Thinking about hiring a summer nanny but not sure where to start? Whether you’re planning vacations, need full-time help, or simply want to keep your kids engaged during those long, sunny days, finding the right seasonal support can make all the difference for your family’s summer plans.

Let’s go through everything you need to know—from where to find a fantastic summer nanny to how to make sure they stay happy and committed through the entire season (and beyond)!

1) What to Know Before Hiring a Summer Nanny

Before you dive into hiring a summer nanny, it’s important to get crystal clear on what exactly you’re looking for. Are you hoping for full-time coverage while you’re at work? Help during a summer-long travel adventure? Someone to plan fun, educational outings around your local area? Or perhaps your family just needs an extra set of hands (and wheels) to manage your kiddos’ busy summer schedules.

Take time to outline the specifics:

• Hours needed: Is it consistent every day? Will the hours change daily? Weekly?
• Duties expected: Childcare only? Light household help? Driving the kids to camps and activities? Managing multiple children or just one? Planning activities or executing pre-made plans?
• Flexibility requirements: Will you need your nanny to work late into the evenings or weekends occasionally?
• Travel plans: Will your nanny be joining you on family trips?
• Longevity: Is this a position you’re open to extending beyond the summer? Or does it have a definite end date?

Having all of this mapped out in advance will not only help you find the right fit, but it’ll also make your nanny’s expectations crystal clear from the very beginning, setting you both up for success and minimizing misunderstandings.

Pro tip: Because summer nannies know they’re in high demand, being decisive and organized can make your offer even more appealing. Clear communication during the initial stages can be the deciding factor in a nanny choosing your family over another.

2) Where to Find Great Summer Nanny Candidates

When it comes to hiring a summer nanny, casting a wide (but thoughtful) net is key. You want a candidate who matches your family’s lifestyle, energy level, and values and who can understand your needs and family dynamics quickly. They don’t necessarily have the luxury of time, especially if you’re parting ways at the end of the season.

Here are a few of the best ways to find top-notch summer nanny candidates:

• Trusted nanny agencies: Reputable agencies like Westside Nannies do the heavy lifting by pre-vetting and matching you with professional candidates. Having matchmakers on your team for seasonal employment can be a lifesaver when you need someone who just gets it, fast.
• Local parenting groups: Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and community bulletin boards can often point you in the direction of great leads.
• Summer job boards: Some college students and recent grads look specifically for summer nanny work, so find out where this demographic is looking in your specific location (or you could even try reaching out to local colleges).
• Word of mouth: Ask friends, family, or coworkers if they know of any fantastic nannies looking for summer placements.

Just remember: hiring a summer nanny is highly competitive, and the best candidates usually finalize their summer plans early. Ideally, start your search in late winter or early spring to ensure you have your pick of the best.

Also, consider candidates like teachers who might not have traditional in-home childcare experience but are off for the summer and looking for temporary work—they often bring fresh ideas, endless energy, and a real love for kids!

3) How to Interview for Seasonal Success

The interview process is where hiring a summer nanny really starts to take shape. Think of it less as just filling a role and more about setting the tone for a successful summer.

In your interviews, make sure to dig into more than just experience. Focus on how a nanny thinks about summer specifically:

• What activities do you like to plan for kids during the summer?
• Are you comfortable swimming with the children or supervising outdoor play?
• Would you be willing and able to travel with our family if needed?
• How do you handle downtime or longer stretches with no structured plans?

Don’t forget to talk through logistics:

• Confirm the start and end dates.
• Clarify any requested time off ahead of time (like family weddings or vacations).
• Share family vacation plans and discuss expectations for those trips.
• Review pay structure, including overtime policies if needed.

Because summer can feel chaotic and fast-moving, having all of these details ironed out upfront will make everything run much smoother once the season is underway.

4) Tips to Keep Your Summer Nanny Happy All Season Long

Finding the right person is just half the journey when hiring a summer nanny. Keeping them happy, motivated, and feeling valued will make all the difference in their performance—and your family’s experience!

Here are a few easy ways to keep things running smoothly:

• Set clear expectations early on: Even if things are more relaxed in the summer, a quick weekly check-in can prevent any miscommunication.
• Offer flexibility when possible: Maybe your nanny can leave a little early on quieter days, or swap hours when needed.
• Show appreciation: Sometimes a simple thank you or a thoughtful gesture can go a long way toward boosting morale during those long (and often busy!) summer days. Providing a summer activity budget for outings or picking up an extra popsicle stash for hot days shows that you genuinely care about their experience, not just your children’s.
• Get creative together: If you’re comfortable with it, encourage your nanny to suggest outings, crafts, or adventures. When they feel empowered to plan fun experiences, it keeps everyone engaged and excited.

When you create a positive, respectful environment, your summer nanny will feel truly invested, and you’ll likely have them eager to return year after year!

Hiring a summer nanny can be an absolute game-changer for your family’s summer plans. With a little preparation, thoughtful interviewing, and ongoing communication, you can find and keep incredible seasonal support, turning what could be a stressful, disjointed few months into a smooth, fun-filled season everyone will cherish.