These days, kids are spending more time tapping on screens than playing outside, building forts, or using their imaginations. But when we unplug from tablets, TVs, and phones, a whole new world of fun comes to life! From riding bikes to drawing dinosaurs, there’s magic waiting beyond the screen. Here are 19 ways your kids can UNPLUG this summer. I hope that you find a few of them helpful, not to mention fun.
When kids unplug, they thrive with hands-on learning, creative play, and real-world connection—and that’s where you teachers shine! With Education to the Core Premium, an unlimited resources membership for primary teachers, planning engaging, screen-free activities is easier than ever. Instantly download printable games and craftivities, interactive lessons, everything you need to help your students learn, move, and explore—without relying on technology all of the time—is at your fingertips every day. 
1. Build a Maze
Building a marble maze out of paper plates and straws is a fun, hands-on activity that gets kids thinking creatively while stepping away from screens. They’ll love designing their own paths, testing different routes, and racing marbles through their homemade maze. It’s a simple project that boosts problem-solving skills and keeps little hands busy—no devices needed!
2. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Go on a scavenger hunt outside and see how many great things you can find! Taking kids outside for a nature scavenger hunt is a fun and easy way to spark curiosity and get them moving! Whether they’re searching for a red leaf, a smooth rock, or animal tracks, kids stay engaged while exploring the world around them. It’s hands-on learning and fresh air all in one!
3. Nature Art
Nature art is a creative way for kids to connect with the outdoors while making something beautiful! They can paint colorful designs on rocks, create nature sun catchers with leaves and flowers, or use sticks and pinecones to build fun sculptures. The possibilities are endless—and all inspired by nature!
4. Bubbles
What kiddo does not enjoy blowing and chasing bubbles? Playing with bubbles never gets old—and it’s even more exciting when kids try making unpoppable bubbles! With a simple mix of water, soap, and a secret ingredient like corn syrup or glycerin, kids can blow super-strong bubbles that last longer and stretch farther. It’s a fun way to mix science with outdoor play!
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7. LEGO Fun
Using LEGO blocks to build names and pictures is a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn and get creative! They can spell out their names, build simple animals, or design colorful patterns—all while strengthening fine motor skills and problem-solving. It’s screen-free fun that feels like play but builds brain power too!
8. Summer Arts and Crafts
It doesn’t matter what you make, your kiddos will love cutting, coloring, glueing, and if you are really brave… using glitter! Summer is the perfect time to dive into arts and crafts with your kids! From making paper plate suns to crafting seashell animals and tie-dye shirts, creative projects keep little hands busy and imaginations flowing. It’s a great way to bond, beat boredom, and make colorful memories together!
9. Unplug with a Good Book
I created this free “Read it Anywhere” sheet that you and your children or students can complete together. Once you read in a certain place, check the box and pick another great location to enjoy a good book! It’s a fun and motivating way to turn reading into an adventure—whether you’re curled up on the couch, reading under a tree, or even diving into a story at the beach. This simple activity encourages kids to explore new places, build reading stamina, and make lasting memories through books.
10. Have a Costume Day or Night
One night a week, my kiddos dress up in old costumes, fancy clothes, or some other theme for dinner. I also like to participate (especially when the theme is pajamas). My kids love “dinner party nights”—they laugh, stay at the table longer, and even help set up and clean up because it feels special. Sometimes we light candles, play music to match the theme, or even create little menus. It’s a simple tradition that turns an ordinary meal into something magical and memorable for the whole family.
11. Build a Family Puzzle Together
Grab one large puzzle and work on it a little bit each evening with your children. You can talk about the day and other important things going on in their lives. I really cherish that time because it creates a calm, focused space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Plus, working together on something tangible helps build teamwork and patience. Those quiet moments, piece by piece, can become some of your most meaningful memories.
12. Play Some Games
The list of games that you can play are endless! A few of my favorites include…
- Freeze Tag
- Simon Says
- Red Light, Green Light
- Hide-n-Seek
- I Spy
- Hopscotch
- Dodge Ball
- Charades
- Hot Potato
- Card Games (Crazy 8s, Go Fish, War, Old Maid)
- Board Games (Monopoly, Scrabble, Sorry, Trouble)
13. Science Experiments
Simple science experiments are a great way for kids to unplug from technology and spark curiosity in the real world. Whether they’re making a volcano erupt with baking soda or exploring what sinks and floats, hands-on experiments get kids thinking, asking questions, and learning through discovery—no screens needed!
14. Summer STEM Projects
We’ve put together 20 exciting STEM projects your children can dive into this summer! Each one includes a mini-book, a complete materials list, a step-by-step lesson plan, and a student journal to track their discoveries. My kids can’t wait to kick things off with the solar oven and “bake” some s’mores—science and snacks? Yes, please!
15. Build a Blanket Fort
Building a blanket fort is a magical way to make reading extra special! Once it’s cozy inside with pillows and flashlights, hand your child some decodable readers and let the fun begin. It turns reading practice into an exciting adventure—perfect for building skills while sparking imagination.
16. Study Bugs
Studying bugs is a fun and fascinating way for kids to unplug from technology and connect with nature. Whether they’re observing ants at work, catching grasshoppers, or drawing what they see in a bug journal, kids become little scientists—curious, hands-on, and fully engaged with the world around them! They’ll learn about habitats, life cycles, and insect behaviors, all while developing patience, observation skills, and a deeper appreciation for the tiny creatures that share our world.
17. Fun Exercises
Yoga can be a super fun and calming activity for kids! With animal poses, silly stretches, and playful breathing exercises, it feels more like a game than a workout. It helps them move their bodies, build balance, and even relax—perfect for a peaceful break in a busy day! Plus, yoga encourages mindfulness, boosts focus, and helps kids manage big emotions in a healthy way. Whether it’s a quick morning stretch or a full yoga adventure, it’s a great screen-free way to promote both physical and emotional well-being.
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Get outside this summer and give your kids a much-needed break from screens and electronics! After months of classroom screens, video games, and endless digital distractions, it’s more important than ever to help children unplug and reconnect with the world around them. Fresh air, sunshine, and hands-on activities not only boost their mood and creativity but also promote healthier habits and stronger family bonds. If you have other awesome ideas or fun ways your kids unplug during the summer, please share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear your tips and stories!
Written by: Janessa Fletcher
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