I always breathe a deep sigh of relief when school lets out for summer. No more rushing to feed four kids, get them dressed, and load the van by 7:40 a.m.
No more stressing over math homework or spending hours driving kids to and from school.
As backpacks get tucked away and sneakers are replaced by bare feet or sandals, the strict school-year schedule relaxes and a more carefree summer rhythm settles in.
Still, going into summer with zero structure usually leads to bored kids, a cluttered house, and a frustrated parent. That’s why I created a cute, customizable summer chore chart printable—to help keep kids happy and on a helpful routine all season.
With a simple routine in place, you can focus on making summer memories instead of counting the days until school starts again.
You can use the sample daily checklist or personalize the customizable summer chore chart to fit your child’s needs.
(You can download the free printable at the bottom of this post.)
If you want more free printables to organize your kids’ summer, see the Best Summer Schedule for Kids + Free Printable Bundle.
DAILY & WEEKLY SUMMER CHORE CHART PRINTABLE
Kids actually thrive on routine and predictability. When much of life feels uncertain, a steady daily rhythm helps children feel safe and capable.
Chores offer more than a tidy home; they build responsibility and self-esteem. Research shows that children who regularly do chores gain confidence and develop skills that serve them into adulthood.
This summer chore chart creates a simple, consistent routine your kids can rely on while giving them meaningful responsibilities that support growth.
These free printable summer chore charts include two printables:
- One sample summer chore chart with a suggested daily routine.
- One customizable daily chart with blank spaces so you can fill in tasks for your child.
The chart provides a checkbox for each task for every day of the week (Monday through Sunday), making it easy to track progress at a glance.
RELATED: Encourage Reading with the Free Printable Summer Reading Log
TIPS TO USE THE CHART & GET KIDS EXCITED ABOUT CHORES
Here are practical suggestions for getting the most out of this free printable summer chore chart.
1. Laminate the chore chart.
Place the chart in an 8×10 frame or laminate it and let your child use a dry-erase marker to check off tasks. This saves paper and ink and allows you to reuse the same chart week after week.
2. Post it somewhere visible and let your kids mark their progress.
Out of sight, out of mind. Put the chart where both you and your child can see it—like on the refrigerator—so the routine stays top of mind. Kids love the satisfaction of checking things off a list, and that sense of achievement becomes a powerful motivator.
If your child is young and you’re worried about markers, supervise the first few times and store the marker out of reach afterward. Let kids take ownership; they’ll feel important and independent.
3. Keep it positive.
If a child senses frustration or anger, they often shut down or act out. Keep the mood upbeat and encouraging as they learn new tasks. Praise effort and remind them how helpful their contribution is to the household. Your attitude sets the tone; try to be the calm “thermostat” of the home.
4. Make chores fun.
Chores won’t always be thrilling, but small tweaks can make them more enjoyable. Ideas to try:
- Turn chores into games (for example, aiming trash into the bin like basketball)
- Set a timer and race the clock
- Play upbeat music and make it a mini dance party
For more strategies to get kids helping without complaints, check out 13 Secrets to Getting Kids Excited About Chores.
SUMMER CHORE LIST IDEAS FOR KIDS
If you’re unsure what chores to assign during summer, remember this season is a great opportunity to teach new skills and expand responsibilities. With fewer time pressures than the school year, you have more space to coach and train kids on tasks they didn’t have time for previously.
Children are often more capable than we expect. Assigning slightly challenging tasks can boost confidence and give them a real sense of accomplishment.
Summer chore ideas:
- Unload the dishwasher
- Match clean socks
- Fold towels
- Help sort dirty laundry
- Make toast for family breakfast
- Set the table
- Wipe down the table
- Mow the lawn (age-appropriate and supervised)
- Pull weeds
- Dust with a duster (many kids enjoy this)
- Sweep
- Use a handheld vacuum
- Watch younger siblings for short periods
- Make their bed
- Keep their bedroom tidy
- Help prepare meals
For age-specific chore recommendations, consider a printable chore chart organized by age to match tasks to your child’s abilities.
EDITABLE SUMMER CHORE CHART TEMPLATE
The free printable includes a sample chart and a blank customizable chart, but if you prefer a neater, typed version, there’s also a fillable PDF option where you can type in daily chores and print or use digitally.
If you want a fillable version that doesn’t show handwriting, a fillable PDF version is available as an instant download.
Note: the fillable version is a separate product; the free printable can be downloaded by signing up below.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE CHORE CHECKLIST
If you’re ready to keep kids productive and happy this summer while maintaining your sanity, download the free summer chore chart printables. Sign up to receive both the sample daily checklist and the customizable chart straight to your inbox.
Have a wonderful summer!
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