(5-minute read)

By: Dunya Mojadiddi, Education & Communications Coordinator and Family Care Advisor

June 2026

For many people, summer is associated with rest, slower schedules, and time off. But for student parents and caregivers, summer can sometimes feel just as busy, if not busier, than the academic year. 

With school ending, childcare routines shifting, and work or academic responsibilities continuing, summer often brings a whole new set of logistics to manage. It can be rewarding, exhausting, fun, chaotic, and everything in between. 

At the Family Care Office, we know there’s no one “right” way to navigate this season. Whether you’re taking summer courses, working, parenting full-time, caregiving for a family member, or trying to balance all of the above, we wanted to share a few reminders and resources that may help support you through the months ahead. 

Let Go of the Idea of a “Perfect” Summer 

Summer routines rarely go exactly as planned – especially when caregiving is involved. Some days may feel productive and organized, while others feel like you’re simply trying to make it to bedtime. That’s normal. 

It can help to lower the pressure to “do it all” and focus instead on what feels manageable for your family. Sometimes that means keeping children entertained with elaborate outings, and sometimes it means screen time while you finish an assignment or answer emails. Both are okay. 

Explore Free and Low-Cost Activities Around Toronto 

One of the biggest challenges during the summer can be figuring out how to keep children engaged without spending a significant amount of money. Thankfully, there are many free and affordable activities across the GTA. 

The Toronto Public Library Summer Wonder programs offer free activities, performances, reading programs, and workshops for children throughout the summer. 

Check out the tpl:map for free passes to attractions including the Toronto Zoo, Reptilia, the aquarium and so many more! Passes go quickly, and are released the first Wednesday of each month at 2 pm.  

Families can also explore:

• Riverdale Farm  
• Swimming pools, splash pads and community parks across the city  
• Toronto ravine and waterfront trails  

The City of Toronto also offers subsidized and low-cost summer recreation programs and camps through CampTO and other community recreation programming. Families may also want to look into shorter or more flexible camp options, such as half-day, single-day, or week-by-week programs, which can sometimes be more affordable and provide caregivers with a few hours of respite, time to work, study, or attend appointments. 

For families with younger children, EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free drop-in programming, playgroups, and caregiver support throughout the city. 

Build Flexible Routines 

Summer schedules can feel unpredictable, but small routines can still help create a sense of structure. 

That structure does not need to be rigid. Sometimes it’s simply: 

• a morning walk 
• quiet time after lunch 
• a library visit once a week 
• or reading together before bed 

Creating small “anchors” throughout the week can make things feel a little more manageable for both caregivers and children. 

Remember That Caregiving Is Work 

Summer can make caregiving labour feel especially visible. 

Planning meals, managing schedules, finding childcare, organizing activities, emotionally supporting family members – all of this takes time and energy, even if it often goes unrecognized. 

Many student caregivers are balancing these responsibilities alongside coursework, research, employment, or financial stress. It’s important to acknowledge that caregiving itself is labour, and it deserves care and support too. 

Where possible, consider building small networks of mutual support with other families or caregivers. Informal care exchanges or playdate swaps – where you care for a friend’s child one day and they care for yours another – can help lighten the load, create community, and give everyone a chance to rest or focus on other responsibilities. 

Stay Connected Where You Can 

Summer can sometimes feel isolating, especially when campus becomes quieter or routines change. 

If you’re able to, try to stay connected in small ways: 

• meet a friend for coffee 
• attend a community event 
• visit a local library program 
• or spend time in spaces that help you feel grounded 

Even small moments of connection can make a difference. 

A Final Reminder 

There is no perfect way to balance caregiving, school, work, and summer life. 

Some weeks will feel easier than others. Some days will feel joyful, while others may feel overwhelming. Both experiences can exist at the same time. 

As we move into the summer months, we hope student families and caregivers remember to extend themselves the same compassion they so often give to others. 

The work you do matters, and you are an important part of our university community.