Summer Chores with Kids

Summer can sometimes lead to restless days and “I’m bored” complaints—but it’s also the perfect opportunity to turn everyday chores into engaging, age-appropriate activities. Whatever age your child is, there are fun ways to involve them in household tasks that teach responsibility and independence.

Always consider your child’s maturity level, interest, and physical ability. Start with guidance, then gradually step back to let them take full ownership. Adding a chore chart, checklists, or small incentives can help build momentum, especially in the early stages. Older children may benefit an allowance system that can also teach them to be financially responsible. Allowances can be a way to normalize talking about money, which can help set children up for success.

Research suggests there are benefits to including chores in a child’s routine. Children who do chores may exhibit higher self-esteem, be more responsible, and be better equipped to deal with frustration, adversity, and delayed gratification. Chores give children the opportunity to learn how to balance work and play from a young age. These skills can lead to greater success in school, work, and relationships.

If your child attends sleep-away summer camps, you would be amazed at what they are tasked with doing to help make the camp run smoothly. So, be creative at home, and look forward to the teamwork of your children helping out along the way.

Age Appropriate Chore Ideas:

Ages 2–3

• Put toys away
• Throw trash in the bin
• Put books back on the shelf
• Help match socks from the laundry

Ages 4–5

• Make their bed (as best they can)
• Set napkins and utensils on the table
• Water plants
• Help clear the table
• Help sort laundry by color
• Sort clean silverware from the dishwasher
• Help carry light groceries

Ages 6–7

• Fold towels
• Sweep
• Feed pets
• Wipe down tables and surfaces

Ages 8–13

• Make their own breakfast
• Load/unload the dishwasher
• Vacuum or mop
• Take out the trash
• Help prepare simple meals
• Clean their room thoroughly
• Take care of pets fully (feeding, walking, cleaning)
• Make simple meals
• Babysit younger siblings (with adult nearby)
• Mow the lawn or help in the garden
• Do their laundry

Ages 14+

• Deep cleaning (kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
• Grocery shopping
• Managing a personal budget
• Cooking full meals
• Babysitting independently
• Running local errands
• Household maintenance tasks

Starting chores early lays the foundation for lifelong habits. Giving kids responsibilities helps them become capable, confident, and dependable adults. So this summer, say goodbye to boredom and hello to building skills that last a lifetime.