It’s time to seriously make plans for your children’s and the family’s summer vacation. If you work through the summer, it is very important to look at the available children’s programs in your area and register your child or children for those you select.

Weekly routines

Develop some weekly structure and routines for your children. You’ll be providing some sanity for yourself and some security for your kids. They already are used to the structure of school days, so letting them know the agenda of activities and your expectations will lay the groundwork for a saner, safer summer. Write that schedule down and hang it in a central location for all to see.

Organized programs and activities

Social interaction and activities involving your children’s interests should be part of your planning. Many community programs are available, from tennis camps to swim lessons at the local recreation center to art lessons at the museum.

Vacation Bible Schools and summer camps offer well-structured programs with a variety of activities to keep your child’s interest and to allow for a social framework. If the budget doesn’t allow for enrollment in formal programs, work out a mutually beneficial schedule with family and friends. Each friend or family member can take charge one day a week, so you can continue your work schedule while your children enjoy structure and a variety of activities.

Family outings and vacations

If a family vacation is possible, choose a kid-friendly destination with activities the whole family can enjoy. It’s the perfect way to share meaningful, relaxing experiences with your children.

Beyond set vacation plans, it’s very rewarding to plan mini-trips to local places of interest–a pet farm or water attraction, an aquarium or donut-making facility. Shake up the plans to include places that are not part of your everyday routine. Pack a picnic and visit a small area airport, or tour a local plant to see how boats are made or milk is processed. If your children are rarely exposed to music or art, go to an outdoor concert or visit the local sculpture museum.

A roster of summer activities

Make a weekly trip to the library part of your schedule. You might even challenge them to read a book a week during the summer and have roundtable discussions about the books over lunch.

Help your children identify areas of particular interest, so they can create a summer workbook and specific projects. Insects? Science? Fashion? Astronomy? Cooking? For every interest, you can help your children create projects and keep notes and photos.

Art and craft activities always make for fun family times. Visit your local craft store to find an amazing number of projects–decorating wreaths, making colorful garden stepping stones, painting wooden items, or making beaded jewelry, for example.

Let them help you plan and prepare summer menus. Naturally, they’ll choose their favorites, including some yummy desserts! Combine creative activities with different types of music. Take out the paints and set their mood with classical music, or set them dancing to some vibrant pop music. Keep in mind that you are guiding them on a discovery voyage, one that takes them beyond their everyday lives and interests to new horizons.