40 Screen-Free Summer Ideas and Activities for Kids

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Let’s be real for a minute—screens are quiet, convenient, and they give us a minute to breathe. But when you look up and realize your kids are melting into the couch or turning into zombies, it might be time for a reset, a detox. Summer break is short, and while screen time has its place, there’s a better way to use these summer months—one that includes fresh air, screen-free activities, and a whole lot of summer fun that doesn’t require a charger. I know, I know you might already be feeling overwhelmed, but hear me out—I’m going to break down why boredom is good for our kids, how to set screen-time boundaries, and 40 screen-free summer ideas! By the end of this blog post, you’ll be ready to take on a full summer screen-free!

Why Being Bored is Good

Somewhere along the way, we decided that if our kids weren’t actively entertained every second, every minute of every day, we were somehow failing. But that’s not the truth. The truth is that boredom is one of the best ways you can encourage creativity in your children, especially in today’s constantly streaming world.

When kids are bored, they’re forced to think, to create, to come up with something out of nothing. And that’s where imagination kicks in—that’s the magic. You want your child to learn to problem-solve, be creative, and develop resilience? Let them be bored, that’s the ticket!

It’s in those “I don’t know what to do” moments that the good stuff happens, like blankets become forts, cardboard boxes become time machines, and backyard sticks become swords. The key is not rushing in to fill every quiet gap. It takes some practice to learn how not to constantly fill their days, not give them a reply every time they say they’re bored, and not give in to screen time every time they ask.

So next time they say they’re bored? Smile and say, “That’s good, see what you can come up with!” And leave it at that. I promise they will eventually figure it out after some time, and those might just be the moments that become lasting memories and really good times.

How to Set Screen-Time Boundaries

The reality is that screens are part of life now. They’re everywhere all the time; you can’t even pump gas these days without a screen in front of your face. And no, we’re not trying to ditch screens altogether, but we’re trying to see that our kids (and us) have a healthy relationship with technology. That has to start with clear and consistent boundaries.

Here are a few simple ways to set screen-time boundaries this summer break (tested by me):

• Save screens for the end of the day as a family. After the day’s been full of play, chores, and screen-free activities, a little screen time can be the dessert of the day.
• Place tablets and iPads out of sight and use only for long road trips or travel.
• Use a timer. It works for younger kids to older kids. Set it. No arguments needed—when the timer goes off, the screen goes off.
• Designate screen-free zones. Examples for us would be the kitchen table and the bedrooms.
• Create a “must-do” list before screen time. Want 30 minutes of TV time? Cool. First: get dressed, do your chores, and play outside.
• Stick to your plan. Consistency is your best friend. If screen time starts becoming the default, pull it back in. You’re not mean. You’re doing what is best for your family.

Remember, kids push boundaries because they need to see if you’re going to stick to it. Your job is to hold the line with love. You’ve got this. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s less screen time, more connection, and good ways to spend time together. It can lead to some really great times.

40 Screen-Free Summer Ideas

Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or older kids, these 40 screen-free activities and summer ideas are a great way to keep kids moving, creating, imagining, and maybe even bonding with their siblings…maybe. Sprinkle in a few new ideas and let this list become your go-to for summer fun.

Creative and Crafty Play

Low-prep ideas that fuel imagination. Add one or two of these to your summer bucket list and let your kids take the lead on the creative charge.

1. Make homemade playdough or slime.
2. Create something with cardboard boxes and recyclables.
3. Create a nature collage from leaves, sticks, and flowers.
4. Paint rocks and hide them around the neighborhood.
5. Set up a DIY bracelet or bead station.
6. Make puppets out of socks or paper bags.
7. Draw a comic book or write a story.
8. Try a new craft kit or start a summer art journal.
9. Decorate paper crowns or capes.
10. Build a fairy garden or LEGO city.

Outdoor Adventures

Let them run, explore, and get dirty. These are perfect outdoor summer activities and a great option when you want to avoid another summer day indoors.

1. Go on a nature scavenger hunt or nature walk.
2. Run through sprinklers or have a water balloon fight.
3. Create an obstacle course in the backyard.
4. Camp in the backyard.
5. Go on a bug hunt or a birdwatching walk.
6. Wash the car.
7. Have a picnic in the backyard or at the local park.
8. Play classic games like tag, hide and seek, or Simon says.
9. Go on a bike ride around the neighborhood.
10. Draw giant sidewalk chalk murals.

Around-the-House Fun

Ideas for rainy days, hot afternoons, or when you’re still in pajamas.

1. Build a fort with pillows and blankets.
2. Bake something together.
3. Play a board game or a card game.
4. Put on a talent show, dance party, or karaoke concert.
5. Organize a toy swap or “store” with siblings (a great way to engage all the family members).
6. Create a pretend restaurant. This is a favorite one at our house; they’ll even make lunch in the process. Win!
7. Make paper airplanes.
8. Set up a toy washing station.
9. Try indoor bowling with plastic cups and a ball.
10. DIY spa day.
11. Create your own indoor scavenger hunt or treasure hunt for extra fun.

Calm & Quiet Time

For those magical moments when you want them calm.

1. Read-aloud time. Grab a good book and cuddle up.
2. Start a summer reading challenge or book bingo. These are a lot of fun to do.
3. Listen to an audiobook or a kids’ podcast.
4. Try journaling or gratitude lists.
5. Do a puzzle or a brain teaser.
6. Color or paint-by-number.
7. Look at photo albums or make a scrapbook.
8. Build with quiet toys like LEGOs or magnetic tiles.
9. Write letters or draw pictures to mail to friends and family.
10. Create a watercolor picture.
11. Follow a guided drawing book for a great way to calm everyone down before bed.

Favorite Books and Games for Rainy Days

Books to Check Out:

• Charlotte’s Web
• The Wild Robot
• The Penderwicks
• Mr. Popper’s Penguins
• The Boxcar Children series

Check out “10 Children’s Books About Summer” from my friend Trish at Wonder & Tower for more ideas.

Pick a good book and let them get lost in a whole new world—it’s the perfect time to build quiet reading habits during a rainy day or when you’re slowing things down between activities.

Go-To Games

Games are a great time for the whole family and one of the best ways to connect with your family members, especially when sticking to a simple summer schedule that allows room for unhurried moments together.

• Uno
• Guess Who?
• Phase 10
• Yatzhee
• Farkle

Final Encouragement for a Screen-Free Summer

First, don’t forget to give yourself grace. Next, pick a few screen-free activities to try each week. Let your kids be bored, be loud, and get them to go outside. If you’re looking for a simple rhythm to help these ideas happen, check out how to create a summer routine that works for both kids and moms.

And remember, this season of warm weather, free time, and sticky fingers won’t last forever. I hope you can incorporate some of these screen-free summer ideas with your kids!

So here’s to less screen time, more fresh air, and the best time—even if it’s just watching them draw only God knows what on the driveway in sidewalk chalk while you drink your coffee in a state of semi-peace.

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