How to Be Completely Ready for Your Child’s Summer Vacation

Summer is upon us, and that means longer nights, warmer days, and children’s vacations! Whether you have a big family trip planned or are just hanging locally, being prepared for summer vacation is a must.

Here, we’ll share five ways to be completely ready for your child’s summer vacation including how to plan both fun and affordable activities, be ready for a spontaneous road trip, make new friends, and more!

1. Plan Out the Summer

Before the summer even starts, create a rough outline of the next few months. There will undoubtedly be last minute things that come up, but creating a preliminary schedule will help both you and the kids stay organized. Some things to include in your plan may be:

• Summer camps with important information such as registration, length, location, and what you need to bring
• Family vacations
• Bigger activities, like going to the waterpark, amusement park, or other local attractions
• Sports practices and games
• Visitors coming into town

You may want to create a summer calendar and hang it on the wall for everyone to see. That way, the whole family can be prepared for big events.

2. Create a Backup List

While you might have your major events already planned, there are plenty of days in the summer to fill with activities. Organized moms love to keep a list of backup activities for when the kids are home, and you just have no idea what to do. For example, you could do a baking day, where you and the kids spend time in the kitchen making something special. This will eat up some hours because it involves grocery shopping, following a recipe, and waiting! Some other favorites may be going to a baseball game, walking to the park, going to a movie (free air conditioning!), going to the library, or setting up a sprinkler party in the yard.

3. Get the Car Ready

Even if you don’t have a road trip planned yet, make sure your car is ready if the occasion arises. Road trips are the perfect summer getaway because they require minimal planning and will make lasting family memories. Plus, they’re an affordable vacation option. To get the car ready, make sure to get it serviced early, check the tires, oil, and other maintenance, and ask your mechanic if there’s anything it needs before a long trip. If you want to be even more prepared, you could even prepare a last-minute road trip bag with snacks, games, water, and other necessities. Then, all you have to do is get up and go!

4. Set Summer Goals Together

Just because school’s out doesn’t mean that your kids aren’t learning. Summer is a great time to set some new goals for both you and the kiddos. They could be as simple as reading five books by the end of summer, or as difficult as learning a new sport or taking up a new hobby. While you both have more time on your hands, use this summer to learn more, laugh more, and spend more time together. Goals are also a great way to keep your summer structured and productive.

5. Maintain a Network of Friends

Playdates are your friend, especially during summer break. Make sure to stay in contact with your favorite parents and plan playdates to get a little extra time for yourself. But don’t forget to return the favor! If you send your kids over to a playdate one week, bring them to your house the next. That way, both parents get some kid-free time, and the children themselves are sure to have more fun.

Summer break is a time to make new memories, spend time together, and soak in some sunshine. We can’t wait to hear what you have planned!