How Many Days Until Summer Vacation?
This countdown is for a typical summer vacation start date (May 28).
Actual dates vary by school district/country.
Summer Vacation Countdown
Summer vacation is the perfect time to relax, explore, and make memories. Whether you're planning trips, activities, or just looking forward to some well-deserved downtime, counting down the days until summer break adds to the excitement!
Summer Vacation Ideas
Beach Getaways
Build sandcastles, collect seashells, learn to surf, or simply relax by the waves with a good book. Beach vacations offer something for every family member.
National Parks
Explore America's natural treasures with hiking, wildlife viewing, ranger programs, and camping. The Junior Ranger programs make learning fun for kids!
Theme Parks
From world-famous Disney parks to local amusement centers, theme parks create magical memories and thrilling experiences for the whole family.
Camping
Reconnect with nature and disconnect from technology. Camping offers affordable adventure with campfire stories, stargazing, and outdoor exploration.
Staycation
Explore your own city like a tourist! Visit local museums, try new restaurants, have backyard campouts, and enjoy day trips to nearby attractions.
Road Trips
Pack up the car and hit the open road! Road trips allow for flexible itineraries, unexpected discoveries, and budget-friendly travel between destinations.
Summer Camps
From STEM and arts to sports and outdoor adventure, specialized summer camps help kids develop skills, make friends, and build independence.
Volunteering
Make a difference while learning new skills. Family volunteering can include beach cleanups, animal shelters, food banks, or community gardens.
New Skills
Summer is perfect for learning something new! Try cooking classes, photography workshops, coding camps, or language immersion programs.
Summer Vacation Planning Timeline
Early Planning Phase
- Research potential destinations and activities
- Set a vacation budget
- Book flights for popular destinations (especially international)
- Reserve accommodations for peak destinations
- Apply for or renew passports if needed
Preparation Phase
- Book rental cars, tours, and special activities
- Research local attractions and dining options
- Make any needed medical appointments
- Apply for travel visas if required
- Sign up for summer camps and programs
Getting Ready
- Create packing lists for each family member
- Purchase any needed vacation items (swimwear, luggage, etc.)
- Make pet or house-sitting arrangements
- Check-in with accommodations to confirm reservations
- Purchase travel insurance if desired
Final Preparations
- Begin packing and organizing
- Plan for mail and package delivery
- Arrange for lawn care or plant watering
- Download entertainment for travel (movies, books, etc.)
- Notify banks of travel plans to prevent card issues
Last Minute Details
- Print or download boarding passes and confirmations
- Charge all electronic devices
- Double-check packing lists and travel documents
- Adjust home thermostats and unplug unnecessary electronics
- Set alarm for departure time
Packing Tips & Essentials
Make a List
Create a detailed packing list for each person and check items off as they're packed. Keep the list for future trips to avoid forgetting essentials.
Roll, Don't Fold
Rolling clothes instead of folding saves space and reduces wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items by category or person.
Medicine Kit
Pack a basic first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, motion sickness remedies, and any prescription medications your family needs.
3-1-1 Rule
For air travel, remember the 3-1-1 rule: liquids must be in 3.4 oz containers or less, all fitting in one quart-sized bag, one bag per person.
Beach Vacation Essentials
Road Trip Essentials
Camping Essentials
Summer Reading Recommendations
Keep minds active during summer break with these age-appropriate book recommendations:
Adventure Series
"The Magic Tree House" by Mary Pope Osborne
Follow Jack and Annie as they discover a tree house that takes them on magical adventures through time and space.
Humor
"Dog Man" by Dav Pilkey
A hilarious graphic novel series about a crime-fighting superhero who is part dog and part police officer.
Fantasy
"Zoey and Sassafras" by Asia Citro
Combines magical animals and science experiments as Zoey helps injured magical creatures using scientific methods.
Adventure
"Percy Jackson & The Olympians" by Rick Riordan
Modern-day adventures featuring Greek mythology as Percy discovers he's the son of a Greek god.
Mystery
"Enola Holmes" by Nancy Springer
Follow the adventures of Sherlock Holmes's younger sister as she solves mysteries in Victorian London.
Science Fiction
"The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown
The story of a shipwrecked robot learning to survive and adapt in the wilderness among animals.
Contemporary
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
A powerful novel about a teenage girl who witnesses the shooting of her childhood friend by a police officer.
Fantasy
"Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
A thrilling heist story set in a fantasy world, featuring six dangerous outcasts with a seemingly impossible mission.
Science Fiction
"Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline
Set in a dystopian future where people escape reality through a virtual world called the OASIS.
Summer Reading Challenge
Keep track of your summer reading with this printable challenge card:
Summer Reading Bingo
Summer Vacation Fun Facts
The tradition of summer vacation began in the 19th century—not because of farming as commonly believed, but because wealthy urbanites would leave cities during hot summer months.
Americans leave an average of 33% of their paid time off unused each year, despite research showing that vacations improve productivity and reduce burnout.
The most visited vacation destination in the world is France, which receives approximately 90 million international tourists annually.
Studies show that planning a vacation can actually bring more happiness than the vacation itself, with anticipation generating positive emotions for up to 8 weeks.