8 Summer Vacation Survival Tips: More Fun For Everyone – Including You

2 – Use a Daily Schedule Over Summer Break

Thinking I’m off my rocker yet? Kids crave parameters. And the great thing about summer break is that nothing terrible will happen if you go off schedule.

In fact, it’s probably fun to point out to kids, “Well, we were going to clean our rooms today, but let’s to go the beach instead!” (Which you had secretly planned, but now they think you’re an amazing spontaneous mom and won’t even wonder how you suddenly have a cooler packed with a beach lunch.)

Don’t feel like a beach day? This schedule is here for you.

3 – Have Daily Chores for Kids

This can be part of their morning routine. Everyone likes feeling useful.

Create tasks that are age appropriate and explain to kids that they earn their screen time (or ice cream that afternoon or whatever) by completing chores accurately, and without complaint.

4 – Give Each Day of the Week a Theme

This year I want to check out a new trail every week. So Tuesdays will be Trails Day.

Since I’m a homebody, every afternoon’s fun time won’t be to go somewhere. And if the weather is better on Wednesday than Tuesday to go hiking, we’ll move things around.

But this helps me remember to do these fun things, and helps the kids have something to look forward to.

Other special days might be theme days, like Movie Monday, where we watch a movie and have popcorn, or Wacky Wednesday, where we dress in silly outfits and eat dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner.

Make it fun and make it your own!

5 – Enroll Kids in Summer Camps When Possible

This is a great way to keep kids busy and to shake up the long weeks of summer.

There are tons of Grand Rapids Summer Camps. Find the one(s) that are the best fit for your kids and your schedule.

6 – Go Outside and Play

Take advantage of the warmth and sun and make sure to get outside every day, rain or shine. Take a walk, run through the sprinkler (or splash pad!), hit up an outdoor activity center or try a new playground.

If it’s raining, run through the rain or have a puddle jumping contest – who can make the biggest splash?

Soaking up that vitamin D (it’s SO good for you!) and having outdoor activity time is so important for ALL of our physical, mental and emotional well-being.

7 – Manage Screen Zombies with Screen Slips

It’s easy for kids to waste away summer looking at screens. Screens are addicting! And kids can’t self-monitor their screen use.

Screen slips can help motivate kids to accomplish meaningful tasks each day before they log in to their iPads or video games.

8 – Keep a Summer Adventure Bag in the Car

Pack a bag with the stuff you’ll need for impromptu adventures – sunscreen, towels, water, bandages, bug spray, sun hats, extra clothes, etc.

That way you’re not scrambling to prep things for every outing. And if you’re out and about and decide to change plans, chances are you’ll have the gear to accommodate that.