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Devoted Grandma

10 Key Preparations Every Grandmother Should Start Putting in Place for Summer

May 30, 2025

Ah, summer. That sweet stretch of sunshine, sticky fingers, backyard squeals, and the occasional meltdown over melted popsicles. We grandmothers know that when summer rolls in, so do the grandkids—and that means we have to be ready not just for the heat and the laughter, but for the little things that turn an ordinary summer into something unforgettable.

So, before those precious little feet start pattering through your door yelling “Grandmaaaa!” at 7 a.m., let’s talk preparation. Because a little effort now saves a whole lot of scrambling later.

Here are 10 key preparations every grandmother should start putting in place for summer—all filled with love, common sense, and a dash of magic.

1. Stock Up on Snacks (The Good, the Fun, and the Grandma-Approved)

The one thing kids will never stop doing in the summer? Eating. From the moment they hop out of bed to the second their heads hit the pillow, they’re looking for something to munch on.

So take a little time now to stock up on:

You might even make a cute “Snack Station” in the fridge or a bin in the pantry just for them. That way, they can help themselves—within reason—and you don’t have to stop what you’re doing every 10 minutes to open the fridge.

Grandma tip: Use muffin tins as snack trays—fill each cup with a different treat for snack time variety without overdoing it.

2. Prep a Summer Activity Kit (A.K.A. Your “I’m Bored” Buster)

We’ve all heard it. “I’m boooooored.” And it usually happens five minutes after they get here.

Avoid the boredom blues by preparing a kit full of summer fun:

Keep it in an easy-to-reach bin so it becomes their go-to when creativity strikes—or boredom threatens.

3. Check the First Aid Supplies (Because Summer Is Messy)

Let’s be honest. Summer comes with scraped knees, bug bites, sunburns, and mysterious bruises from who-knows-what. Go through your medicine drawer and make sure you’ve got:

You don’t have to be a walking pharmacy, but being prepared makes you the trusted hero in their eyes.

4. Declutter the Backyard or Patio

Your outdoor space doesn’t have to look like a resort—but it does have to be safe and inviting. Do a little summer sweep:

Even a little bit of tidying up can turn your yard into a memory-making playground.

5. Create a Summer “Yes” Space

Sometimes kids need space to be loud, messy, and wonderfully chaotic. Choose one spot—maybe a corner of the garage, a shaded part of the yard, or even a tiled bathroom—and make it the yes zone.

Here, they can:

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to feel free. Because kids remember when they were allowed to just be kids.

6. Make a Summer Bucket List (With Their Help)

Nothing beats making memories together. Grab a piece of paper and make a “Summer Bucket List” with your grandchild. Write down things big and small:

You’ll be amazed at the joy that comes from checking things off that list—and the laughter you’ll share doing it.

7. Organize a Summer Wardrobe Drawer

Grandkids have a way of needing something they forgot at home. Whether it’s a swimsuit, underwear, or an extra set of clothes after a mud pie incident, a “Grandma Drawer” saves the day.

Fill it with:

Bonus: When their parents come to pick them up and realize nothing they packed was used, you can smile sweetly.

8. Get Your Tech Ready (Yes, Even You, Grandma)

Even if you’re more paper planner than iPad wizard, it’s still helpful to get tech-ready for summer:

Grandma tip: Ask your grandchild to help you figure out a new app. They’ll love being the teacher—and you might just learn something fun.

9. Plan Cooling Down Strategies

Let’s face it. Kids run hot. And summer can get sweltering.

Cool down plans to put in place:

It’s not about stopping the fun—it’s about making sure nobody melts (including you).

10. Schedule Grandma’s “Me Time” Now

Let’s not forget the most important part of the summer plan: you.

Make space for:

A happy, rested grandmother is a gift to everyone. Don’t burn yourself out trying to make every moment magical. Sometimes magic is just a calm, smiling face and a lap to sit on.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for summer as a grandmother isn’t about creating a Pinterest-perfect season. It’s about having what you need to make joy easy and chaos manageable.

So open those cupboards. Dust off the bubbles. Add an extra carton of popsicles to the freezer. And get ready to open your heart and home for a summer filled with laughter, learning, and love.

Because if there’s one thing we grandmas do best—it’s making every season feel like a warm hug.

Let the sunshine (and the memories) begin. 🌞