6 Things You Can Do Now to Make Sure You and Your Kids Have the Best Summer Ever!

By Kate Stahl

Sure, it's freezing and gray outside, but that doesn't mean it's too early to start thinking about a much more kid-friendly season: Summer! Equally anticipated by children and dreaded by moms whose little ones thrive on a schedule (i.e. all of them), Summer's sunny, hot days can be long if you don't go in with a plan, and now's the time to start.

Here are six things you should start doing now if you want this to be your family's best Summer yet.

  1. Book a week (or more) at Summer camp. Many overnight camps have already opened their Summer registrations, and day camps are soon to follow (I'm registering my daughter March 1). Start your research by asking moms with older kids about their camp experiences or looking on the websites of your local park district or YMCA to find area camps. Groups like the American Camp Association and Summer Camps will help you find traditional overnight and day camps, along with specialty camps for kids interested in art, technology, sports, and more.
  2. Research area pools, beaches, and spray parks. Although your Summer may already be filling up with vacations, weddings, and camps, there will definitely be a lot of days when you wake up, look at your children, and realize you have nothing on the books (aka the mom nightmare). That's why you need a go-to Summer fun spot that's easily accessible and inexpensive. Ask around about area pools, spray parks, and beaches. Is a country club in your budget or does your town have an awesome park district pool like mine that has a discounted season pass? I'll be buying my local pool's early-bird family pass this Spring for less than $200. Without one, taking my kids is $30 a pop every time.
  3. Plan a family trip. Whether it's a week at Grandma's house, a tour of a National Park, or the camping excursion you've been waiting for your kids to age into, there's no better time than Summer to pack up and go. Start planning now and you'll have the added joy of months of excitement about your upcoming adventure.
  4. Find a Summer sport program. Registering your kids for a Summer sport adds some much-needed structure to a season that often lacks any and gets your kid outside and staying active (i.e. burning energy). Research programs through the park district, swimming clubs, or organizations like Lil' Kickers or ask friends about what Summer sports their kids have enjoyed.
  5. Invest in a backyard upgrade. Moms need a Summer break, too, and sometimes the best way to get one is to throw your kids out of the house and into the backyard. Make it more appealing by considering the addition of a new swing set (start looking at Craigslist now for good deals on used play sets), play structure, or tree house.
  6. Start looking for extra childcare. If you're used to having your kids in school all the time or at least part of it, having them home all day, every day can be . . . hmmm, how should I put it? Torture. Help yourself out and start asking trusted babysitters about their Summer schedules to get yourself a regular slot with them. You'll be grateful you did.