The Best Summer Schedule for Kids + Free Activity Planner!

Get ready to simplify your summer schedule for kids with our printable daily activity planner.

As an experienced Montessori elementary teacher and proud step-mom, I understand the importance of avoiding the dreaded summer brain drain by keeping elementary-aged kids engaged and organized but also on a loose and flexible schedule during the summer break.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to make the most of the summer using our amazing printable activity planner so your kids’ days can be fun and filled with learning.

Creating a Summer Schedule for Kids

Before we get into it, let’s set the record straight: I’m not about to hand you a rigid timetable to follow during the summer. In the world of Montessori, we believe in giving children the freedom to explore and learn about what interests them at their own pace.

So instead of a strict timeline, I’m here to equip you with a resource that will help you and your kids design a summer break routine tailored to your family’s unique dynamics. Think of it as your roadmap to creating a summer schedule for kids that strikes the perfect balance between structure and spontaneity.

I think you should consider adding this printable to your toolkit for putting together a summer schedule for kids that provides the necessary framework while leaving ample room for unstructured play and discovery.

Our FREE Customizable Daily Activity Planner

Unlock the potential for summer learning to become an unforgettable adventure with our innovative tool.

By assigning each day of the week with a unique theme, our customizable daily activity planner transforms ordinary daily routines into extraordinary experiences.

Encourage your children to use their imagination to come up with themes for each day. The themes can be as ambitious as “Science Sunday” or “Workout Wednesday” and as simple as “Fun Stuff Friday.” This process not only ignites their creativity but also fosters enthusiasm for the day’s activities.

While not necessary, the use of alliteration in the themes if fun and just sounds great!

Once the themes are selected, guide them in making a list of 4 to 6 engaging activities aligned with each theme. Just make sure that these activities are not only enjoyable but also easily achievable, designed to be completed at home without hassle.

For example, on “Mindfulness Monday,” activities may include:

• creating a vision board
• drawing a mandala
• following an online yoga routine
• trying guided meditation
• embarking on a mindful nature walk

Each of the activities listed above promote relaxation, self-reflection, and holistic well-being. And with five activities to choose from for Mondays in July, kids have a lot to look forward to.

With these options, crafting a summer schedule for kids becomes effortless and enjoyable.

Daily Theme Ideas for Your Kids’ Summer Schedule

Below, you’ll find engaging themes for each day of the week that elementary kids will love. With accompanying suggestions, videos, and helpful links, organizing your child’s summer schedule has never been easier.

Use these ideas as inspiration for creating a fun and enriching weekly routine with themes that make sense for your elementary-aged kids.

Make It Monday

Kick off the week with creativity! On Make It Monday, encourage your child to engage in hands-on creative projects.

Whether it’s painting, crafting, or building something using recyclable materials, the goal is to unleash their imagination and let their creativity soar. Provide them with various art supplies, from paints and brushes to paper and glue, and watch as they bring their ideas to life.

This day is all about exploration and self-expression, so encourage them to try new techniques, experiment with different materials, and create something truly unique.

Not only does this activity foster creativity, but it also helps develop problem-solving skills and boosts self-confidence as children proudly showcase their creations.

Try some of these ideas with the kids in your life:

Try Something Tuesday

To beat that summer learning loss, challenge your kids to try a new activity, hobby, or recipe each week. It could be learning a new dance, cooking a new dish, or trying a new sport together.

This is the perfect occasion to foster a spirit of curiosity and growth. By actively seeking out new experiences, you encourage personal development and open doors to unanticipated passions.

Embrace the thrill of the unknown and watch as your kids flourish through exciting new experiences.

Where in the World Wednesday

Get your elementary-aged kids to set off on a global adventure without leaving home. They can start by picking a continent, country, or city to explore on Wednesdays during the summer months. Then, they can take a look at books, documentaries, or online resources to learn about its culture, history, cuisine, and landmarks.

For example, they could cook a traditional meal from that region, learn a few words in the local language, or create a craft inspired by its art and architecture.

Using an atlas or globe adds an interactive element to the learning experience. Kids can pinpoint the chosen location on the map, trace its borders, and discover neighboring countries.

This hands-on approach helps them visualize geographical features and understand the world’s diversity. By making worldly connections, children develop a broader perspective and appreciation for different cultures.

Whether it’s learning about ancient civilizations or modern-day customs, Where in the World Wednesday sparks curiosity and encourages a lifelong love of exploration.

Try some of these ideas with the kids in your life:

Thoughtful Thursday

I’ve discovered that incorporating activities that encourage mindfulness and reflection has a profound impact on my upper elementary students.

From practicing yoga to using positive affirmations, making dream boards, meditating, and expressing gratitude, these activities help them develop empathy and consider the well-being of others.

Creating space for children to cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and gratitude is essential. These intentional practices empower students to approach life’s challenges with a positive mindset, nurturing their emotional intelligence and personal growth.

Here are some great videos to encourage thoughtfulness:

In addition to the activities mentioned above, consider expanding the range of meaningful experiences on Thoughtful Thursday by incorporating acts of kindness and fostering connections with others.

Encourage elementary-aged kids to engage in letter writing, random acts of kindness, and extending a helping hand to those in need as part of their summer activities. This will create an even more holistic and impactful experience for your children.

Inspire your kids with this video about kindness!

Carving time out of their schedule to include thoughtful gestures is a great way to nurture mindfulness and kindness in our students, helping them grow into compassionate and resilient individuals.

Fitness Friday

Encourage physical activity, promote healthy habits, and make exercise enjoyable for elementary kids!

This could involve going for a bike ride, playing a sport at the park, doing an outdoor scavenger hunt, pushing through an exercise routine, going for a long walk in nature, or challenging family members in a creative and fun movement dice game.

