How to Get Organized for Summer Break

This post will tell you about ‘How to Get Organized for Summer Break’.

Summer break sounds relaxing… until your house turns into a

snack station, the kids start fighting over screen time, and your car becomes a mobile disaster zone.

Whether you’re working from home, outside the home, or just trying to stay sane, a little preparation goes a long way.

In this post, we’re diving into everything you need to get organized for summer with kids—from chore charts and budgets to car hacks and mom time.

Let’s make this your smoothest summer yet.

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1. Create a Summer Schedule That Works for Everyone

Kids thrive on routine (even if they pretend not to). Setting up a loose, flexible summer schedule will help cut down on chaos. Try weekly themes like “Messy Monday” or “Water Wednesday,” and build your days around a flow: wake-up, meals, chores, activities, quiet time, family time.

Download your free Summer Schedule Template to get started.

Read this post: 5 Best Summer Schedules for Kids

2. Build a Workable Childcare + Work Plan

Whether you work full-time, part-time, or from home, mapping out a plan is key. Start by:

Blocking out work hours
Scheduling camp weeks or daycare in advance
Arranging backup babysitters or teen helpers

Important Tip: Sign up for summer camps and childcare options as early as February—they fill up FAST.

Use a weekly planner to map out who is watching the kids, when you’re working, and what everyone needs.

Look here for 11 Summer Schedule Options for Families

3. Create a Realistic Summer Budget

Summer can get expensive quickly. Build a family budget that includes:

Camps or childcare
Groceries and snacks
Outings or day trips
Summer gear (sunscreen, swimsuits, water bottles)
Fun money for both kids and adults

Set limits for each category and track expenses weekly. Grab the printable Summer Budget Tracker to stay on top of your spending.

Head over to this post: How to Make a Summer Budget

4. Build Your Family’s Summer Bucket List

Get your family excited by creating a summer bucket list. Include:

Free local events
Backyard fun (like DIY splash days or movie nights)
One or two bigger trips or experiences

Let each child add a few ideas to help them feel involved. Post the list where everyone can see it and check items off together.

This post has a Free Summer Bucket List Printable (100 Ideas Inside)

5. Make Chores Summer-Friendly

A clean house is still possible in summer. Use a Summer Chore Chart and assign age-appropriate tasks. Make it fun with stickers, music, or small rewards.

Rotate roles weekly so no one feels stuck with the same tasks. Even 10 minutes a day makes a big difference.

I love these Chore Charts!

6. Sneak in Educational Activities

Avoid the summer slide with simple daily learning:

Reading time or challenges
Educational apps or board games
Weekly library visits

Keep activities short (15-30 minutes) and pair them with rewards or screen time tokens.

Read this: 20 Books to add to your child’s Reading List

This post is for 20 Amazing and Summer Books for Moms

Looking for More Summer Break Organization Tips?

Join Summer LitCamp (Literacy) or Math Camp with Scholastic

7. Plan for Playdates, Family Time & Free Days

Keep your kids connected with scheduled playdates or friend days. Also build in:

Weekly family fun (park trips, game nights)
One-on-one time with each child
“Free days” where everyone just chills

Use a shared family calendar to plan it all out.

Need a playdate card? Grab these free playdate cards.

8. Vacation or Staycation? Start Planning Now

Decide what works best for your family this year:

Vacation: Plan, budget, and pack early. Look for off-season deals.
Staycation: Make each day themed—like “zoo day,” “museum day,” or “camp in the backyard night.”

Tip: Add your vacation to the summer budget tracker to avoid overspending.

9. Car Organization = Summer Survival

Your car becomes a summer HQ. Keep it clean and stocked with: