Wait, wasn’t it just February? That’s how fast summer sneaks up on us. One second we’re trying to lock in after-school activities and lining up winter weekend sitters, then suddenly, we’re staring down a whole calendar filled with longer days, school-free mornings, shifting routines, and big chunks of time without any built-in care. If you feel a little (or a lot) overwhelmed, you’ve got company.
A whopping 76% of working parents say their kids’ summer schedules impact their job focus and 68% of parents agree that sometimes summer feels like a break for everyone but themselves, according to a 2026 Harris Poll commissioned by Bright Horizons. Additionally, more a third of these parents said that when available activities and care just don’t align with their work schedule, it’s a challenge to arrange their children’s summer. Sound familiar?
Why Summer Child Care Is So Complicated
Seasons changes, schedules adjust but for the most part, the school year — or roughly September through June — is pretty darn consistent. Sure, there are sick days, snow days, and school closures, but there’s more of a structure in place to ensure you can find child care or activities that fit your needs. But come summer, everything seems like it’s up in the humidity-filled air. Camp registrations fill up, waitlists don’t move, babysitters could be away, and there’s no rhyme or reason to family vacation time. That’s why, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for just about anything.
Where Should You Start?
Before you can line up child care, grab a calendar and a pencil (with a trusty eraser!) to start to map out what your summer actually looks like. Block off weeks that you need full coverage as well as those when you might only need post-camp help. Do you see any gaps? What kinds of support do you need? Having a month-at-a-glance calendar in front of you can be hugely helpful in making sense of it all.
What Are the Summer Child Care Options?
Just like each family schedule is unique, there is no formula that works for every family. You might need a mix of different types of care. The key is to find what works for you and lock it in. Some of the common choices:
- Summer camps can be great for structure, like school, as well as some social time, and keeping kids busy. Not all camps are full-day though some might offer early drop-off or late pick-up. We love Steve and Kate’s Camp, which offers a variety of camp choices and locations.
- Babysitters are a flexible and adaptable option. Great for filling gaps between camps, pitching in a few days a week, or helping with last-minute needs, sitters have varying availability so be sure to check their schedule on Sittercity. Posting a job that lays out your needs is a great way to ensure you’ll have coverage for the time slots you need help the most.
- Nannies can offer consistent, in-home care. Whether they’re full-time, part-time or temporary, nannies can be a smart choice for families with babies or toddlers as well as families who need full-day coverage for most of the summer.
- Nanny or sitter shares might be a great option if you know another family with similar needs to yours. It’s also a genius way to share costs and ensure your child always has other kids around, too.
How Much Does Summer Child Care Cost?
That’s the million-dollar question (or $17 an hour) question: Costs will range widely, depending on where you live, what kind of care you choose, how many children you need care for, and how much experience your caregiver has. Babysitters are typically paid hourly while nannies might have weekly or full-time rates. Camps will have a flat fee per week or month as well as extra costs for early drop-off, late pickup, or additional activities (such as field trips or activity evenings). While some families find that combining options (say, one week of camp, followed by a week of a babysitter) can balance costs and coverage, others choose one option for the whole summer. Whichever you choose, planning ahead will help you steer clear of last-minute stress such as scrambling to find care or signing up for a camp the night before.
When Should You Book Summer Care?
The earlier, the better… but if you’re reading this in May, you will still have plenty of options. Reach out to camps — even if they say they’re full, know that plans change and waitlists open. Sitters and nannies start booking for the summer during the spring, so post a job at Sittercity and take the chore of finding care off your plate. You’ll thank us later. We hear over and over that the closer families get to summer, the fewer options end up being available.
What Kind of Care Plan Should I Create?
Flexibility is the name of the game. Summer can be unpredictable so the best plans are adaptable. Be open to mixing up your care options, if needed, and try to line up a backup option for any unexpected schedule changes.
How Do I Find a Sitter or Nanny?
Considering adding a sitter or nanny to your summer plans? That’s where Sittercity excels. Post a job, detailing what you need — we can help you craft it! — and you’ll typically get responses within two hours. You can also read reviews, check references, and run background checks to help you find the perfect match for your family. The most important thing to remember? It’s not too late to find high-quality care you deserve. Sittercity can help connect you with tons of great caregivers in your area, whenever you begin your search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best summer child care option?
You know the phrase, You Do You? It applies here. The very best summer child care plan is the one that works for you, your family, and your schedule. That might mean all camp or all sitter, or a blend of both. Choose the best mix that fits with you, and turn to Sittercity to support those goals.
How much does summer child care cost?
Costs will definitely vary by location, number of children, type of care and more, but planning ahead and blending options can help manage what you spend.
When should I start planning summer child care?
Spring is the perfect time to start. Earlier planning gives you more options and flexibility, but last-minute options are available, too.
Can I hire a babysitter just for summer?
Absolutely: Lots of sitters work only in the summer (teachers or college students, for example) so often, you will have more caregiver options in May through August.
Any final summer care tips?
Take a deep breath: Summer doesn’t have to feel like a scramble. Be sure to carve out time to take your own break, and set up some plans for child care. When you have some structure, your children will get to experience a season that feels both fun and consistent. And if your plans change along the way? Sittercity can help find last-minute care that fits your life. You’ve got this. Bring on, summer!
