No Screen Summer?! Activities to Help Your Kids Have Fun with Less Tech

Did you know that over 53% of children in the U.S. have a smartphone by the time they reach 11 years old? 

While there are many benefits to smartphones, tablets, computers, and technology in general, it’s hard to deny that our kids are spending too much time in front of these devices. With summer just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to “unplug.” 

Summer is notorious for “kid boredom.” With no school, it’s easy for kids to rely on their devices for entertainment. So, is it possible to have a no-screen summer, or at least cut down on their time with tech? 

Absolutely. 

Let’s take a look at a few summer activities your kids will actually enjoy that will get them away from technology for a while. 

Get Active

Even if it hasn’t been the norm, summer is a great time to start getting your kids as active as possible. 

They don’t necessarily need to play sports or join a team of any kind. If your children seem “unmotivated” to get out and get physical, find ways to make it fun. The summer is a perfect time to be outside, and it’s nearly impossible not to be physically active while you are. 

Take a family hike to an interesting location, go swimming at the local pool or in the lake, or bring a frisbee to your local park. You know your kids better than anyone. Consider what they might enjoy doing that would get them off of the couch and help with their physical activity. 

Go On a Treasure Hunt

Do your kids have a sense of adventure? Even if they tend to seem more interested in video games than getting outdoors, you can bring adventure to life by going on a “treasure hunt”. One of the easiest ways to do that is by geocaching. Your kids will love it since it combines a bit of tech with a lot of hunting.

There are millions of geocaches waiting to be found all over the world. All you have to do is download an app that will alert you to any caches in your area via coordinates. You’ll be able to print them on a map and go on a real treasure hunt to find them.

Another option is to invest in a metal detector. Summer is a great time to hit the beach, but why not change up what your family does there? Walking along the shore with a metal detector is a great way to find treasure, whether it’s a coin, a piece of jewelry, or something completely unique. Your kids will love digging up your findings.

Unwind and Relax

Limiting screen time can be a benefit to kids during the summer break. Finding other activities that don’t involve screens can help kids reset, encourage creativity, and give more opportunities for them to have quality time with you. Planning a picnic in the park is a fantastic option. Make some simple sandwiches, spread out a blanket, and enjoy your time together on a sunny day.

Picnics provide great opportunities to talk and connect with your kids. But, they can also offer your children some time to themselves without staring at a screen. Encourage them to bring a book with them, or a pair of binoculars for bird watching. They can still find ways to entertain themselves without a smartphone or tablet in their hands.

A picnic can also be a form of self-care for you, which is incredibly important during the long summer months when you’re dealing with kids.

A screen-free summer doesn’t have to be impossible. Keep these ideas in mind to ditch the devices and make the most of this season with your kids. If you find you need more support for communicating and interacting productively as a family, please consider parental counseling. Contact me soon for a consultation.

Photo by Krisztina Papp on Unsplash