Looking for some screen-free summer activities that encourage creativity, confidence, problem-solving, and family connection?
10 Screen-Free Summer Activities Kids Will Love
1. Backyard Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items to find:
- A smooth rock
- Something yellow
- A feather
- A flower
- A heart-shaped leaf
Bonus: Let kids draw their discoveries in a nature journal
2. Book Blanket Fort
Build a cozy fort with blankets and pillows, then spend 20 minutes reading together.
Turn it into a “Bookcation” adventure by pretending you’re reading in a castle, jungle, or spaceship.
3. Sidewalk Chalk Storytelling
Draw a beginning, middle, and end on the driveway.
Challenge kids to create a silly story using the pictures.
4. Kindness Mission Challenge
Give children a mission to:
- Help a neighbor
- Write a thank-you note
- Pick up litter
- Share a toy
Talk about how their actions made someone feel.
5. Backyard Olympics
Create simple events
- Hop on one foot
- Water cup relay
- Beanbag toss
- Hula hoop challenge
Celebrate effort and teamwork, not just winning.
6. Create a Nature Art Gallery
Collect leaves, flowers, sticks, and rocks.
Use them to make pictures, patterns, or collages.
Display the masterpieces for family art show.
7. Family Reading Picnic
Pack snacks, a blanket, and favorite books.
Head to the backyard, park, or beach and enjoy reading together outdoors.
8. Treasure Hunt Adventure
Hide clues around the house or yard
Make the final treasure:
- A small toy
- A favorite snack
- A new book
- A coupon for extra bedtime stories
9. Make Your Own Obstacle Course
Use items you already have:
- Jump over pool noodles
- Crawl under chairs
- Balance on a line of chalk
- Toss a beanbag into a bucket
Great for building confidence and perseverance.
10. Activity Book Afternoon
Set aside a quiet hour for:
- Coloring
- Puzzles
- Drawing
- Word games
- Creative challenges
Gertie and Jeff’s Activity Book is perfect for these moments, helping kids build creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence while having fun.
Why Screen-Free Activities Matter
Screen-free play helps children:
Strengthen creativity
Build problem-solving skills
Practice social-emotional skills
Develop independence
Stay active and engaged
Best of all, these simple activities often become the summer memories kids remember most.
Which one would your child try first?
Keep Growing Kind Hearts All Summer Long
Stories have a wonderful way of reinforcing the lessons we hope to teach.
Reading books about kindness, courage, friendship, and perseverance opens meaningful conversations that continue long after the last page.
If you’re looking for screen-free ways to encourage social-emotional learning this summer, add these to your family’s reading basket:
Gertie Saves the Day — A story that encourages courage, confidence, and helping others.
Two Wins for Wiley — A celebration of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience.
Gertie and Jeff’s Activity Book — Creative activities that encourage kindness, problem-solving, imagination, and confidence all summer long.
This summer let’s grow readers, kind hearts and confident kids!
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With gratitude …
I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless adventure of learning and growing.
I am now booking author visits for the 2026- 2027 school year. If you are a classroom teacher, teacher assistant, Parent Teacher Association President, After School Director, or Girl Scout Leader. I can work with you to create a visit that will meet the needs of your students.
Please contact me to book your visit.
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Until Next Time …
Karen
