Screen-Free Summer Activities to Beat the Boredom

I used my trusty Bullet Journal to plan some screen-free summer activities for kids (and grownups). Get ready to unplug and live your best summer ever!

Screen-Free Summer Activities to Beat the Boredom |

June is here, and we’ve definitely noticed at my house. My kids are out of school for the summer, which means I have extra noise, fights, “No-he-did-it”s, and the legendary: “Mom, I’m BORED!”

With a full-time blog, a book to write, my closest family a thousand miles away, and two kids out of school, summers have a tendency to turn me into a one-woman circus. I know I’m not the only mom who is tempted to send her kids away with a tablet just for a little peace and quiet. Real talk: I’ve caved to screens more times than I care to admit. So, I sat down with my journal to brainstorm some screen-free summer activities. My doodle page sparked even more ideas, so I just kept going.

Many items on this list are independent activities (depending on the age of your kids), but others are fun ways to connect with friends or family away from electronics.

Even if you don’t have kids, chances are you spend too much time on electronic devices, too. I know I do! Between the blog, email, and social media, it feels like I spend half the day buried in my phone. This list is for grownups just as much as it is for kids.

Summer is too precious to waste on screens!

My Summer Activities Bullet Journal Brainstorm Page

This project began, as so many do, with a page in my Bullet Journal. I brainstormed some fun ways to unplug with the kids. I don’t always brainstorm in doodles; in fact, I usually prefer simple lists. Summer seemed like a great time to celebrate color and creativity.

I quickly realized I needed 2 lists: activities the kids can do alone (when I’m occupied), and activities we can do together. My goal is to always have an alternative to electronics on deck. No waiting!

Quick/Independent Activities

After I made my journal pages above, I decided I needed some simple activities on hand for those “Mom, I’m bored” moments. I worked up this list of activities for quick redirects. Older kids will be able to manage most of these alone. Use your best judgement if you have younger kids.

1. Do a puzzle
2. Blow bubbles outside
3. Run in the sprinklers
4. Read a book
5. Build a blanket fort
6. I’m Bored Activity Cards
7. Play outdoor yard dominoes
8. Start a sticker book
9. Write and draw in a journal
10. Paint on a canvas
11. Go on a backyard safari. Don’t forget your field notes!
12. Build a Lego castle
13. Learn hand lettering
14. Fly a kite
15. Create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece
16. Write a letter to someone far away
17. Study the night sky
18. Jump rope
19. Play with marbles, jacks, or learn yo-yo tricks
20. Learn to tie sailing knots
21. Make an improvised instrument
22. Ride a bike
23. Find butterflies and bugs
24. Make up a song
25. Create your own comic book
26. Find and press wildflowers
27. Create a fairy garden
28. Paint a pet rock
29. Learn Cat’s Cradle
30. Do Yoga Pretzel Cards

With Friends/Family

While the list above is to keep the kids occupied, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t “getting rid” of the kids all summer. The activities below are great ways to unplug  as a family or circle of friends. Go nuts!

1. Host a board game tournament: Hit all the classics like Scrabble, Monopoly, Clue, Battleship, and Life.
2. Start a club
3. Put together a scavenger hunt
4. Host a murder mystery barbecue
5. Set up a lemonade stand
6. Host a stargazing party
7. Go on a road trip
8. Slip n’ Slide
9. Host a Mad Hatter Tea Party
10. Go to a baseball game
11. Organize a neighborhood theater production (outdoor)
12. Make homemade ice cream
13. Play Ultimate Twister
14. Backyard camping
15. Start a rainbow (veggie) garden
16. Go to the zoo
17. Make old-fashioned sundaes
18. Put on a puppet show
19. Go on a picnic
20. Make a bonfire
21. Piggyback ride races
22. Water balloon fight
23. Climb a mountain
24. Leave happy quotes in random places
25. Flash mob
26. Be a tourist in your own town
27. Play croquet with lawn flamingos
28. Catch fireflies and release them
29. Do a color run
30. Go berry picking

Oh, no! Did I miss your favorite summer activities? Drop me a comment below to share your tips for ditching electronics this summer. 

Brainstorm with me!

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Megan Rutell

Writer & Creative Blogger

Megan Rutell is the blogger behind Page Flutter. She's also a writer, stationery lover, Air Force veteran, and homesick Colorado girl.