Bored Kids? How to Make Summer Exciting with SMART Goal Setting
- LLX2
- Apr 27, 2021
- 7 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
Inside: Looking for ways to keep a child motivated and avoid the summer slump? Here's how using SMART goal setting with kids leads to a summer full of fun, learning, and growth!
Summer is finally here, and I had high hopes—lazy mornings, stacks of untouched books, maybe even a moment to sip coffee while it’s still hot.
Instead, I’m running a 24/7 snack bar, breaking up sibling squabbles, and enforcing the screen time limits no one likes. Plus the house echoes with “I’m boooored!” on repeat—and it’s only the first week.
I love summer. But the constant juggle of trying to keep summer both relaxing and educational? It's exhausting!
There has to be a better way.
What if your kids could take the lead on their own summer adventures?
What if they even loved every minute of it?
SMART summer goal setting with kids gives them purpose, independence, and just the right structure to stay curious, build confidence, and achieve real progress—without sacrificing fun!
What Are SMART Goals (and Why They Work For Kids)
Setting SMART goals for kids during the summer can have big benefits–it gives them a clear, structured way to grow, explore, and stay motivated.
Let’s take a closer look at each part of the SMART goal framework:
S - Specific
Helping kids set specific summer goals teaches them to focus on exactly what they want to achieve. In a world full of distractions, clear goals give them direction and purpose. Instead of vague intentions, they’ll know what they’re working toward—and why it matters.
M - Measurable
When goals are measurable, kids can track their progress and see just how far they've come. Whether it’s checking off books read or counting practice sessions, visible progress builds confidence. Each milestone becomes a mini win—developing motivation and a sense of accomplishment along the way.
A - Action Plan
A goal without a plan is just a wish. Action steps help kids map out how they’ll reach their summer goals—one doable step at a time. This process teaches them how to break big dreams into bite-sized pieces, building confidence and showing them that success isn’t about luck—it’s about having a plan and sticking to it.
R - Realistic
Goals that are closely tied with a child’s interests and abilities help them stay motivated and engaged. When goals feel doable—not overwhelming—kids begin to believe in their own capabilities. That sense of “I can do this” keeps them focused, excited, and ready to stick with the process, even when it gets challenging!
T - Timeframe
A clear timeframe turns “someday” into a plan. When kids set a deadline for their summer goals, they learn how to manage their time, stay on track, and pace themselves. This structure helps them prioritize what matters—and gives a satisfying sense of progress as the finish line comes into view.
Using the SMART goal-setting framework with kids during the summer isn’t just about staying busy—it’s about building real-life skills that last far beyond the break!
Here’s what SMART goal setting can do:
Develop focus by helping kids direct their energy toward specific outcomes.
Encourage planning and organization as they break goals into manageable steps.
Build time management skills by teaching them how to prioritize and follow through.
Boost confidence as they track their progress and celebrate what they’ve accomplished.
By learning how to set and work toward goals, kids develop independence, resilience, and a growth mindset—skills they’ll carry into every season of life.
Ready to start?
Download your free SMART goal poster and learn how this simple tool can transform your child’s summer into something meaningful and memorable.
Summer Goal Setting for Kids: Transform Boredom into Growth & Fun
Summer is a season of adventure, relaxation, and endless possibilities. With a break from the daily routines of school, kids have the chance to follow their curiosity, explore new interests, and recharge.
From keeping up on basic skills to diving into passions they don’t get to explore during the school year, summer goals can help strike the right balance between learning and fun. With just a little structure, goal setting gives kids the freedom to grow—physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
When teachers or parents provide gentle guidance and support, summer becomes more than just downtime—it becomes a time for meaningful development.
Let’s explore some powerful (and fun!) summer goal examples that help kids thrive all summer long!
SMART Goal: Boost Reading with a Book Challenge
Read at least 10 books of varying genres and complete a reading log to track progress.
Specific: 10 books;
Measurable: completion of reading log;
Action Plan: go to the library over the summer break;
Realistic: enhances literacy skills at kids’ current reading level;
Timeframe: by the end of summer break
SMART Goal: Learn a New Skill in 6 Weeks
Learn a new skill, such as playing a musical instrument, cooking a simple meal, or drawing, by attending regular lessons or practicing independently.
