Summer Holidays with Kids – Tips, Ideas & a Little Sanity!
Ah, the summer holidays. Six (or more!) weeks of sunshine, ice cream, and … “Mum, I’m BORED.” Sound familiar?
Whether you’re a parent who’s been counting down the days or one who’s secretly dreading the noise and chaos, the summer holidays are a rollercoaster for every family. And that’s completely okay.
At angelkatplr, I’m all about making life a little easier, a little more fun, and a little more manageable – for both kids AND parents. So here are some of my favourite tips for getting through the summer with your sanity (mostly!) intact.
1. Create a Loose Routine
Kids thrive on routine, even when school is out. You don’t need a military-style timetable, but having a rough shape to the day really helps. Think: morning activity, lunch, quiet time, afternoon adventure. Simple, flexible, and it gives everyone something to anchor to.
2. Have a Rainy Day Box Ready
We all know the that summer can be… unpredictable! Having a rainy day box stocked with activities means you’re never caught short. This is where printables are absolute gold.
Some of my favourites for keeping kids engaged (and quiet!) include:
- Colouring Books – Great for all ages, screen-free, and genuinely calming for children. Pop on some gentle music and watch them settle right down.
- Scavenger Hunts – Perfect for indoors or the garden, these get kids thinking, moving, and exploring. They don’t even realise they’re learning!
- Activity Books – Puzzles, colouring, drawing prompts, writing activities – there’s something for every child. Great for journeys too.
All of these and more are available in my shop at angelkatplr – simply print, hand over, and enjoy the peace!
3. Embrace the Car Journey
Long journeys don’t have to be a battle of ‘are we nearly there yet.’ Pack a little activity pack for each child to open once you hit the road. A colouring book or activity sheet can keep kids entertained for hours and makes the journey feel like part of the adventure.
4. Build in Quiet Time
This one is so important and so often overlooked. Children (and parents!) need time to slow down and just… be. Designate 30-60 minutes each afternoon as quiet time. Kids can read, draw, colour or do a puzzle. It recharges everyone and often prevents the late-afternoon meltdowns.
A simple colouring book or activity sheet is perfect for this – it gives children something to focus on without needing any screens or supervision.
5. Don’t Forget About YOU, Parent
Here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. The summer holidays can be wonderful, but they can also feel relentless and overwhelming – especially if you’re juggling work, childcare, and everything else life throws at you.
That’s why I also have a range of Health & Wellness products in my shop designed especially for the grown-ups. Whether you want to:
- Take a moment for some proper self-care
- Refocus your goals and intentions for the second half of the year
- Create a little calm and clarity in the middle of the summer chaos
… I’ve got you. Because you matter too.
6. Lower Your Expectations (Honestly, This Is Good Advice!)
Not every day needs to be an Instagram-worthy adventure. Some days will be messy, loud, and exhausting – and that’s perfectly fine. The kids don’t need to be entertained every single second. Boredom is actually brilliant for creativity!
Give yourself grace. You’re doing an amazing job.
Quick Summer Survival Tips for Parents
- Batch cook and prep snacks in advance to save time and stress
- Get the kids involved in planning – a simple chart of daily activities gives them ownership and reduces the ‘I’m bored’ complaints
- Create screen-free windows – even just an hour – and fill them with printable activities
- Find your local free activities: parks, libraries, nature trails, paddling pools
- Build a self-care slot into YOUR day, even if it’s just 10 minutes with a cup of tea and one of my wellness printables!
Ready to Make Summer a Little Easier?
Pop over to my shop at angelkatplr and browse the full range of kids printables and wellness products. With something for every age and mood, you’ll be sorted for the whole summer.
Happy holidays, lovely. You’ve got this!
Nicola x
And if you could do with a little extra support beyond the blog — I’d love to see you inside my free Skool community, Calm Systems for busy Moms. Simple tools, warm support, and a community that genuinely gets it. Because you were never meant to do all of this on your own. Come join us
