When my 13-year-old daughter declared she was too old for summer camp, and my 10-year-old son only agreed to do two weeks of it, I realized I had an entire summer ahead and no idea how to keep my kids off screens (or keep my sanity). We’re talking 10–12 weeks of “Mom, what are we doing today?” while I try to juggle working from home and keeping everyone from melting into the couch.
But instead of spiraling into panic, I decided to treat this like a puzzle I could solve—with a little creativity and a bit of Canva on the side!
Step 1: Put Something Meaningful on the Calendar
My daughter and I joined a mother-daughter charity league starting in June. We’ll be volunteering on weekends, and during the two weeks, my son will be at camp. Not only does it give her something purposeful to do, but it’s time we get to spend together helping others—a win-win.
Step 2: Create Weekly Summer Themes
Instead of winging it week to week, I created themes. This gave me a loose structure that made planning feel less overwhelming and a lot more fun. We’re also taking two short vacations (about five days each), which helped break up the summer and gave us something to look forward to.
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Adventure and Exploration Week – hikes, nature walks, beach days, exploring new parks or trails, or even a day trip to somewhere we’ve never been nearby.
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Science and Discovery Week – trips to the aquarium, science museums, or at-home experiments that hopefully will not destroy the kitchen.
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Water Fun Week – waterparks, kayaking, pool days, or water balloon battles with friends.
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Sports and Games Week – bike rides, ninja warrior gyms, trampoline parks, rock climbing, or even an old-fashioned backyard obstacle course.
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Creative Week – DIY projects, cooking challenges, or redecorating their rooms (my daughter’s idea).
This little theme hack sparked my excitement and made summer feel like something to look forward to—not just survive. I may even let them host a garage sale, but that has yet to be decided.
Step 3: Build in Downtime
Not every day needs to be packed. We’re keeping a good balance between activity and downtime. Some screen time is totally allowed, but now it’s part of the plan and not a last resort. I’ve also blocked off quiet afternoons for reading, creative projects, or just being bored (because boredom can spark creativity…eventually). Some days will go great, others might totally flop—and that’s okay.
Step 4: A Canva Calendar (Because I Can’t Help Myself)
I love a good visual, so I’m toying with the idea of making a themed summer calendar in Canva—part planning tool, part peace of mind, part fun (at least for me!). If you also love color-coding and different fonts, this might be a fun little project to try. No pressure, of course. Unless you also get excited about templates.
Ultimately, what started as a logistical nightmare turned into an opportunity: a summer that gives my kids connection, structure, and memories without draining my energy (or my wallet).
If you’re in the same boat, try mapping out some weekly themes. You don’t need a full itinerary—just a starting point. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
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