Specific: learn a new skill;
Measurable: regular practice/lessons;
Action Plan: allocate a set time for practice;
Realistic: fosters personal growth from what kids can do today;
Timeframe: 6 weeks
More Exciting (and Easy) Summer Goal Ideas To Spark Passion & Purpose
Looking for more ways to keep summer both fun and meaningful? Try these entertaining and engaging SMART goal ideas to help kids stay active, kind, curious, and confident—while still enjoying every bit of summer break!
Get Moving: Powerful Physical Goals
Get moving for 30 minutes every day by riding your bike, swimming, jumping rope, or playing tag with friends.
Try a new fruit or veggie each week and help prepare a healthy snack or simple recipe with a grown-up.
Start a mini garden or take care of a plant. Learn how to water it, check the sunlight, and watch it grow!
Create a simple daily schedule to include time for play, read, help at home, and go to bed at a good time.
Connect & Give Back: Meaningful Social Goals
Help a neighbor or family member with small jobs like watering plants, picking up toys, or organizing books.
Plan a mini clean-up with friends or family—pick up trash at a park or tidy up your school playground.
Try a small business idea! You could set up a lemonade stand, sell crafts, or help with dog walking.
Learn about a different country or culture. Read a book, try a recipe, or draw something from that place, then share what you learned.
Spark Curiosity: Engaging Academic Goals
Do a little practice each week with a fun math workbook, reading challenge, or online learning game.
Try beginner coding activities using kid-friendly sites like Scratch or Code.org. Design a simple animation or game!
Learn 10 new words or phrases in a different language using books or apps made for kids.
Build something cool! Use recycled materials or craft supplies to build a game, a model, or a fun invention.
Practice an instrument or sing for 15–20 minutes a day. Put on a “concert” for your family at the end of summer!
Grow Confidence: Empowering Emotional Goals
Write or draw in a journal each day. You can write about your day, your dreams, or how you're feeling.
Try deep breathing or quiet time for 5–10 minutes a day. You can use a mindfulness app or listen to calming music.
Pick a new hobby to try—drawing, dancing, taking pictures, or building with LEGO are all great options!
Save a little money from chores or gifts. Set a goal to buy something special or donate to a cause you care about.
Create a fun budget for summer fun. Use play money or a printable tracker to plan and “save” for a special outing or treat.
When Doing Nothing Is The Goal: Embracing Rest
Of course, it's crucial to recognize when downtime is needed for your kids (and yourself)!
After a long and potentially challenging year of school, it’s important to recognize when your family needs rest. A few days—or even weeks—of true downtime can do wonders for energy, focus, and overall well-being!
If your kids seem overwhelmed, unmotivated, or burnt out, that’s a clear sign it may be time to reset. Rest isn’t wasted time—it’s fuel. Prioritizing calm, unstructured moments helps kids recharge mentally and emotionally, so they’re ready to tackle new challenges when they’re ready.
That might look like movie nights under a blanket fort, slow outdoor picnics, or simply enjoying quiet time with a favorite hobby. Giving kids space to unwind (and be bored) helps them reconnect with what brings them joy—and that’s a win for everyone.
An Easy Way to Jumpstart Summer Goal Setting for Kids
This SMART Summer Goal Setting Kit makes it simple to keep kids engaged, entertained, and building a growth mindset all summer long!
This print-and-go resource walks kids through what SMART goals are and shows them how to set, track, and achieve their very own goals—tailored to their interests.
Don't worry, this kit includes an easy to follow plan with everything you need plus lots of summer extras like bucket lists, tracking logs, and more!
From Summer Goals to Lifelong Growth
Setting summer goals with kids—and supporting them along the way—is one of the most powerful ways to nurture growth, confidence, and independence.
The impact goes far beyond the goals themselves.
Kids who learn how to set and work toward meaningful goals build lasting skills like determination, resilience, and self-discipline. These qualities don’t just help them now—they shape who they become!
When we encourage children to dream big and take action, we help them believe in themselves and develop a true growth mindset.
So take time to celebrate their wins, offer support during setbacks, and cheer them on every step of the way—because when kids feel supported, they can accomplish amazing things!
Summer might have started with sibling squabbles and screen-time standoffs, but it doesn’t have to stay that way!
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