Our Realistic Summer Schedule with a Toddler and a Baby
Simple rhythms, splash pad days, and our favorite outdoor essentials
Simple rhythms, splash pad days, and our favorite outdoor essentials
Summer with two little ones can feel like a juggling act - but with a little planning (and a lot of grace and snacks), it can be both peaceful(ish) and fun. Today I'm sharing our flexible summer schedule that works for our toddler and baby, plus our go-to outdoor activities and favorite warm weather gear.
Our Daily Summer Rhythm
This schedule isn't rigid - just a gentle flow that gives us structure while allowing for spontaneity.
7:00 AM - Wake Up & Morning Snuggles
- We keep mornings slow: snuggles, books, a little worship music
- I'll sip my coffee while I wait for the girls to wake up (if they aren't up already). Our 3 year old usually gets up around 7:15 and the baby will usually sleep until 7:00/7:30 if we're lucky.
7:30 AM - Breakfast & Morning Chores
- Easy breakfast (smoothies, oatmeal, eggs, or yogurt & fruit)
- Our three year old will help with simple "jobs" like putting clearing the table or putting some toys away.
- I unload the dishwasher and clean up breakfast - a clean kitchen is my love language!
9:00 AM - Outdoor Play
This is the golden window! We head outside before it gets too hot:
- Splash pad days or backyard water table fun.
- If you don't have a water table motor to keep the water flowing, I highly recommend getting one!
- Bubbles and chalk are always huge hits.
- Stepping stones provide endless entertainment for both girls.
11:00 AM - Clean Up & Early Lunch
- A quick rinse off after playing outside.
- Simple lunch: Our girls love charcuterie type meals with cheese, fruit, veggies & crackers.
12:00 PM - Nap Time/Quiet Time
- Our 1 year old naps while the three year old either naps or has quiet time in her room.
- I use this time to reset - I read my Bible, do a little cleaning, and catch up on some work.
2:00 PM - Afternoon Snack & Indoor Play
- Water and a snack - cottage cheese and fruit is a huge hit in our house.
- We might do sticker books, play kitchen, or have a dance party.
3:30 PM - Outside Again (If Weather Allows)
- Short walk or bike ride.
- Sometimes we do popsicles on the porch or bring out toys for more water fun.
5:00PM - Dinner Prep & Free Play
- My husband or I will prep dinner while the other plays with the girls.
5:30 - Dinner & Wind-Down
- Dinner as a family (or as close to it as we can!)
- Followed by baths, books, and bedtime routine.
7:00 PM - Bedtime for Both Girls
- Our 1 year old will go straight to bed after bath.
- We let the 3 year old stay up until about 7:30 reading books and then it's lights out for her as well.
- Then we're off duty and can reset for tomorrow!
Our Favorite Summer Activities
Here's what we're loving this summer (all toddler and baby friendly):
- Splash Pads (both in our back yard as well as parks around town) - the parks are free and local and great social outings. But sometimes we just want the ease of playing in the back yard.
- Back yard water table (with a motor to keep water flowing)
- Bubble machines (hands free fun!)
- Sidewalk chalk
- Stepping stones
Our Favorite Outdoor Essentials
These have been total game changers for us:
Swimsuits
- Toddler: ruffled one- and two-pieces with built-in UPF
- Baby: zip up rash guards for easy diaper changes
Swim Diapers
- We use sunscreen with no harsh chemicals and this applicator is a game changer!
Tip: Keep a Bogg Bag packed with your summer essentials by the door so you're always ready to head outside.
Final Thoughts
Summer with little ones doesn't have to be complicated. Our days are full of joy, splashes, and snack breaks (and a few meltdowns). I'm still learning to lean into the rhythm rather than the rush.
Whether you're juggling nap schedules or drying off soggy swimsuits, you're doing a BEAUTIFUL job, mama!
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