Summer break is the perfect time for kids to unplug, get outside, and enjoy hands-on play. But without the structure of school, it’s easy for screens to become the default whenever boredom strikes.
The good news is that reducing screen time doesn’t have to mean constant battles or hearing “I’m bored!” every five minutes. With a little planning and a few engaging activities ready to go, you can help your child spend more time creating, exploring, and playing this summer.
Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, or elementary-aged child, these simple screen-free ideas will help your family build healthy habits while making lasting summer memories.
Why We Limit Screen Time During Summer
After creating and testing hundreds of hands-on activities with children over the years, I’ve learned that kids rarely ask for screens when they’re truly engaged in play. Whether they’re building a water wall, creating a sensory bin, or exploring a simple science experiment, children naturally become curious, creative, and excited to learn.
Summer is the perfect opportunity to slow down and encourage more outdoor adventures, imaginative play, and family time. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens completely—it’s to create a healthy balance where screens are just one small part of the day instead of the main activity.
1. Create a Simple Daily Routine
One thing I’ve learned as a mom of three is that kids actually crave routines—even during summer break. While I love the slower pace of summer, I’ve also learned that when our days have absolutely no structure, my kids are much more likely to ask for screens before breakfast. It’s usually not because they’re obsessed with their tablets—they’re simply looking for something to do.
Over the years, we’ve found that a loose daily routine works much better than a strict schedule. Our mornings usually start with breakfast, getting dressed, and spending time outside before anyone asks about screens. After lunch, we might read books, do a craft, or try one of our favorite STEM activities before enjoying a little quiet time.
The routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Just having predictable parts of the day helps children know what to expect and cuts down on the constant “Can I watch TV?” questions. I’ve noticed that when we fill the morning with active play, my kids are far less interested in screens for the rest of the day.
🌟 Try This
Set up a simple outdoor activity like our Pool Noodle Water Wall after breakfast. Starting the day with hands-on play often sets the tone for the entire afternoon.
2. Keep Screen-Free Activities Ready to Go
One mistake I made during my first few summers as a mom was waiting until my kids said they were bored before thinking of an activity. By then, everyone was already frustrated—including me—and grabbing a tablet felt like the easiest solution.
Now I know that a little preparation goes a long way.
I like to keep a small collection of activities ready to go so I don’t have to come up with ideas on the spot. Sometimes it’s a sensory bin stored in the garage. Other times it’s a simple craft tray, bubbles, water balloons, or one of our favorite STEM activities waiting on the patio table.
The funny thing is that kids don’t need elaborate setups to stay engaged. Some of our most-played-with activities have taken less than five minutes to prepare. A tub of water with funnels can entertain my kids longer than a cartoon ever could.
I’ve also found that rotating activities keeps everything feeling new. Instead of leaving every toy available all summer, I’ll put a few things away and swap them out every week or two. Suddenly an old activity feels exciting again.
Having something ready before boredom strikes has completely changed the way our summers feel.
🌟 Try This
Keep a Funnel Sensory Bin ready on the patio or in the backyard. All you need are funnels, measuring cups, and a bin of water. It’s one of those activities that looks simple but keeps kids busy far longer than you’d expect.
3. Make Outdoor Play the First Choice
Some of my favorite childhood memories happened outside, and I’ve tried to create that same experience for my own kids. Over the years I’ve noticed something interesting: if we start the day outside, the rest of the day usually goes more smoothly.
Fresh air seems to reset everyone’s mood—including mine.
That’s one of the reasons so many of the activities on Happy Toddler Playtime are designed for the backyard. Water play, simple science experiments, obstacle courses, and messy art all become easier when you simply move them outside.
I’ve learned not to overcomplicate it. Kids don’t need an expensive playset or a perfectly landscaped yard to have fun. Some of our most memorable afternoons have been spent pouring water through pool noodles, building rivers out of aluminum foil, making giant bubbles, or experimenting with homemade volcanoes.
Outdoor play naturally encourages movement, creativity, and problem-solving in ways screens simply can’t. Even twenty or thirty minutes outside often satisfies that need for excitement and adventure, making the rest of the day feel calmer.