Children will develop a positive attitude towards physical activity, foster healthy habits, and maintain their overall well-being with weekly fitness experiences. So make Friday a fun and energetic day that gets everyone moving and enjoying the benefits of exercise.

These movement videos are perfect for at-home workouts.

Sightseeing Saturday

Put their observation skills to work as they venture out to see all the sights!

This is a great opportunity for kids to discover new places, learn about their history, and immerse themselves in different cultures.

Plan trips to intriguing destinations such as historical landmarks, science museums, nature reserves, or even local community events. In Toronto, where we’re from, you can discover back alleys filled with really beautiful graffiti in an area known as Graffiti Alley.

These immersive experiences offer a wealth of knowledge just waiting to be explored.

Spark excitement and curiosity by planning thrilling day trips that will not only captivate your children at the moment but also provide ample opportunities for meaningful discussions, research, and further learning before or after the excursion.

💡 Teacher Tip: Let the kids take the lead on planning!
Empower your children by involving them in the planning process for a fantastic going out experience. This not only sparks their creativity but also encourages them to make decisions about destinations, points of interest, transportation, and more.
As a result, they develop decision-making skills and ignite their curiosity for exploration. Guide and support them as they bring their ideas to life, resulting in a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Here’s how to make the most out of going out:

✳️ Before the trip, encourage your children to look into the fascinating background of the place you’ll be visiting.

Research together to uncover intriguing facts, stories, and interesting tidbits. This will ignite their curiosity and make the trip even more thrilling as they connect the dots between what they’ve learned and what they’ll experience firsthand.

✳️ During the trip, engage children by encouraging them to observe, ask questions, and take notes, as well as pictures and video if they can. Let them capture their impressions, thoughts, and observations in a journal or sketchbook.

This will not only help them stay engaged at the moment but also provide valuable material for discussions and further investigations later on.

✳️ After the trip, dedicate time for sharing and reflection. Encourage your kids to discuss their favourite parts, what they learned, and any new questions that arose.

Foster their natural curiosity by guiding them to further explore topics related to the trip. This could involve additional research, creative projects, or even books that can shed more light on the subject.

For example, learners might want to create a stop motion after visiting an art exhibition, like Del Toro’s Pinocchio exhibit at MOMA that spotlights stop motion animation.

By incorporating dynamic day trips into your kids’ summer schedule, you’ll create unforgettable learning experiences that are sure to fight the summer brain drain.

Cinema Sundays

This fun and interactive activity not only provides entertainment but also fosters creativity and enhances learning.

By incorporating age-appropriate movie and documentary viewing into their routine, students can immerse themselves in captivating stories, explore new worlds, and engage in stimulating discussions.

Movies have a unique way of captivating young minds and sparking their imagination. As students watch engaging narratives unfold on the screen, they are transported to different times, places, and even imaginary realms.

This exposure to diverse storylines helps broaden their perspectives and cultivates their love for storytelling.

So on Sundays this summer get the popcorn, pick a movie, and let fascinating films take their summer learning journey to new heights!

Here are a few Cinema Sundays must watch films for elementary students:

🐝 Wings of Life
🪆 Night at the Museum
🐧 March of the Penguins
🍽 What’s on Your Plate
🧑🏽‍⚕️ Doctor Dolittle

And here’s one of my all-time favourites:

You can find full-length films right on YouTube. Check out some of these channels:
🍿 Family Central
🍿 The Movie Channel

Here are a few we’ve enjoyed watching with the kids in our lives

💡 Discover how YouTube prevents summer learning loss by reading about it here.

Make the Most Out Of Summer with Our Planner

Our fun-filled daily activity planner stands out as the best choice for scheduling your kids’ summer activities and combatting the dreaded summer brain drain. Its simplicity and ease of use make it accessible for parents and children alike, while its open-ended design allows for interpretation and customization to suit individual preferences.

With plenty of room to note down activities and ideas, our daily planner becomes a convenient hub for gathering a variety of fun and enriching activities to enjoy throughout the summer break.

Say goodbye to summer learning loss and hello to a season packed with excitement and learning with our daily planner in hand!

Tips for Making a Summer Schedule for Kids Work

Creating a summer schedule for your family can help maintain a sense of structure and ensure that everyone makes the most out of the break. With a well-thought-out plan in place, you can balance fun activities, learning opportunities, and relaxation time for a memorable and enjoyable summer.

To get the most out of our daily activity planner, be sure to:

Post the Schedule Where Your Kids Can See It

Displaying the summer schedule in a prominent place at home ensures that everyone is aware of the day’s activities and can prepare accordingly.

Be Flexible

While having a schedule is important, it’s equally essential to remain flexible. Unexpected events or changes in plans may arise, so be open to adjusting the schedule as needed to accommodate everyone’s needs and preferences.

Involve Your Kids in the Planning

Engage your children in the process of creating the summer schedule. Allow them to contribute ideas for activities and outings, giving them a sense of ownership and excitement about the planned events.

Prioritize Rest and Relaxation

While planning fun-filled activities is essential, don’t forget to prioritize rest and relaxation. Ensure that there are ample breaks built into the schedule to allow everyone to recharge and unwind.

Set Realistic Expectations

When planning the summer schedule, set realistic expectations for what can be accomplished each day. Avoid over-scheduling or packing too many activities into a single day, as this can lead to stress and exhaustion for both parents and children.

By following these tips for making a summer schedule, you can create a harmonious balance between structured activities and free time for your family.

The Wrap-Up: Summer Schedule for Kids

So, there you have it! With fun themed days outlined on our daily activity planner and engaging activities, you can make your kids’ summer schedule both exciting and educational.

From theme days like Make It Monday and Where in the World Wednesday, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, get creative, have fun, and enjoy making memories together all summer long!

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