If you're ready to create a memorable summer with your kids, you're in the right place. From planning a day trip with the family to focusing on simple activities at home, there are so many ways to keep your kids engaged until the new school year starts.
As part of your summer plans, you might be thinking about how to handle screen time. And trust me, I know how helpful screens can be on days when you don't have anything planned, or you need some time to get work done with the kids around.
Even though screens aren't all bad (and there are plenty of ways to use them to bond as a family!), there's also something exciting about the idea of a screen-free summer. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best ways to create memories and prevent your kids from sitting in front of screens all day.
Why Ditch the Screens?
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Maybe your kids have had too much screen time throughout the year, and you want to reconnect as a family. Maybe you grew up in the '90s and are feeling nostalgic about all the fun you had without screens. No matter your reason, going screen-free for the summer can be a lot of fun for everyone involved.
Yes, I said everyone. A screen-free summer should include the adults as well! Of course, if you're working during the summer, no one expects you to put your computer away until August. Still, setting an example when it comes to screen time starts with us.
According to a survey from Common Sense Media, the average child between the ages of 8 and 12 spends five and a half hours using screens each day. For teens, the average screen time was much higher, with an average of eight hours and 39 minutes of media use per day.
That doesn't mean there aren't memorable ways to use screens or that you can't include them in your summer plans. But all of us (adults included!) can probably say we spend way more time on screens than we'd like to, and that's a good enough reason to get outside and connect with the people we love this summer.
Start With a Plan
Whether you're going completely screen-free or you're planning a low-screen summer, don't go into it without a plan. If the kids are home from school, things typically get out of hand when an hour or two of screen time quickly turns into an all-day event. When there's nowhere to be, it's a lot easier to let the hours pass by without even noticing.
If you think skipping the screens altogether isn't realistic for your family, start with some realistic limits. You might choose to limit screen time to only the weekends or maybe an hour in the afternoons. However you choose to do it, explain to your kids that it's not about taking away their fun — it's about finding new ways to have fun together.
A Time for Connection
With the cost of well, everything, this year, many families are struggling to make ends meet. The idea of planning fun activities for your family may even feel out of reach. No matter what your plans are, keep your focus on connecting as a family and spending quality time together.
You don't have to buy tickets to Disney World to have a memorable summer with your kids. Often, you don't even have to leave your backyard! Whether your kids are little or it's your last year before they graduate high school, prioritize connection in everything you do, and your kids will thank you for it.
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The Best Screen-Free Summer Activities
If you're on board with skipping the screens, at least part of the time, this summer, you might wonder: What do we do instead? There are so many options to choose from, and most don't require a lot of money or time in the car. Here are some of my favorite screen-free activities for families to enjoy this summer.
Take a Day Trip
Summer vacations are great — but if a full vacation isn't possible for your family this year, a day trip can be a great way to get out of the house together. With this kind of trip, you can have an adventure and explore a new place, but without the cost of a hotel and the challenges of sleeping away from home.
To plan your day trip, find a place that's ideally no more than two hours away from your house. This limits the amount of time you'll spend in the car, while still providing ample time to enjoy exploring the area. You can find some good places to eat ahead of time or pack a lunch in a cooler and have a picnic-style lunch once you get there.
Play Board Games
Video games are great, and can also be a way to bond as a family. But if you're looking for ways to minimize your screen time, try some board games instead. The age and maturity of your kids are the biggest factors in determining what games to play. There are always the classics, such as Monopoly, Connect 4, Battleship, and Clue.
If you're looking for something a bit more complex, cooperative storytelling board games can be a great option for older children, and you can get involved in the fun as well!
Head to the Beach or Pool
It's hard to imagine summer fun without some time by the pool or at the beach. If you live within an hour or so of the beach or have a pool available near you, this is a great low-cost screen-free activity for summer.
You can keep things simple by packing snacks, sunscreen, and towels to spend a few hours by the water. Or, you can plan a whole day out, explore a new town, do some shopping, and find a local beach restaurant for lunch or dinner.
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Go Camping in the Backyard
Camping is a lot of fun, but if you can't make it to a campground, camping in the backyard is just as much fun. You can set up a tent, build your own campfire, and bring all your favorite camping snacks.
The best part about camping in the backyard is that you have everything you need in the house, and you don't have to worry about forgetting anything. Not to mention, you can use your own bathrooms and shower!
Learn a New Hobby
If there's a hobby you or your child has been thinking about learning, summer is the perfect time to do so. It's even more fun if you do it together. You might decide to start a garden, practice drawing, or learn to paddleboard. Learning something as a family can bring everyone together in new ways.
The good news is that not all hobbies cost hundreds of dollars to start. There are plenty of low-cost hobbies school-aged kids love, such as drawing, crafting, gardening, and birdwatching.
Make This Summer Memorable
I'm not going to hit you with the “you only have 18 summers with your kids!” because, honestly, most of us are aware of just how short these years are (even if they feel long). But summer can be the perfect time to bond, reconnect, and create memories that last a lifetime.
There's certainly no shame in keeping screen time as part of your summer plans if that's what works for your family. Even if you do, some of these activities can be part of your summer fun, too!
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