My Best Tips for Summer Care for Kids

Summer break sounds dreamy—until you’re scrambling to find someone to watch the kids while you work (or just drink your coffee in peace).

If you’re wondering what summer care for kids really looks like, here’s the truth: it depends. But the good news? You’ve got options.

As a mom who’s juggled work calls, sticky popsicles, and long daycare waitlists, I’ve learned what helps—and what doesn’t.

I’ve pulled together everything I’ve learned, so you don’t have to Google it at 11 p.m. again. Let’s make summer feel a little easier, together.

What Does “Summer Care for Kids” Actually Mean?

When we say “summer care,” we mean one big thing: making sure your child is safe, happy, and looked after while school’s out and routines go out the window.

For some, that means a day camp. For others, it’s a babysitter, a part-time daycare, or a parent running fun themes at home. (Yes, I’ve done the popsicle stick crafts—with a Pinterest board and high hopes.)

What’s Included in Summer Child Care?

Depending on what you choose, summer care can include:

• Supervision while you work (or breathe)
• Outdoor play to burn off energy
• Fun or learning activities, especially for older kids
• Meals and snacks (if the provider offers them)
• Help with rides to and from camp or care

It can be full-time, part-time, or just a few hours a day. The goal isn’t to fill every minute—it’s to build a rhythm that works for your family.

Needs Change by Age

What a 10-year-old needs won’t work for a toddler. Trust me—I’ve tried. Here’s a quick age guide:

Toddlers (1–3 years)
Need lots of play, naps, and snack breaks. Some preschools run summer sessions, but they fill up fast.

Preschoolers (3–5 years)
Love fun themes and simple routines. Half-day camps or daycares work well here.

Elementary Kids (6–10 years)
Do great with day camps, sports, art, and even a few light chores. They’ll ask for screen time—but still need movement and real-life fun.

Working Parents vs. Stay-at-Home Plans

As a working mom, I know how hard it is to find care that fits your job and your budget. That’s why many of us mix things up:

• A few days of camp
• Grandma days or swap time with neighbors
• Nanny shares or part-time sitters

If you’re home with your kids, you still need a plan (and breaks). Even simple routines like “outdoor play before lunch” can help your day feel easier.

Popular Summer Childcare Options in the U.S.

So, how do you find summer care that actually works?

Whether you need all-day help or just a few hours, there are lots of ways to keep your child safe, busy, and (mostly) off screens. Most families mix a few options together—and that’s okay.

Here are the most popular choices, with pros, cons, and a few tips I’ve learned the hard way.

Summer Camps (Day Camps, Mini Camps, Specialty Camps)

Summer camps are a top choice for many families. They give kids fun, structure, and a chance to make friends. Some run all day. Others are just a few hours. You can find general camps or ones with a theme—like sports, art, science, or nature.

Ages:

• Mini camps: Ages 3–5
• Day camps: Ages 5–12
• Specialty camps: Usually for 6 and up

Pros:

• Kids stay active and social
• Lots of creative or outdoor play
• Some camps include meals or snacks
• Camps follow school-like routines

Cons:

• They fill up fast (I’ve missed spots before!)
• Some are pricey
• You might need to handle drop-off and pick-up

How to Find Good Camps:

• Look for American Camp Association (ACA) approval
• Ask about staff checks, medical help, and group sizes
• Read parent reviews on Care.com, ActivityHero, or Facebook groups

Nannies, Babysitters, and Nanny Shares

Need a flexible setup? Want care at home? A nanny or sitter could be your best bet—especially for little ones who aren’t ready for big groups.

Great For:

• Early mornings or late evenings
• Toddlers who aren’t camp-ready
• Families with more than one child

Cost & Flexibility:

• Babysitters: $15–$25/hour in most U.S. cities
• Nannies: $18–$30/hour depending on skills
• Nanny shares: Split the cost with another family

Hiring Tips:

• Check at least two references
• Do a short trial (even two hours helps)
• Run a background check (many websites offer this)

Preschool and Daycare Summer Programs

Some daycares and preschools stay open in summer. If your child loves routines, this can be a great fit. These programs often include indoor and outdoor play, snacks, and naps.

