If you feel like you’ve reached the part of summer where the kids are constantly looking at a screen, you aren’t alone! That’s why our parent company, The Local Moms Network put together a list of 31 screen-free ideas for summer! One for each day of the month. Scroll down to check them out!
Host a Family Game Night
Board games were the original video games, and games like Monopoly, Scrabble and Balderdash stand the test of time; many even have versions now for younger kids. Smaller children will also love classics like Shoots & Ladders, Candyland and Hungry Hungry Hippos.
Go on a Hike
You might want to tell your kids to “take a hike” the millionth time you ask them to get off their iPads, so why not literally take them for a hike? Getting a few steps in as a family, and having a change of scenario, may be the break you all need. Here is a list of 5 great trails for a family hike!
Cook or Bake Something
This can be as intricate or as simple as you like. If you have the time to fill, have your kids make a menu, choose a recipe, shop for the ingredients, cook dinner and set a table.
Visit a New Playground
Especially if camp is done and friends are away, playgrounds can be a great way to meet a new friend or two! Take a look at our Guide to Stamford Playgrounds!
Head to the Library
The Ferguson Library is an unsung hero for tired parents. Older kids can be dropped off to peruse books with their friends, and younger ones can enjoy the children’s section and all of the awesome programming offered—all in the AC. Click here to see everything coming up!
Do Something Creative
If there is something your child likes to do during the school year, but hasn’t had time to do this summer, encourage it. Whether it’s writing some short stories, putting on a play or doing some artwork, creativity is the cure for boredom.
Check Out Some Local Events
Click here to check out our Daily Events Calendar! Be sure to catch Stamford Moms Summer Fun Thursdays at Stamford Town Center every Thursday beginning July 10 at 3 p.m. for a performance, facepainting and balloon twisting!
Host a Family Talent Show
Have everyone (adults included!) choose a talent (from singing to dancing or silly faces) and make a fun night of showcasing what makes everyone unique.
Go to an Orchard
It’s raspberry and blueberry season, with peach season coming up right behind it! Pick your own and bake a pie together.
Set up a Lemonade (or Bracelet) Stand
Get into the entrepreneurial spirit by having your kids make something—lemonade, bracelets, or something else to make and sell.
Turn on the Sprinkler
Sometimes simple is best, and if you haven’t had a chance to let your kids run in the sprinkler, get that going—and be sure to join them. Check our list of more ways to make your backyard a destination for summer fun!
Have a Beach Picnic
Beach picnics are one of those core memories that will sustain you through the darker winter months. Pack up (or pick up) dinner and head to one of Stamford’s beaches!
Have Ice Cream for Dinner
Speaking of core memories, being the “fun mom” and serving (or buying) dessert for dinner will be one they won’t stop talking about ’till Thanksgiving.
Put a Puzzle Together
Puzzle time is great because everyone can participate; find a puzzle for younger kids and one for older tweens/teens and adults. Set out some refreshments, put on some music and put the pieces together.
Get Crafty
Crafting is a great way for kids to be creative and keep their brains busy without screens. If you’re not artistic and not sure how to get your kids started, take them to Michael’s and bring home a couple of craft kits—they’re all marked by age level. If you can’t supervise, choose the lowest age range that is appropriate to avoid frustration (or getting asked to help when you don’t have time).
Read, Read, Read
This is one of those that we know we should be doing, but it’s easier said than done. To entice kids, offer to bring them to the library, to a bookstore, or simply buy them a magazine. Check out How to Raise Kids Who Love Reading for more ideas.
Let Them Play with Legos
Legos are another great way to keep hands busy without a video game controller. Whether you buy them a new Lego set or just give them a box of loose pieces to be creative with, this should buy you a few screen-free hours.
Build an Obstacle Course with Chalk
Chalk and driveways create endless possibilities for a homemade bike path, pretend city, or skateboard route.
Get Together for a Game
Invite a few friends to try their hand at bowling or mini golf! Be sure to check our list of great spots for outdoor mini golf!
Play with Your Pets
Your dog, cat, or hamster may not have gotten much attention after a busy spring and even busier summer, but if you have extra time, why not give your pet some extra love? Get your kids involved in walking, feeding, or playing with your furry friends.
Have a Dance Party
This is the easiest mood-changer for a home, whether it’s filled with toddlers or tweens. Turn up the music, turn down the lights, and let the stress of the summer go.
Camp in the Backyard
Sleeping in a tent in the backyard can be as intricate or as easy as you’d like. Do it up with s’mores, ghost stories, grilling and firefly catching. Or simply pop open a tent and let your older kids sleep in it.
Make Jewelry
Little kids will love to string larger beads, grade schoolers will enjoy rainbow loom and tweens and even teens will enjoy making jewelry with semiprecious stones. Buy a kit online or use materials you have at home.
Make a Volcano
This classic science experiment has stood the test of time for a reason: it’s exciting enough for kids to love, it’s easy enough for a science-challenged parent to master, it uses only pantry items, and you can jazz it up for older kids with variations like food coloring. Instructions here.
Go to a Museum
Summer is a great time to visit museums on your list. Get some culture and some cool air at the same time – win-win! The Museum of Ice Cream and Children’s Museum of Manhattan (both in NYC) are on our list of places to check out!
Go To the Diner for a Weekday Breakfast
Weekends at the diner or local breakfast spot might be crowded, but weekdays are more manageable. Plus, your crew is probably a lot better behaved earlier in the day then a night, making breakfast a great meal to eat out. Elm Street Diner and Lakeside Diner are two of our favorites!
Build a Fort
There’s a lot of old school fun on this list, but building a fort might just be the most universally beloved one. Give them pillows, use of a couch and some sheets and your kids can have their own space for the day.
Go to a Farmer’s Market
Getting kids involved in food shopping may help them try new things, and being outdoors at a farmer’s market can feel a little less chaotic than the grocery store. Be sure to take a look at our list of local farmer’s markets!
Wash the Family Cars
Kill two birds with one stone by filling up a bucket with soapy water, giving the kids some big sponges and the hose and let them play car wash.
Go for an “I Spy” Walk
Take your afternoon walk up a notch by teaching your kids the “I Spy” game. For instance, “I spy something green” (“trees!”). This is a great one for the whole family to do together.
Clean Out the Playroom
According to Montessori guidelines, giving kids only a few toys at a time will be less overwhelming and help them reach for them. Taking a few hours to get rid of toys they’ve grown out of will help them play with what they have—and help you avoid buying more toys to avoid screen time.