PouchPrintable summer chore chart
Quick answer
A summer chore chart keeps a few small jobs going while school is out. Pick two daily jobs and two weekly ones, schedule them early in the day, and leave the rest of the day open. A short list is easier to keep than a copy of the school-year chart.
Summer needs a lighter list
School gives the day its shape. In summer that shape is gone, and a little structure helps. A short chart means the house still gets looked after, and your kid has a few jobs to finish before the fun starts.
Sample summer jobs
Summer jobs
| Chore | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make your bed | |||||||
| Put wet towels on the hook | |||||||
| Bring in outdoor toys | |||||||
| Help make lunch with you | |||||||
| Water the plantsonce this week | |||||||
| Tidy your roomonce this week | |||||||
| Wash the patio chairs with a clothonce this week |
Set it up for the break
- Print a chart for the first week of the break.
- Choose a fixed time for jobs, such as before the first screen or outing.
- Let your kid choose which two weekly jobs they want.
- Post the sheet next to the summer calendar or fridge plan.
- Look at it every Sunday and decide what changes.
A fit for these households
- Kids home all day, with a parent who works from home.
- Kids split between camp days and home days.
- Families who travel and want a shorter list for away weeks.
Make it fit your summer
Camp days, trips and visits change what is possible. Build a version for each type of day with the chart maker. For a plan that covers allowance as well, see summer and holiday allowance.
Keeping the summer routine going
- Let jobs come before the fun, but keep them short.
- Allow a “no chart” day each week for trips and special plans.
- Mark off the week on the calendar so the break feels like progress.
- Add one new job midway through so the sheet does not go stale.
For the school year, the weekly chore chart has room for a longer list.
Questions parents ask
Should kids have chores during summer break?
Many families keep a short list so the house keeps running and kids stay in a rhythm. The right amount is up to you.
How do I handle chores on vacation?
Pause the chart or shrink it to one job, such as keeping your own bag tidy. Pick it back up when you are home.
Should summer chores be paid?
You decide. Some families pay a small allowance all year, others keep summer jobs unpaid. Our summer allowance guide covers the choices.