Whenever my kids start asking for screens early in the day, I usually know it’s time to head outside. More often than not, they completely forget they even asked.
🌟 Try This
Build an Aluminum Foil River in your backyard. My kids love changing the twists and turns, adding sticks and rocks, and watching the water find its way to the end. It’s inexpensive, easy to set up, and naturally encourages problem-solving.
4. Create a Summer Bucket List
Talk with your kids about all the things they want to do this summer and write them down. I always include a mix of free outings, special adventures, and simple activities we can do at home. Having the list hanging on the refrigerator gives us something to choose from instead of defaulting to screens.
🌟 Try This
Add Frozen LEGO Rescue to your bucket list. It only takes a few minutes to prepare the night before, and it’s always one of the first activities my kids ask to repeat.
5. Build a Boredom Jar
Instead of telling my kids what to do every time they’re bored, I let the boredom jar decide. I write activities on popsicle sticks, and when someone says, “There’s nothing to do,” they simply pick one. It eliminates the back-and-forth and introduces them to activities they might not have chosen on their own.
Try This Today: Add DIY Bubble Wands to your boredom jar. Kids love designing their own wands and comparing which shapes make the biggest bubbles.
6. Rotate Toys Weekly
One thing I’ve learned over many summers is that kids don’t always need new toys—they just need old toys to feel new again. Every Sunday, I put away a few bins and bring out different ones. It’s amazing how excited my kids get about something they haven’t seen in a few weeks.
Try This Today: When you rotate toys, rotate activities too. Bring out Pool Noodle Monsters or another simple craft they haven’t done in a while to make it feel brand new.
7. Plan One STEM Activity Each Day
You don’t need complicated science experiments. Simple activities like water play, building challenges, sensory bins, and kitchen science experiments provide plenty of opportunities for learning through play.
8. Set Up Activity Stations
Create simple stations outside with bubbles, water tables, sidewalk chalk, or art supplies. Having activities already prepared encourages kids to start playing without asking for screens.
9. Encourage Reading Every Day
Visit your local library, join a summer reading program, or create a cozy reading corner at home. Even 20 minutes of reading each day helps build literacy skills while providing a relaxing alternative to screens.
10. Let Kids Help in the Kitchen
Cooking together teaches math, science, and life skills while creating meaningful family time. Younger children can wash fruit or stir ingredients, while older kids can help prepare simple meals.
11. Try Screen-Free Mornings
Instead of allowing screens first thing in the morning, encourage outdoor play, crafts, reading, or breakfast together. Many families find this one simple change reduces total screen time throughout the day.
12. Keep Craft Supplies Accessible
Store paper, markers, glue, pom poms, pipe cleaners, stickers, and recycled materials where children can easily reach them. Open-ended art invitations often lead to hours of creative play.
13. Schedule Family Game Time
Board games, card games, and simple backyard games give everyone a chance to connect while taking a break from devices.
14. Embrace “I’m Bored”
Boredom isn’t something to fear. In fact, it often leads to creativity, imagination, and problem-solving. Give children time to think before immediately suggesting an activity.
15. Focus on Balance, Not Perfection
Every family uses screens differently, and that’s okay. Instead of aiming for zero screen time, focus on creating a healthy balance that includes outdoor play, reading, creativity, family time, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.
Our Favorite Screen-Free Activities
Need a little inspiration? These are some of our favorite hands-on activities that keep kids engaged all summer long.
- Pool Noodle Water Wall
- DIY Water Wall
- Aluminum Foil River
- Bubble Snake
- Lemon Oobleck
- Frozen LEGO Rescue
- Watermelon Volcano
- Pool Noodle Marble Run
- Spin Bike Art
- Nature Scavenger Hunt
Choose one activity each day and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your child forgets about asking for screens!
Final Thoughts
Reducing screen time doesn’t have to be stressful. By filling your days with simple invitations to play, outdoor adventures, crafts, and STEM activities, you’ll naturally encourage your children to spend less time on devices and more time learning, creating, and making memories.
Remember, you don’t need to entertain your child every minute of the day. Sometimes all it takes is one exciting activity to spark hours of imaginative play.