Best For:

• Toddlers and preschoolers
• Kids who like routine
• Parents needing full-day care in a trusted place

Tweens and Teens: Guided or Independent?

Older kids want more freedom—but still need support.

Ideas for Big Kids:

• Volunteer work (at parks, libraries, or shelters)
• Part-time jobs (usually age 14 and up)
• Junior counselor roles at camps
• Sibling care (only if safe and legal—check your state’s rules)

Last summer, I gave my 12-year-old some weekly goals:

Make lunch twice. Walk the dog. Try one new thing. It wasn’t fancy—but it worked.

Budget-Friendly Summer Care Options

Let’s be real—summer care can get expensive fast. Camps, sitters, snacks (why are they always hungry?)—it all adds up.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a lot to keep your kids happy and safe.

Over the years, I’ve tried lots of free and low-cost options. Some of them ended up being our favorite summer memories.

Free or Low-Cost Summer Programs That Actually Help

If you’re on a budget, start close to home. You might be surprised by what your community offers.

Local Libraries

• Free story times, crafts, and STEM clubs
• Summer reading programs with small prizes
• Bonus: air conditioning and quiet time (yes, please!)

YMCA & Community Centers

• Affordable camps and half-day programs
• Many include swimming, sports, or art
• Sliding scale pricing based on income
• Some offer drop-in care for part-time work days

Free Meals + Park Programs

• Many school districts serve free breakfast and lunch for kids under 18
• Some parks offer games and crafts right after meals
• Look for city or county recreation schedules (ours comes out in May)

Childcare Help from the State

Every state has programs that help with summer care. You might qualify for:

• Camp discounts
• Free or lower-cost daycare
• Babysitting help through vouchers or agencies

Go to ChildCare.gov to see what’s available in your area.

Creative Ways to Save Money

You don’t always need a “real” program. Sometimes the best care comes from simple plans made with friends or neighbors.

• Care swaps: Trade days with another parent (you take Wednesday, they take Thursday)
• Teen helper: Hire a responsible teen to play with your kid while you work nearby—cheaper than a full sitter
• Backyard camp days: Pick a theme, invite a few kids, add water balloons or chalk, and call it a day

Last July, we teamed up with two other families. We rotated houses once a week. It was loud. It was messy. It was perfect.

At-Home Summer Care Ideas for Parents Staying In

If you’re home with your kids this summer—by choice or not—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, coffee in hand, staring at the clock and wondering how to fill all those long hours.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a perfect plan. Just a few fun ideas, a loose routine, and permission to keep it simple.

Make a DIY Summer Schedule

Kids love rhythm—even if it’s flexible. Try breaking the day into chunks, not strict hours.

Here’s a summer day that worked for us:

• Morning: Outside time (walk, splash pad, or backyard play)
• Midday: Lunch + quiet time (books, audio stories, or rest)
• Afternoon: An activity or screen time (your call!)
• Evening: Help with dinner or a family walk

Try Easy Theme Weeks

Theme weeks helped me keep things fresh when my kids were little. They made planning fun—and gave us something to look forward to.

Here are a few that were hits:

• Bug Week: Make paper binoculars, go on bug hunts, read The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Water Week: Run sprinklers, toss sponges, or play with cups and bowls
• Art Week: Use chalk, paint with shaving cream, or make playdough

You don’t have to go big. One simple activity a day can feel like magic to a preschooler.

Screen Time Without Guilt

Let’s be real: screens happen. And that’s okay.

Here’s how we keep screen time balanced:

• Save shows for the late afternoon, when everyone’s tired
• Use timers or countdowns (we like silly songs for “time’s up”)
• Pair screens with snacks or rest time—it helps set limits

One summer, we started “Movie Fridays.” Popcorn, a blanket fort, and a kid-picked movie. It turned into a sweet weekly memory.

Simple Products That Stretch the Day

You don’t need a ton of stuff—but a few small things can help your day go smoother.

