Simple Summer Routine That Will Actually Work For SAHMs

Alessandra | Posted on June 26, 2025 |

Summer is finally here and it sure is heating up! If you’re needing a summer routine for yourself and your kids that actually works, then you’ll want to keep reading!

If the thought of summer break makes you feel a little panicky, you’re not alone and I get it. As much as I love summer and my kids being home, it can also be a tricky time of year. That’s where a summer routine can help you manage your time! If your kids aren’t going to summer camp and suddenly your peaceful morning coffee is a thing of the past, then keep reading! In this post I’ll help you create a simple summer routine that will actually work for the summer so you and your kids can enjoy your time together. Plus, keep reading for a freebie to help you get started with your best summer routine!

*This blog contains affiliate links, you can learn more at my terms. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Why You Need a Summer Routine (Even If You Hate Schedules)

Summer can be a beautiful, memory-making season and it can also feel chaotic and overwhelming, especially if you’re a stay at home mom. The secret to surviving (and actually enjoying) summer is a simple, flexible routine. One that works for you, not against you. Yes it’s possible. Let’s talk about how to build a summer routine that helps you feel less burnt out and more like the mom you want to be.

If you’re thinking to yourself, but I hate schedules and routines, hear me out! A summer routine isn’t about strict schedules or Pinterest-perfect plans (unless that’s your thing and that’s cool!) But I look at it as more about creating predictability, which helps kids feel secure and helps you avoid running on fumes. Without a routine, every day feels like a game of “what now?” And you more apt to hear that dreaded phrase…”I’m bored!” And we all know that mental load is exhausting. I’m telling you, a routine removes 80% of that decision fatigue.

Bonus: A consistent routine helps reduce behavioral meltdowns from kids and overstimulation for you. So let’s dive into how you can create that simple summer routine! Plus get a freebie to help you get started at the end of this blog.

How To Create A Summer Routine

Now that you know why you should have a summer routine and how helpful it can be to manage your days, let’s talk about how to create one! First things things though, don’t overthink this. And remember that routines should work FOR you, so if it’s not working, make some tweaks to make it work for your family. Below are four simple steps to help you create a summer routine. Don’t forget to check out my free summer schedule at the end of this blog too!

Step 1: Start With Your Anchors

Start with your anchors, AKA, the things you must do each day. Instead of planning every hour, because that can be way too difficult and it’s probably just not fun, build your routine around daily anchors. The recurring parts of your day that create structure without rigidity.

Here are some examples:

Morning anchor: breakfast + outdoor time
Midday anchor: lunch + quiet time
Afternoon anchor: screen time + snack
Evening anchor: dinner + walk + bedtime routine

Once your anchors are set, you can fill the in-between spaces with flexibility. The things you fill in the middle can be things like a trip to the library or park. Or playing a board game or doing a craft. Or they can be bigger things like a beach day or a pool day with friends. Not everyday has to be the same and that’s what will help your summer routine feel fun and be easy!

Step 2: Keep It Simple (And Repeatable)

Like I said, your summer routine can (and should) be simple! No one wants a rigid schedule or routine, that becomes boring and cumbersome. You also don’t need a new activity every day to make summer “fun.” In fact, repetition is comforting for both you and your kids. That’s why it can be fun to make each day of the week a themed day that is repeated each week.

Here is an example of this type of routine or rhythm:

Monday: Library + craft day
Tuesday: Backyard water play day
Wednesday: Nature walk or park day
Thursday: Bake or cook together day
Friday: Movie & popcorn afternoon

This type of rhythm will make each day exciting and something to look forward to. So chose a few things you all enjoy doing and add them to your themed weekly summer routine!

Pro tip: Get extra fancy and write this rhythm on a whiteboard or print it out and hang it on the fridge. Your kids will love knowing what’s coming, and you’ll stop answering “what are we doing today?” five million times!

Step 3: Protect Mom Time

Let’s not forget the most important piece of your summer routine is YOU! Yes, mama, I mean it. This is your summer too and protecting your mom time will help you give your kids a great summer because your cup will be filled. A routine is not a routine without some mom self care added to it. 😉

Here’s how to weave in time for yourself in the hecticness of summer:

Schedule quiet time after lunch (even if that means a little screen time for your kids.)
Wake up 30 minutes before your kids (if possible) for coffee and quiet time. Try enjoying your coffee outside!
Institute an afternoon “mom break”—even just 10 minutes to breathe, read, or scroll in peace.
Swap with a friend or hire a teen for one weekly reset window.

I know it’s cliche, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Even a simple summer routine won’t work if you’re running on burnout!

RELATED: THE MOMMY BURNOUT GUIDE

Step 4: Expect the Unexpected

Finally, let’s be honest, summer is unpredictable, in all the best ways and all the annoying ones. There will be cranky days, spontaneous playdates, unexpected rainy days, and meltdowns over the “wrong” popsicle color. Your kids will fight every chance they get and you’ll be annoyed with how fast that box of goldfish empties. But that’s ok! It’s summer.

Your routine isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s a framework to help you out. You’re not a failure if it doesn’t go exactly as planned. When things do go off the rails, take a breath, reset, and return to your anchors in step one. Embrace the messiness that is summer time!

You’re Allowed to Make Summer Easy

Summer is a time to relax and find the joys in the little things and have fun with your kids! It’s means to be easy, mama. You don’t need to fill every moment with activities or entertain your kids nonstop. That won’t make summer any better. You don’t need a color-coded calendar either. You just need a rhythm that works for your real life. One that brings peace, not pressure. So go ahead and simplify, repeat, and protect your time. This is your summer, too! Make the memories and enjoy your children while they’re little. Let me know in the comments what you think and make sure to grab my free summer routine below to help you get started!

Use the image below to save this summer routine to Pinterest so you can come back to it later!

Related Blogs:

Sharing is caring! If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to share it with your mama friends by using the social buttons below. Thank you for supporting my blog! You can also support me by following me on Instagram @justabasicmama for more stay at home mom life.

Facebook Pin Tweet