Balance devices with activities this summer without a ton of extra work

Schools are ending for summer break, and kids are looking forward to endless summer days.  As an adult, you might be a touch jealous and a whole lotta overwhelmed as you think about child care schedules, vacation days, activities, and thinking to yourself, how do I keep those kids from spending 12 hours on screentime?

Lucky for you, we’ve compiled some of our team’s favorite tips for keeping kids busy this summer without a lot of extra work.

1. Outdoor Explorations: Encourage kids to go outside and explore nature. They can go for a walk, bike ride or even set up a mini camping in the backyard.

2. Start a Reading Club: Create a list of age-appropriate books and encourage your children to read. You can discuss the books afterward, which will improve their comprehension and communication skills.  Bonus: get some family friends involved and host a weekend playdate and book discussion!

3. DIY Projects: Find some fun and age-appropriate DIY projects like building birdhouses or painting canvases.

4. Cooking Sessions: Teach your kids some simple recipes. It can be a fun way to engage them and also teach them a useful skill.

5. Gardening: Get your kids involved in gardening. They can help with watering, planting and taking care of the plants.

6. Summer Camps: Enroll your kids in summer camps that focus on their interests such as sports, arts, music, or science.

7. Museum Visits: Plan trips to local museums or science centers. Many offer summer programs for children.

8. Educational Games: Invest in some educational board games or apps. They can keep kids entertained while also stimulating their minds.

9. Volunteer Work: Depending on their age, kids can participate in community service or volunteer work.

10. Regular Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity such as swimming, basketball, or just playing in the park.

11. Family Trips: Plan some family outings or trips. It can be a local attraction or a weekend getaway.

12. Art & Craft: Set up art and craft sessions. Provide them with all the necessary materials and let their creativity flourish.

13. Online Courses: There are many online courses available for kids on various topics. This can keep them engaged and they can learn something new.

14. Puzzle Solving: Encourage them to solve puzzles. It can be a jigsaw puzzle, crosswords, or Sudoku.

15. Set a Routine: Even though it’s summer, having a routine can help keep kids busy and avoid boredom. Include fun activities in their daily routine. 

Remember, the goal is to keep your kids active, engaged, and learning throughout the summer, while also giving them time to relax and enjoy their vacation.