A few ideas to keep the kids busy over summer, including some awesome free summer Printables.
I am so excited for summer to start. I honestly love having my kids home with me and have been busy coming up with some fun summer break ideas.
We have started a few summer break traditions that I look forward to each year. It helps to keep some routine and structure at home, and helps keep the kids from getting to bored!
Today I’m sharing all of the printables I use for these activities. I hope that it helps you and your kiddos have a wonderful summer. Each of the printables are shared in each section.
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If you want all of the printables in one easy bundle, just scroll to the bottom and you can download all of them together. Yay!
Screen Time
I really hope my kids aren’t the only kids out there who think they need hours of screen time a day (and tell me your secrets if your kids don’t think this!) BUT, I do not want them spending the warm beautiful months sitting in the house staring at a screen.
A few years ago I implemented a few rules for the kids to earn their screen time. It has worked SO well! Here’s how it works….
Every morning my kids have chores that need to be completed. Once those chores are done they can then begin working towards earning screen time.
Screen time is earned by doing one of activities on our list for 30 minutes. For every 30 minutes completed, they will earn 15 minutes of screen time.
Do you want to know what’s been great about this??? Most of the time, when they start doing one of the activities on the list they forget they even wanted screen time in the first place! And watching the kids use their creativity and imaginations all day long is the best parts of summer.
*You can grab this free Summer Screen Time Printable at the end of this article!
Weekly Park Ratings
A friend shared the idea of weekly park ratings with me a few years ago and we have absolutely loved it!
Here’s how it works:
Every week visit a new park in your area. Bring the Park Rating Sheet with you each time. Let your kids explore and critique the park. They get to be the one deciding if it’s a good park or not.
Kids think it’s so fun to be the one in charge of the park critique. I usually put our rating sheet on a clipboard with a pen attached….this makes them feel even more legit. 😉
*You can download your Free Park Rating Sheet at the end of this article!
Summer Bucket List
A summer bucket list is always a must in our household! It helps me remember all of our summer break ideas and gives us something fun to look forward! Plus, it’s so fun to cross each item off the list as we finish another activity.
A few of the favorite summer bucket list items are:
*You can get your summer bucket list printable at the end of this article!
50 Books Challenge
We love signing up for our library summer reading program. It’s such a great program to encourage kids to read, and they love earning prizes throughout the summer.
Our family goal is to read 50 books every summer. We use the chart below to help us track our progress. It’s a little hard to complete, but fun to try!
*Download your 50 books challenge below!
Chef of the Day
If you are looking for a way to get your kids cooking in the kitchen, I highly recommend starting a summer Chef of the Day.
Each child is given one day of the week where they are the chosen “chef.” The chefs job is to choose what to make for dinner and then help mom prepare it.
My kids have learned so much about cooking and it’s such a fun bonding time for the two of us as we cook together preparing dinner. Try it! You won’t regret it!
100 Miles Challenge
Encourage your family to stay active during the summer with the 100 miles challenge.
For every mile someone in your family bikes, walks or runs you can mark a square on the chart. Easy and fun, just the way I like it!!
After completing your 100 miles challenge celebrate in a fun way. Make go out to dinner or to a local water park. Whatever your family decides.
*Grab your free summer printables by signing up below!
In Conclusion
I hope that one or two or all of these printables will help you have a wonderful summer with your kiddos! Remember, we only have 18 summer with our kids before they are gone. Let’s enjoy every single one of them!
Related Articles:
Screen Free At Home Kids Activities
50 FREE activities to do with your kids over the Summer Break
Pin This Article For Next Summer:
I would love to hear your summer break ideas in the comments below.
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