How to Start Planning for Summer Now: A Balanced Approach for Kids
- Kim Bookout
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
While summer may still feel far away, we all know how it sneaks up on us. Now is the perfect time to start planning to ensure your child enjoys a season filled with fun, relaxation, and enriching experiences. Balancing structured activities with free play and downtime is key to a fulfilling summer. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Create a Flexible Summer Schedule
Having a loose plan in place can help you manage your child’s time without making the season feel overly rigid. Find a great how-to summer schedule here! Consider creating a weekly schedule that includes a mix of the following:
Outdoor Play: Schedule time for playground visits, backyard games, or nature walks. 15 DIY Outdoor Games
Rest and Relaxation: Ensure there’s downtime each day for reading, quiet play, or naps.
Swimming and Water Play: Whether it’s a local pool, beach, or backyard sprinklers, water activities help kids stay active and cool. Remember, safety first!
Structured Activities: Sign up for summer camps, sports teams, or enrichment classes. 50 FREE Local Activities
2. Sign Up for Summer Camps and Classes Early
Many summer camps, swim lessons, and activity programs fill up quickly, so it’s best to register now.
Day camps with arts, science, or sports themes.
Swim lessons to boost water safety skills. Local swim lessons
Local library programs that encourage summer reading. Flower Mound Public Library Lewisville Public Library
Right here is a one-stop shop for an abundance of summer activities & camps.
3. Stock Up on Summer Essentials
Now is a great time to start gathering must-have summer items to avoid last-minute scrambling:
Swimsuits and towels for pool days.
Outdoor toys like chalk, jump ropes, and bubble wands.
4. Encourage Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor play is essential for a child’s development and well-being. Plan fun outings such as:
Visiting parks, botanical gardens (Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Dallas Arboretum) or hiking trails.
Organizing picnics or scavenger hunts.
Creating a backyard obstacle course.
5. Allow for Unstructured Play and Downtime
Not every moment needs to be planned. Free play encourages creativity and self-directed learning. Let your child:
Build forts with blankets.
Play pretend games.
Have relaxed afternoons with books and art supplies.
6. Plan Family Activities
Make time for bonding as a family by scheduling special outings and traditions:
Weekend road trips or camping excursions.
Movie nights under the stars. Affordable outdoor movie projector
Cooking together with seasonal ingredients.
Flower Mound Parks and Rec Special Events for 2025
By planning ahead, you can ensure a summer that balances adventure, learning, and relaxation. The goal is to create a season filled with joy, discovery, and cherished memories—without stress. Start organizing now, and let the countdown to summer fun begin!
As always, Dr. Kim and her staff are here and happy to help ensure your kids have their healthiest summer yet!
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