks every morning- all those drinks and cake-pop purchases will hurt my wallet.
Having a summer plan will allow for fun excursions, but those fun activities will be planned and expected. We don’t need to go into debt entertaining our families this summer.
Have I convinced you yet how helpful a summer plan can be? Great! Let’s dive into the Summer Activity Planner and get you on the path to summer fun!
What’s In The Summer Activity Planner
I’m so excited to share with you this Summer Activity Planner. It will help you to have a fun and intentional summer while still maintaining a loose routine for your day.
Calendars
We have about 3 months for summer fun. Use the blank June, July and August calendars to plan out activities, outings and vacations.
Don’t forget to leave some days empty for relaxing and lounge time!
Weekly Summer Schedule
The blank Weekly Summer Schedule has spaces to fill in morning, afternoon and evening routines. It also has Monday – Friday blocks to use for adding in a special daily activity.
The right hand side of the schedule provides space for chores and screen time allotment.
Screen Time Countdown
Here is the Screen Time Countdown that started this whole summer planning bit.
Use the Screen Time Countdown to keep your kiddos minds active and engaged.
This countdown is a great way to motivate your kids to get moving in the morning. They will be rewarded with screen time once the countdown is complete.
Bucket List
The Summer Bucket List is a fun way to dream of goals and activities your family would like to do over summer break.
Use these bucket list ideas to help fill in your summer calendars.
Reading Log Bookmarks
We all want our kids to continue to practice their reading skills over the summer.
Add in the element of fun to reading by using this Reading Log Bookmark.
Keep track of how many minutes or books your child reads this summer and surprise them with a reward once the bookmark is filled!
I have my kids read for 20 minutes each day and then I punch a hole on their bookmark.
RELATED: Summer Schedule For Kids That Will Keep Them Busy
Activity Cards
Summer Activity Cards can be used to spark spontaneity this summer. Place them in a jar and pull one out when you need a fun activity.
Most of the activities can be done at home and a few will take you out of the house.
I included some activities that tween and teenagers will enjoy also.
Pick out your favorites and place them in a jar or bowl.
These cards are great to use when kids tell you they are board! Just grab your jar and have them pick out a fun family activity.
Open/Closed Door Hangers
Open/Closed Door Hangers will alert friends or neighbors if your house is open or closed for playtime.
These can help eliminate your door bell from ringing all day long.
Another option is for the kids who like to snack. Hang them on your pantry door or refrigerator to help your kids know if they may have a snack or not.
Reward Punch Card
Summer Reward Punch Cards are great to use to help motivate kids. Whether that’s a chore or math review they need to be working on the punch card is a great visual motivation.
Once the punch card is filled give them a reward that you deem fit.
RELATED: 7+ Simple and Fun Summer Activities For Kids
Rays Of Summer Fun Poster
Rays of Summer Fun is a cute poster you can hang on your refrigerator that includes activity ideas to do as a family.
Color in the sun ray after you do the activity. These activity ideas are great for weekends!
50 Summer Fun Ideas
Sometimes you just need a little help in coming up with a fun activity.
50 Summer Fun Ideas will help spark creativity and movement this summer.
The ideas included are for a wide range of ages. Even tween and teens will find ideas they would like on this list!
This Summer Activity Planner is packed with the resources you need to plan out a simple and fun summer for your family. I know that having a plan in place will make your summer that much easier.
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