How to Get Kids off Screens and on to New Adventures

Helping Kids Get Unplugged and Stay Unplugged This Summer

School’s out for the summer, day one hits, and already your youngster is “bored” and looking for the quickest way to be entertained. Unfortunately for many kids, that means turning to a device—a tv, tablet, laptop, or gaming system that lets their brain check out for hours. 

Press pause on those devices and encourage your kids to unplug and find better ways to spend their long summer days. Need some guidance? We’ve got you covered with ideas on how to get your kids off screens this summer! 

Create a Summer Bucket List

Creating a summer bucket list is a favorite summer activity that sparks creativity and adventure. Have your child make their own or create one the entire family can enjoy. Need some inspiration for your summer bucket list so you can get your kids off their screens? Here are some of our favorite ideas:

Establish a Reading Routine

To foster a child who loves to learn, you need to encourage learning as part of their everyday lifestyle. Get kids off screens by establishing a reading routine that is fun, flexible and ensures the devices stay off for a set amount of time per day. Get to know your child’s reading likes and dislikes by encouraging new genres, visiting your local library frequently, and reading together before bed. 

Reading to your child boosts vocabulary, enhances their ability to focus, and creates a strong parent-child bond.

Spend 1,000 Hours Outside

Have you ever heard of 1000 hours outside? The concept of matching outside time with the amount of screen time children get throughout the year brought 1000 Hours Outside to life. Did you know kids spend 1200 hours a year on average in front of a screen? 1000 Hours Outside provides time trackers. They also offer monthly adventure prompts on their blog for you to encourage more hours outside all year long.

Go on Microadventures

Microadventures, day trips, or whatever else you want to call them are exciting opportunities to get kids off their screens. Pick a local state or national park and spend the day hiking or fishing. Enjoy a local beach and do water and sand activities for the day. Go on a mini-road trip to a different town nearby to experience new sights. Make it fun for your young ones by helping them pack their backpacks for the special adventure planned for the day.

Microadventures are fun for the whole family and give your children the opportunity to spend quality time together. 

Take Your Meals Outdoors

Eating outdoors can feel like a special treat for your children. It gives them a new environment to absorb while they enjoy their meal. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner outdoors! Eat in your own backyard or find a local park, library, or community center. Eating outdoors gives you more time in the fresh air and less time in front of those devices! 

Enjoy Regular Playdates & Friend Meet Ups

Summer boredom can quickly set in without seeing your favorite people from the school year! Take time to help your child plan regular playdates or meetups with friends. Give them time to spend doing their favorite (non-device) activities. Encourage your children and their friends to spend as much time off their devices and outdoors. 

Some ideal places to meet with friends are at a splash pad, local fair, park, public pool, or local community events. 

Sign up for Lessons, Classes or Camps

Most schools, park districts, and libraries have incredible options for summer fun. Lessons, classes, and camps happen all summer to keep your child engaged, entertained, and interested in more than just screen time. Plus, these activities can help shy children come out of their shells and meet new faces within their community. 

The Ultimate Way to Unplug this Summer: Join us at Falcon Camp! 

If you want your child to unplug and enjoy their summer, a summer camp is just what you (and they) need! Falcon Camp gives campers an immersive experience all summer long—no screens allowed. Your child will enjoy copious amounts of time outdoors with other campers having fun and gaining life skills that will carry them through their childhood years and beyond. 

Learn more about Falcon Camp and how to get kids off screens this summer by giving them this incredible, interactive opportunity. Contact us with any questions you have about the camp.

We hope these ideas and opportunities help your child enjoy a screen-free summer!

Sources: 1000 Hours Outside, Archway Communities