Summer Planning Checklist

Summer break is fast approaching and that means time to get ready for a big change to your daily routine.

Even though summertime is fun, there are challenges for families who have to juggle camps and childcare, adjust to a more relaxed schedule, and deal with bored kids who are used to going to school and having activities all day every day.

The key is planning ahead so you are prepared and can enjoy the long days of summer:

1. Register for activities and camps

If there are any sports, activities or camps that you haven’t yet registered for, now’s a great time to get that crossed off your to-do list. You don’t want to wait too long, as a lot of places have higher fees the longer you wait and you risk not even getting a spot. 

2. Fill in the summer calendar

Add all of the camps, sports, vacations, parties, and activities you’ve planned for your family this summer. As more activities and summer fun opportunities come up, you’ll be able to quickly refer to your calendar to see what dates will work and which are already booked. For help planning the summer vacation, use our Vacation Planning Checklist.

3. Arrange for summer childcare

If you haven’t started already, now is a good time to arrange summer child care. Interview babysitters or child care providers, consider bundling and splitting costs with another family to save money.

4. Pack a summer outing bag

Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, bathing suits, towels, floaties, bug spray, handheld fans, water bottles, snacks – whatever your family needs for a typical outing can be pre-packed (and even stored in the car). 

5. Prepare activities for days at home

Dust off the games, crafts, toys, and activities that are a little too-involved for school nights but just right to beat summer boredom.

6. Rotate seasonal wardrobes

If you’re in a colder area and haven’t yet rotated your winter clothes out and summer clothes in, set a time to do that so that you don’t waste any more time digging through the boxes to find the right clothing!

7. Clean up outdoor furniture and toys

Take time to pull out all of the outdoor toys and inflate tires and balls, clean off ride-on toys and sand boxes and check for missing or broken parts. Be sure to check bicycle helmets to be sure they fit properly, and add any parts or replacements you need to your master shopping list.

8. Prepare medical release forms

If your children will be traveling without you – or if you’ll be taking a kid-free vacation – be sure to prepare a medical form so that each of their caregivers will be able to make medical decisions in an emergency. To find one that fits your needs, Google “medical authorization release form” for a variety of customizable templates.

Summer Planning Checklist

See more shopping lists and checklists in the Cozi List Library.