Summer Checklist for Working Moms (Keep Kids Busy While You Work From Home)
This summer checklist is for working moms who are trying to keep their kids busy while still getting things done.
Because let’s be honest, summer can feel overwhelming when you’re juggling work, home, and kids who suddenly have a lot more free time. We love our kids, but we are also working and responding to emails.
The good news is, you don’t need a packed schedule or constant activities. You just need a simple summer checklist that helps your days feel a little more manageable and a lot less chaotic.
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Morning Summer Checklist
One of the most helpful parts of this summer checklist is having a simple morning routine that your kids can follow without needing you every second.
Because mornings can feel chaotic when you’re trying to get your day started and respond to emails, make breakfast, or just drink your coffee while it’s still warm.
Having a basic summer morning checklist helps your kids know what to do without constantly asking you what’s next.
Simple Morning Checklist
Get dressed + brush teeth
Eat breakfast
Clean up after themselves.
Morning basket (worksheets, reading, puzzles)
Quiet play or independent activity
Nothing complicated, just simple steps that create a calm start to your day.
Everything you need
To make this easier, I like to keep a few things ready to go:
A small basket with activities
A morning menu or checklist
Easy, no-prep worksheets or quiet-time activities
The goal is to make it easy for your kids and easier for you. When your mornings feel calmer, the rest of your day flows so much better.
Screen Time Summer Checklist
Let’s talk about screen time because, whether we like it or not, it’s part of real life.
And as a working mom, having a plan for it is one of the most helpful parts of your summer checklist.
We don't want them on it all summer, but we're also not going to eliminate it
Instead, we will use it in a way that actually supports your day.
Simple Screen Time Checklist
Screen time happens after the morning routine is complete.
Set a daily time limit (ex, 30–60 minutes at a time)
Mix educational + fun content.
Use it during your busiest work blocks.
Balance it with offline activities.
This keeps it structured without feeling restrictive. There are days when screen time is the only way I can focus and get things done. So it’s important to find balance with these screen devices.
Everything you need
A few simple things that help make screen time more manageable:
Tablet accessories
Kid headphones(for quiet time)
Educational apps and programs
Hooked on Phonics
Having the right setup makes it easier to use screen time in a way that actually works for your family.
Things to Do for Kids – (Free + Paid)
This is the heart of your summer checklist: simple, realistic ideas that keep your kids busy without you having to plan something every second of the day.
Because let’s be honest… we are not entertaining our kids all day long,
We need options that are easy, flexible, and actually doable.
Free Summer Activities (Easy + Low Prep)
Outdoor play (bike rides, sidewalk chalk, water play)
Library visits or reading time
Backyard picnics
Nature walks or scavenger hunts.
Coloring, drawing, chalk, or simple crafts
Puzzle time or board games
These are the kinds of activities that don’t require much—but still keep kids engaged.
Low-Cost / Paid Activities
Activity kits or craft boxes
Summer camps (even part-time)
Camps provided by your local school district
Indoor play places or memberships
Printable activity bundles or worksheets
Learning apps or subscriptions
These can be lifesavers on busy workdays. You don’t need to do everything—you just need a few solid options that work.
| Read “Summer Camp Activities for Kids” for more camp ideas
Summer Chore Chart for Kids
Adding a simple chore routine to your summer checklist is one of the easiest ways to keep your kids busy and teach responsibility at the same time.
Because let’s be honest, if they’re home all day, they can help a little too 😅
Keep It Age-Appropriate + Simple.
You don’t need a long list, just a few simple tasks they can do daily:
Make their bed (or tidy their space)
Put toys away
Help clean up after meals.
Wipe down surfaces
Help with laundry (sorting or folding)
Keep it realistic so they can actually follow through. Chores give kids structure, purpose, and something to focus on during the day.
Useful tools that can help
If you want to make this easier, these are a few things that help:
Printable chore charts
Simple reward or sticker systems
Nothing complicated, just something that helps your child stay consistent.
Kids Summer Essentials List
This part of your summer checklist is for those busy days when you’re running errands, heading out, or just trying to get through the day without hearing “I’m bored” every five minutes.
Because as a working mom, being prepared makes everything feel easier.
What to Keep On Hand
Simple Summer Essential Checklist
Snacks (easy, mess-free options)
Water bottles
A small activity kit (crayons, mini notebook, puzzles)
Flashcards or learning cards (great for quick learning moments 👀)
A change of clothes (just in case)
An extra pair of shoes
Summer Essentials Must-Haves
These are a few things that make this setup easier:
A tote bag, small cooler bag, or backpack to keep everything in one place
Keeping everything together means you can grab it and go without thinking twice. Perfect for spontaneous outings or if you're just hanging out on the patio.
Kids Daily Schedule Summer Checklist
This is where your entire summer checklist comes together.
You don’t need a strict routine; having a simple daily flow can make your days feel so much easier and a lot less chaotic.
It’s about having a gentle structure that your kids can expect each day, so you’re not constantly figuring things out as you go.
Example Daily Summer Schedule
Morning Block
Morning checklist (get ready, breakfast, tidy up)
Morning basket or quiet activities
Light learning (reading, worksheets, Spanish practice 👀)
Midday Block
Outdoor play or activity
Lunch
Screen time (during your work block)
Afternoon Block
Free play or creative time
Chores
Quiet time or independent activity
Nothing complicated, just a flow that works with your day.
Some days we follow this closely… and some days we don’t.
But having this kind of structure helps me feel less overwhelmed because I always have something to fall back on
Planning Must Haves
If you want to make this easier, these can help:
Printable daily schedules
Visual routine charts for kids
It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something your kids can follow easily.
You don’t need to plan every hour; you just need a simple rhythm that works for your family.
You Just Need a Simple Summer Checklist)
If you take anything from this, let it be this:
You don’t need a perfectly planned summer to be a good mom.
You don’t need to fill every day with activities, keep your kids busy every second, or follow a strict routine.
You just need a simple summer checklist that helps your days feel a little more manageable.
Gentle Reminder
Some days will feel productive.
Some days will feel messy.
Some days your kids will be entertained and engaged…
And other days, they’ll still say “I’m bored” no matter what you planned 😅
And that’s okay.
At the end of the day, your kids won’t remember how perfectly the schedule was followed, how many activities you planned, or if everything got done.
They’ll remember the time you spent together and the safe, calm space you created. They’ll remember the little moments that made them feel loved.
📌 Save this summer checklist for later
If you’re planning your summer as a working mom, save this so you can come back to these ideas when you need them.
Consider This:
If you’re a busy mom trying to balance work, kids, and everything in between, I created something just for you 💛
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Inside, I share:
Simple routines that actually fit into your day
Time-saving tips for working moms
Easy learning ideas (including Spanish!)
Real-life systems that make your days feel easier
Because you deserve a summer that feels manageable, not overwhelming.
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