By Tracey Winikoff

Ahh, summer. The warm weather invites us to dive into glistening oceans and sparkling pools, gather around campfires beneath twinkling stars, discover new hiking trails dotted with wildflowers, and hop on our bikes and explore paths off-the-beaten track. 

Celebrate the sunshine and fresh air with a digital detox, family style. In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine life without our many electronic devices. While screens certainly have their place, our best memories are made when we unplug and embrace this slower, more relaxed season together, soaking up all that nature—and life—have to offer.  

No need for elaborate plans or expensive outings. Here are 50 screen-free activities for families that spark connection, imagination, and good old-fashioned summer fun.

Outdoor Adventures

Fresh air and sunshine are summer’s magical elixir for our souls.

1. Go on a nature hike

Explore local trails and wildlife along the way.

2. Visit a nearby park or nature preserve

Try out a new park or outdoor space. For even more family fun, pack a picnic.

3. Fly kites

Watch your children’s faces light up as their kites soar on a breezy day.

4. Plan an outdoor scavenger hunt

Create a list of things to find—the options are endless.

5. Ride bikes together

Explore neighborhood streets, scenic bike paths, or quiet country roads.

6. Try geocaching

Okay, so we’re cheating a little with this one! Phones or GPS are necessary here, since they serve as our guide on this super fun treasure hunt to locate hidden nearby containers with surprises inside.

7. Visit a botanical garden

Enjoy colorful flowers, native plants, tranquil walking paths, and diverse landscapes.

8. Explore tide pools or lake shores

Discover interesting creatures and nature, including shells, small fish, and crabs.

9. Build a backyard obstacle course

Get creative and use objects you have on hand—hula hoops, jump ropes, cones, balls—to create a fun course. You (or the kids!) get to choose the challenge level.

10. Water or outdoor adventure parks

From water slides and lazy rivers to ziplining and rope challenges, everyone is sure to have a blast!

Backyard Fun

Turn your backyard into an outdoor wonderland!

11. Run through the sprinklers

Beat the summer heat and cool off with this family favorite activity.

12. Build a backyard fort

Towels, chairs, cushions, and cardboard boxes create a perfect secret hideout.

13. Host a backyard barbecue night

Let everyone in on the fun of preparing an alfresco, picnic-style barbecue dinner.

14. Create a mini golf course

Use outdoor-friendly cups, cardboard, and household objects to build creative “holes.” Tape a few long sticks or branches together to serve as golf clubs.

15. Play classic outdoor games

Tag, hide-and-seek, and a water balloon toss never go out of style.

16. Set up lawn games

Cornhole, ring toss, croquet, and lawn bowling always bring the laughs . . . and a little friendly competition!

17. Plant a small garden together

The joy of getting dirty! The kids will love sinking their hands in fresh soil, planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and watching them grow.

18. Indulge in a cool, summer treat from the ice cream truck

Always a kid (and adult) favorite! Nothing beats the joy of hearing the ice cream truck music as it makes the rounds, delivering yummy treats throughout the neighborhood.

19. Blow giant bubbles

What would summer be without blowing bubbles? You can even make the bubble solution yourselves with a little water, dish soap, and light corn syrup or glycerin.

20. Camp in the backyard

Pitch a tent, tell stories, and drift off to sleep, lulled by an exquisite summer concert, courtesy of nearby crickets and frogs.

Creative Activities

Encourage kids to tap into their imagination and creativity.

21. Paint rocks

Decorate stones and hide them around the neighborhood for others to find.

22. Draw sidewalk chalk murals

Turn the driveway or sidewalk into a colorful art gallery. Hopscotch works too!

23. Build a cardboard creation

Boxes can transform into castles, pirate ships, or even, entire towns.

24. Put on a family play

Write a simple script, design costumes, and perform for and alongside each other.

25. Make homemade popsicles

Blend fruit juice or yogurt for refreshing summer treats.

26. Start a summer scrapbook

Collect photos, ticket stubs, drawings, and memories of your escapades.

27. Try outdoor watercolor painting (or finger painting, depending on age)

Nature’s backdrop serves as a beautiful subject for young artists, whether it be a gorgeous sunset, babbling brook, or colorful ladybug or butterfly.

28. Make friendship bracelets

Colorful string and beads morph into meaningful and wearable art.

29. Create a family time capsule

Fill a box with photos, letters, and mementos to open years later.

30. Build something with recycled materials from home

Creative masterpieces await with materials you may already have, including cardboard, bottles, and paper towel tubes.

Explore Your Community

Sometimes the best experiences are just around the corner.

31. Visit a local farmers market

Enjoy fresh produce, live music, and fun activities while supporting local vendors.

32. Movies in the park

Often, local parks will host summer movie nights under the stars for families.

33. Tour a museum

Check out family-friendly (and often free) exhibits and summer programs.

34. Walk through a historic downtown area

Meander shops, architecture, and local history.

35. Attend a library summer program

Libraries often host storytelling, crafts, and reading challenges.

36. Enjoy an outdoor concert or festival

Summer evenings come alive with great music and entertainment for all.

37. Try a new ice cream shop

A sweet treat is always a delight—even better, turn it into a backwards dinner!

38. Take a scenic drive

Play tourist and discover the beauty and hidden gems surrounding your town.

39. Visit a nearby lake or beach

Swimming, sandcastles, and sunshine are the epitome of summer.

40. Try out a new activity as a family

How about a kayak sea cave tour, pizza-making class, or volunteering together? 

Evening Family Traditions

Summer evenings offer the perfect opportunity to wind down and connect.

41. Watch the sunset together

Enjoy nature’s vibrant, unique masterpieces of gold, orange, and pink.

42. Tell stories around a fire pit

Share funny memories, sing songs, tell jokes, or share family history.

43. Make s’mores

The ultimate classic summer treat.

44. Stargaze

Look for constellations and shooting stars.

45. Take an evening neighborhood walk

Cooler temperatures make evening strolls especially enjoyable.

46. Catch fireflies

A magical activity for kids on warm summer nights.

47. Movie night in the backyard

Gather the family—and popcorn, of course—in the backyard for your own private movie theater on a projector screen.

48. Family game night

Board and card games bring everyone together for a night of laughs.

49. Read books aloud

Sharing stories before bedtime is a peaceful way to wind down from the day’s fun.

50. Sharing favorite things about the day

Each person talks about their favorite moments from the day.

Craving a little more excitement this summer? Take your family for a spin on the open road. Before you head out, explore our Ultimate Guide to Family Road Trip Planning for ideas on snacks, games, and travel essentials to keep the journey enjoyable and smooth. 

Planning a getaway beyond the driveway? Our Ultimate Family Summer Travel Checklist will help you pack smarter, stay organized, and make the most of every moment.

From backyard games to camping to gardening and craft supplies, summer fun has a way of taking over your space. Reclaim that valuable breathing room while keeping your seasonal and bulky items safe, organized, and easy to find with this storage unit facility in Arroyo Grande.

Unplugging might be the greatest gift you give your family this summer, creating opportunities for priceless connection—the moments that matter most. These memories will last long after the sun sets on summer. 

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