Summer break brings big changes to family routines—especially for parents who share custody (or parenting time as it is known in Arizona). Without school anchoring the schedule, many families need to adjust their parenting plans to ensure both parents have meaningful time with their children while also planning vacations, camps, and activities. Robert Larson has guided hundreds of parents in crafting parenting plans tailored to their family's unique circumstances, including summer parenting plans. Contact Larson Law Office today to discuss your options.
Here are five common summer parenting time schedules that can help co-parents navigate the summer months effectively:
Some families choose to keep their school-year parenting plan in place throughout the summer. This option works well for parents who live close to each other and prefer consistency. This is especially common when each parent has equal time with the children or close to it.
Tip: Even with a regular schedule, it’s important to build in time for each parent to take a vacation with the children. This often means agreeing in advance on how much vacation time each parent gets and when those weeks must be scheduled.
In some cases, parents flip their school-year routine for the summer. For example, if one parent typically has weekdays and the other has weekends during the school year, the roles switch during summer break.
This approach helps balance parenting time over the course of the year—especially when one parent has less time during the school year due to work or logistical challenges.
Tip: Like the first option, it’s best to include separate vacation time for each parent, since the alternating schedule may not allow for extended trips.
A common and straightforward summer plan is alternating weeks. One parent has the children for one week, then the other parent has them the next week, and so on.
This gives both parents equal time over the summer and works well for older children who can handle a full week away from each home.
Tip: With this plan, each parent can usually schedule vacations during their own week—no additional coordination is necessary.
Another popular option is to split the summer into two equal parts. One parent has the children for the first half of summer break, and the other parent has them for the second half. Each parent can easily take any vacations they want during their half of summer.
This setup is simple and effective, especially when both parents want extended, uninterrupted time with the kids. This is more common when the parents live in different states or at least far enough from each other that it requires significant transportation to exchange the children.
Tip: To keep things fair, parents can alternate who gets the first half each year or allow the parent who didn’t choose first last year to go first the following summer.
In long-distance parenting arrangements, it’s common for one parent—often the out-of-state parent—to have the majority of summer break. This allows the non-residential parent to spend meaningful time with the children when school isn’t in session.
Typically, the parent who has the children during the school year will receive the first week and the last week of summer break. This provides some continuity before and after the extended absence, and it also allows the primary custodial parent to plan a trip with the children.
Tip: Even in long-distance arrangements, communication and planning are key—especially when it comes to coordinating travel, packing, and summer activities.
Which Summer Schedule Is Right for You?
The best summer parenting plan depends on your family’s unique needs, including the children’s ages, each parent’s availability, and travel or camp plans. When in doubt, flexibility and clear communication are essential.
If you’re working on a summer parenting schedule and need legal advice or help modifying your current custody order, our family law team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