Here are my favorites:

• Water table: Great for toddlers (ours became a mud kitchen!)
• Sensory bins: Use rice, beans, or pom-poms—change it up weekly
• Pop-up sun tent: Makes backyard time more fun (and shaded)
• Reusable sticker books: Perfect for quiet time or car rides

Read More: Is Cetaphil Baby Wash Safe to Use

How to Choose the Right Summer Care Plan for Your Family

So, you’ve got some options—and maybe a few ideas pinned. But how do you know what will actually work for your family?

Here’s what I ask myself each year (and yes, the answers change as the kids grow):

Start with 3 Simple Questions

1. What’s your daily schedule?

Do you work full-time, part-time, or from home with little ones nearby?

2. What’s your budget?

Are you okay spending on camps? Or are you looking for free or low-cost care?

3. What does your child need this summer?

Do they need playtime, rest, structure, or a new experience like art or sports?

Once you answer those, the right care plan starts to come together.

Quick Look: Popular Summer Care Options

Care Option	Best For	Cost	Flexibility
Day Camps	Elementary kids, social fun	$$–$$$	Set hours
Preschool Programs	Toddlers & preschoolers	$$	Half/full day
Babysitter/Nanny	Multiple kids, custom care	$$–$$$$	High
Care Swap/Teen Help	Tight budgets, part-time help	$	Very flexible
At-Home Routine	Stay-at-home or hybrid work	Free–$	Your schedule

What to Think About (Beyond the Basics)

• Safety: Check references, background checks, and group sizes.
• Stimulation: Will your child be learning something new—or just staying busy?
• Social time: Does your child do best in a group, or one-on-one?

And don’t forget your needs, too. The best plan is one that lets you breathe—maybe even drink your coffee while it’s still hot.

Summer care isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what fits—and letting go of what doesn’t.

Safety Tips for Summer Childcare

Fun is important—but safety always comes first.

Whether your child is off to camp, home with a sitter, or just playing outside, these are the must-haves I think about every summer.

Heat Safety: Keep Kids Cool and Hydrated

Kids heat up fast—especially toddlers, who may not ask for water when they need it.

Here’s what works for us:

• Pack a reusable water bottle (label it!)
• Set timers for water breaks during outdoor play
• Use hats and light clothes with sun protection
• Apply sunscreen before going out (at least SPF 30)
• Stay inside during the hottest part of the day (12–3 p.m.)

Water Safety: Stay Alert Around Pools

Even strong swimmers still need eyes on them in the water. No exceptions.

Here’s our quick checklist:

• Always have an adult watching (no phones!)
• Life vests are better than floaties
• Set pool rules: no running, no pushing, stay where feet touch
• Make sure your sitter knows CPR

If your child is in camp or daycare with water play, ask about supervision. Are there lifeguards? Are staff trained?

Stranger Safety & Sitter Checks

If you’re hiring a sitter, joining a camp, or doing a care swap—trust and safety matter.

Here’s what I always check:

• Real references from other families
• A basic background check (many sites offer this)
• A quick online search or social media check
• A trial day before starting full-time care

Teach your kids a few basics, too:

• Who to ask for help if they get lost
• Never leave without telling an adult
• Know the difference between a safe adult and a stranger—even one who “seems nice”

One rule we follow: If someone says, “Don’t tell your parents,” it’s a red flag. Period.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Summer Without the Stress

Here’s the truth: summer doesn’t have to be perfect to be great.

You don’t need crafts every day or fancy camps each week. You just need something that works—for your kids, your time, and your peace of mind.

Some days will go well. Others might include extra screen time, cold pizza, and a messy kitchen. That’s okay.

What matters most? That your kids feel safe, loved, and free to enjoy sunny days—even if life is busy.

So be kind to yourself.

Some of the best summer memories in our house came from small things:

• Eating watermelon outside
• Reading on a blanket
• Running through the hose

Not because we planned them. But because we slowed down and had fun.

Do you have a favorite summer tip or routine? Share it in the comments. We’re all learning as we go.

FAQs About Summer Care for Kids