Summer Activities for Kids That Don’t Involve Technology
I always used to be excited for long sunny days. Our parents always encouraged us to go out and play with simple things, just a ball, maybe some art supplies and our imaginations. Those screen free days were full of adventures such as making our own games and embarking on scavenger hunts. Nowadays, the world gives children several distractions, making it harder to get children away from their screens and out into the world. The kids can easily engage in many enjoyable activities that do not require technology and keep them busy and happy. So without wasting any time, let us get into the blog to learn about summer activities for kids that will make your kids have a screen-free summer.
Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids
Exploring nature and getting outdoors is a great way of Summer Activities for Kids to learn and have fun. These activities encourage curiosity and creativity and also a love for the great outdoors. Here are a few fun ways to help your kids to appreciate the great outdoors:
Nature Scavenger Hunts
Use a free printable template for a scavenger hunt. Kids can look for things like leaves, flowers or interesting stones. This activity helps them take a closer look at nature around them.
Backyard Camping
Set up DIY tents in your backyard. Go camping even if just a night under the stars, sharing stories around a fire while listening to nature sounds. That’s a good way to bond and spend time outside.
Water Play
Get wet with some sprinkler games or a homemade slip ‘n’ slide. Go swimming/exploring in a local lake. Getting wet is always a fun activity during hot summer days and water play is a great option.
Gardening
Start small garden and plant easy to grow like sunflowers or herbs. Kids will love watching their plants grow and learning about nature.
Bike Rides or Family Hikes
Go on bike rides or family hikes that encourage everyone to enjoy the experience to fullest. Focus on the sights, sounds and feelings of being outdoors.
Creative Arts & Crafts
Getting creative can be a fun and messy way for kids to express themselves. These art projects not only allow for imaginative play but provide great opportunities for hands-on learning. Here are some exciting ideas that totally worth the mess:
FDIY Tie-Dye Shirts
Use natural dyes from fruits and vegetables to color tie-dye shirts. Children will enjoy sampling various colors and patterns.
Recycled Material Sculptures
Collect cardboard boxes, plastic bottles and other recyclables to construct sculptures such as castles or robots. This is a great project for going creative and learning about recycling.
Homemade Playdough or Slime
With basic ingredients, you can create your own playdough or slime. Kids schooling can then mold and shape those creations for hours of fun.
Nature-Inspired Crafts
Make art using things from nature, such as leaves, rocks, etc is one of the best summer activities for kids. Children can make leaf prints, paint rocks or make nature colleges ties them to the outdoor.
Sidewalk Chalk Murals
Get sidewalk chalk and have kids decorate walls or driveways or sidewalk. For even more fun, set up an art project for friends to work on together.
Active Play & Physical Challenges
Staying active is a great way for kids to burn off energy and have fun. Here are exciting games that will keep everyone moving and engaged:
Obstacle Courses
Create an obstacle course with pool noodles, hula hoops and other household items. Children can race through it, crawl under it and jump over obstacles for a fun physical challenge.
Classic Games
Have kids play classic games like tag, hopscotch or jump rope competitions. These are great for getting kids all moving together and laughing.
DIY Mini-Olympics
Have Mini-Olympics in your Backyard or Local Park. I encourage you to set up various competitions and reward medals to the winners.
Yoga for Kids
Introduce kids to yoga with animal-themed poses. This activity promotes flexibility and mindfulness while allowing them to stretch and relax.
Educational & STEAM Activities
Engaging kids in STEAM activities can be both fun and educational. Here are following creative ideas that make learning exciting:
Kitchen Science Experiments
Simple kitchen experiments such as volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar or launching baking soda rockets. Like these hands-on activities that pique interest in science.
Math Scavenger Hunts
Make scavenger hunts themed around math, like finding shapes or measuring items in and around the house or yard. Children will enjoy themselves and practice their math skills at the same time.
Build a Birdhouse or Weather Station
Get kids to be creative and build a birdhouse or a simple weather station. A hands-on project that allows kids to learn about nature and weather.
Library Reading Challenges
Host reading challenges at your local library or form storytelling circles with friends. It is also a literacy-building activity which fosters book and story love.
Social & Community Engagement
Building connections with others in the community is a wonderful way for kids to learn teamwork and kindness. Here are engaging activities that encourage social interaction:
Organize Neighborhood Talent Show
Gather neighbors for a fun talent show. Kids can showcase their skills whether it’s singing, dancing or performing magic tricks. It’s a great way to build confidence and entertain the community.
Lemonade Stand for Charity
Open a lemonade stand, and donate the profits to a local charity. This teaches kids about helping others.
Visit Famer Markets or Local Parks
Go on trips to farmers’ markets or Neighborhood parks. Kids can meet new people, learn about fresh produce and enjoy the outdoors while patronizing local vendors.
Volunteer at Animal Shelters
Spend time volunteering at an animal shelter. Kids can help care for animals and learn about compassion and responsibility in a hands-on environment.
Community Gardens
Become involved in a community garden project deal. Kids can learn about gardening and teamwork with the meal while getting to know neighbors and the importance of growing your own food.
FAQs
AAP screen time guidelines recommend limiting non-educational screen time to 1 hour for ages 2-5 and encourages healthy habits for ages 6 and older.
Setting specific limits and offering engaging alternatives to encourage participation in other activities.
Yes, consider using printable resources and books that provide suggestions.
Final thoughts
Unplugged summers bring joy and foster creativity, connection and everlasting memories for kids. Encouraging screen-free activities not only enhances their physical and social skills but matures a love for nature and learning. Share your activity photos or ideas in the comments. We would love to know how you and your family are enjoying screen-free fun this summer.
Aashley Kai is the Editorial Director of Chelsea Famous Parenting and a licensed expert in early childhood education. She holds a Master’s in Child Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and has worked as a preschool teacher and child therapist. Since joining in 2024, Aashley has been dedicated to creating well-researched, trustworthy parenting resources. Her work helps parents and caregivers foster nurturing, educational environments for children. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and photography, capturing nature from a child’s perspective.
