A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
How to Organize for a Summer with Grandchildren
Summer is a beautiful opportunity to slow down, create lasting memories, and enjoy quality time with your grandchildren. But let’s be honest—keeping things running smoothly with little ones in the house requires some planning! Whether your grandkids are visiting for a weekend or staying for several weeks, here are some helpful tips to help you organize for a fun, stress-free summer.
1. Create a Flexible Routine
Kids thrive on a sense of rhythm, even during summer break. A loose daily schedule helps them know what to expect and gives you a bit of structure, too. Try organizing the day into broad blocks:
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Morning: Breakfast, a craft, or outing
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Afternoon: Lunch, quiet time, backyard play
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Evening: Dinner, movie, or game night, bedtime routine
Post a simple schedule somewhere visible so everyone stays in the loop.
2. Set Up Kid-Friendly Spaces
Designate specific areas for play, rest, and meals:
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Play zone: Set up bins with toys, puzzles, and books
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Quiet corner: Add cozy blankets, stuffed animals, or a reading nook
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Snack station: Keep healthy grab-and-go snacks at their eye level in the fridge or pantry
This helps reduce the “Grandma, where’s the…?” moments!
3. Plan Weekly Activities or Themes
Give each week a fun theme to keep things fresh and exciting. A few ideas:
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Nature Week: Go on a nature walk, collect rocks, plant flowers
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Water Week: Sprinklers, water balloons, kiddie pool days
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Craft Week: DIY projects, sidewalk chalk art, handprint keepsakes
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Grandparent Camp: Let them “check in” for a week of storytelling, baking, and life lessons
Having a theme helps you plan activities and outings with ease.
4. Stock Up on Essentials
Before summer kicks off, do a quick inventory and restock:
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Sunscreen & bug spray
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Band-aids and basic first aid
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Extra swimsuits, towels, and water shoes
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Age-appropriate activities (coloring books, crafts, games)
Having everything on hand cuts down on last-minute store runs.
5. Embrace Downtime
Don’t feel like you need to entertain constantly. Sometimes, the best memories are made in the quiet moments—reading on the porch, baking cookies together, or watching fireflies at dusk. Make space for spontaneous, unstructured time.
6. Get the Kids Involved
Let your grandkids help with planning! Have them:
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Make a summer bucket list
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Choose one meal each week to help cook
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Pick a weekly movie or game night idea
It gives them ownership and keeps things fun.
7. Capture the Memories
Set up a summer scrapbook station or take a photo each week. At the end of the summer, put it all together for a keepsake they’ll treasure—and so will you.
Final Thoughts
A summer with grandchildren is a gift, and a little preparation goes a long way in making it joyful for everyone. Keep things simple, stay flexible, and focus on connection. These are the days they’ll remember—and so will you. Happy Summer!
Hugs & Blessings,
