Theme Days & Bucket Lists

My favorite planning tip to enjoy this season without feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Practical ways to structure your Summer days at home. 🌞 [+ free printable]

Summer can be very complicated. We all look forward to the different pace that summer brings. I always picture it being simple, full of popsicles, swimming, and fun. But it often does not end up that way. At least for me.

The answer = Summer Theme Days

We need some variety to our summer vacation days.

Summer Theme days give us flexibility and variety in our summer break. The theme doesn’t have to take over the whole day. It could just be for a morning, an afternoon, or an evening. They break up the monotony of days at home with no structure. (These were a life-saver for my family during Covid shutdown.)

Themes give us a focus and permission to let everything else go.

Because I am naturally a homebody, having a list helps me get out and do things more often. It takes away the decision fatigue. Any thinking I can do ahead of time is helpful to me for sure! Which is why I created these free printables.

A key to make it work:

Let each week be different.

Work with what you already have scheduled. If you have a busy weekend trip planned than adjust your weekday events to be quieter, at home, and more productive.

I always remind myself that summer is about flexibility, spontaneity, and relaxing. Go with the flow of what works for your family.

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Photo by Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash

Your theme can last all day and or just provide structure for your afternoon. It can be as simple or as complicated as you want.

Themes help us be present and more productive.

Daily Theme Ideas –

• Project day at home – Everyone gets to do their own projects.

  • painting or redecorating a room

  • fixing things around the house

  • organizing bookshelves (free printable & post)

  • sorting the pantry

  • gardening or repotting plants

  • cleaning the car or maintenance

Mom gets to work on her own stuff without interruption (or at least that is the goal🙂) This obviously works better with older kids, but even younger ones can get extra movie time for one day.

Household chore day –

• We all have cleaning that needs to be done. Make it something that everyone does together. Team up as a family against the mess and grime. Turn on some dance party music and make it fun.

Work day –

We all have these days. Putting them in the schedule can help remove guilt.

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These next few are great ways to add excitement to the summer. Even amidst busy work days we can add in a few extras to make this season feel like summer break.

• Adventure Days –

  • These are places to go and things to do outside the home. We all get stir crazy after a while and need to get out of the house. But we don’t have to spend money or spend the whole day out every time.

  • Our lists include:

    • Free Activities List (parks, splash pads, friends pools, a picnic spot, nature trail)

    • Low Cost Activities List (ice cream, bowling, the community center, lunch out)

    • Special Events (that we will do one time – usually on a weekend)

  • Free PDF planner pages

• Gaming Day –

  • Visiting the arcade

  • PC games online at a scheduled time with friends

  • Play games as a family

  • bust out the classics and see who can still get a high score

• Reading Day –

  • Yes!! This is my favorite!! I am a total book worm in case you have not noticed yet…🙂

  • This reminds me of when I was in school and we would have D.E.A.R. & pajama days!

  • Check out this post if you need inspiration

• Movie Night –

  • A family favorite in our house! We choose a movie to watch and make themed foods, do some fun activities, and crafts with the kids.

  • Or if we are keeping it simple it is just pizza, popcorn, and candy.

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What summer theme days could you try out this week?

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Don’t miss the free printables created just for you!

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I have discovered that:

• That giving the kids too much free time leads to fighting and annoyed kids.

• I need to get out of the house sometimes.

• I want to have some at home days with a relaxed schedule.

• My kids need structure but I that can feel like a lot of pressure.

• and I also need days where I can be productive at home with the kids busy.

Each of these needs are important and valid but they conflict.

So how can we make the most of the summer we have? 

I would love to hear your ideas!

Please share in the comments. ⬇️

🌞Happy Planning! - April

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