My Summer Hacks for Real-Life Families: Juggling Camp, Travel & Everything in Between
Summer looks different for every family — and often, it looks different week to week. Maybe your kids are in camp for a few weeks, home for others, or you’re squeezing in a family vacation between it all. The constant pivoting can be a lot — but with a few simple systems, it can feel more manageable and joyful.
Here are our favorite summer hacks for families owning your summer:
1. Start With a Weekly Reset
Summer doesn’t always allow for a consistent routine, which can actually be amazing and freeing. Set aside 15 minutes on Sunday to map out the week: Who’s in camp? Who’s home? Who needs what and when? Use a shared calendar, wall planner, or whiteboard to give everyone a clear visual of what’s happening.
2. Create "Camp Week" and "Home Week" Modes
When your kids are in camp, lean into the structure: pack lunches the night before, prepare outfits for the week, and set up a calm post-camp routine with snacks and downtime. On non-camp weeks, try flexible themed days (like Library Monday, Water Wednesday, or Chill Friday) to give some rhythm to the week without a rigid schedule.
3. Keep a Summer "Go Bag" Ready
Whether you’re heading to pick up from camp, visit the pool, or take a weekend road trip, having a stocked tote with sunscreen, wipes, water, and easy snacks saves time and stress. My favorite non-perishable healthy snacks are protein snacks, nuts, olive packs, dried fruit, dried portion of edamame, and chickpeas, etc Pro tip: keep extra swimsuits and a towel in the trunk — just in case.
4. Prep for Travel with a Home Base Plan
Traveling soon? Prepare the house before you go: empty the fridge, toss laundry in before you leave, and leave one day after your return unscheduled to ease back into real life. Instacart is always my best friend, and I usually have a delivery scheduled for when we arrive home. It's the perfect task when you're waiting at the gate or on the road. For road trips or flights, let kids pack a mini “adventure kit” with snacks, books, games, and one surprise item.
5. Carve Out Pockets of Predictability
Even when summer feels all over the place, small rituals — like morning smoothies, Friday movie nights, or bedtime journaling — give kids (and adults) a sense of consistency.
6. Use Camp-Free Weeks Intentionally (But Not Overloaded)
Don’t overschedule the in-between weeks. I like one outing per day: the library, splash pad, baking cookies, or a playdate. Keep afternoons low-key. It’s okay for kids to be bored — that’s when creativity happens.
7. Keep a Summer Memory List
As the weeks fly by, jot down the little wins and fun moments: the time they tried a new camp, the popsicle-stained smiles, the messy picnic, the new skill learned. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
My favorite summers are the ones that aren't all-or-nothing. With a bit of rhythm, a few systems, and a lot of grace, your family can move through the season with more ease and connection — no matter what’s on the calendar.
Do you need a better way to plan your summer weeks? Driven Day planners and tools are designed for real-life families managing their full and intentional schedules.