As the summer season arrives, it’s important to find a healthy balance between screen time and other activities for our children. Excessive screen time can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being, but with some effective strategies in place, we can ensure a summer filled with a variety of engaging experiences. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven practical ways to manage screen time this summer, fostering a well-rounded and enjoyable season for our kids.
7 Smart Strategies for Managing Screen Time This Summer
1. Establish Clear Guidelines
Set clear boundaries by establishing guidelines for screen time. Determine daily time limits and communicate them to your children. Make sure they understand the expectations and consequences for exceeding the limits. Encourage them to take breaks and engage in other activities throughout the day.
2. Encourage Outdoor Play
Summer offers the perfect opportunity for outdoor adventures and physical activity. Encourage your children to spend time outdoors engaging in sports, exploring nature, riding bikes, or simply playing in the backyard. Outdoor play not only promotes physical health but also stimulates creativity and imagination.
3. Promote Family Activities
Plan regular family activities that don’t involve screens. Organize a family game night, go for a hike, have a picnic, or engage in arts and crafts together. These shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds while reducing reliance on screens.
4. Set Screen-Free Zones
Designate certain areas or times in your home as screen-free zones. For example, establish “no screens at the dinner table” or “screen-free hours before bedtime” rules. These dedicated zones provide opportunities for face-to-face interactions and quality time with loved ones.
5. Encourage Alternative Activities
Provide a variety of engaging and stimulating activities that can divert your child’s attention away from screens. Encourage them to read books, engage in arts and crafts, play sports or board games, explore nature, or pursue a new hobby or interest. Having alternative activities readily available can make it easier for children to choose non-screen options.
Check out our Summer Camp Activities Package for ways to keep your kids engaged during the summer.
6. Create a Screen Time Schedule
Create a visual schedule that outlines specific time slots for screen time and non-screen activities. This schedule helps children understand and manage their time effectively. Involve them in the process of creating the schedule, allowing them to have a sense of ownership and responsibility.
7. Be a Role Model
Children learn by observing their parents’ behavior. Be a positive role model by managing your own screen time. Limit your own use of screens and prioritize quality time with your children. Show them the importance of engaging in a range of activities beyond screens.
By implementing these seven effective strategies, you can manage screen time and create a summer filled with diverse experiences and meaningful connections. Encouraging outdoor play, promoting family activities, and nurturing their interests will contribute to their overall development and well-being. Remember, finding a healthy balance is key, and by modeling responsible screen time habits, you can help your children develop lifelong habits of mindful technology use. Let this summer be a time of growth, exploration, and memorable moments that go beyond screens.
Easy Done for you Activities to Keep Your Kids off Screens this Summer!!
Our DIY Summer Camp Package has everything you need to keep your kids off screens, keep them engaged and to create magical memories right in your own home. With 10+ themes, 130+ engaging activities, and valuable tips for a memorable summer, this package is your passport to a season of fun and learning. Let’s dive into the details and discover why our camp package is the must-have resource for your best summer!
- 10+ Weeks of Easy Themed Summer Camp Ideas for Kids 2-6!
- 130+ creative summer activities, crafts, science experiments, sensory play activities and recipes and more.
- Article: “10 Practical Tips for a Memorable Summer with Kids.”
- Article: “Sibling Harmony: 10 Practical Tips for Keeping the Peace and Managing Sibling Conflict”
- Full supply list for each week.
Toddler and Preschooler Curriculums, Books & TV Show!
Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers
There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!
But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.
Play2Learn for Toddlers includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.
Play2Learn Preschool which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years. That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again!
These toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!
Click here for more information: Play2Learn
Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.
Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids
Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon.
Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.
Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.
Book: Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids
Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.
Find out more and grab your copy here.
Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.
Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids
Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast? The Big Riddle Book for Kids, of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles that show them how to think outside the box.
- 350 riddles for kids—Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
- Level up their skills—Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
- Double-check their work—Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.
Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!
Designed for kids ages 6 years old and up.
TV Show: Curious Crafting
I’m so excited to share my crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched in July 2022 on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube! Season 2 airs in the summer of 2023! We were also nominated in 2023 for Best Live Action Preschool Series by the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence.
Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.
In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create.
Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.
This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up.
