Keeping Kids off the Screen this Summer

Summer break has started, and so has the screen battle. With more free hours in the day, there is more time for video games, TV shows, and movies. These things are great in moderation, but I find their pull on my elementary-aged daughter stronger than ever before. She will be enjoying some summer camps, swimming, and the occasional road trip, but what else is there to pass the time?

Here are 7 things we’ll be trying:

1. Outdoor Activities:

I’ll be encouraging outdoor play aside from just swimming, like biking and hiking. This summer my kiddo needs to get stronger at riding her bike, so that is a priority. There are also some great day hikes nearby such as Turkey Mountain.

2. Reading Programs:

There are some great summer reading programs out there. One we will be participating in again is the Tulsa City-County Library’s Summer Reading Program, which just started! It is critical to keep reading skills sharp over summer, and this is a great way to do so!

3. Creative Arts:

Sometimes summer weather in Oklahoma involves storms, so consider setting up an arts and crafts projects station in your house. We have one by our kitchen table stocked and ready to go! It is full of drawing paper, markers, paint, stickers, and more that make for great entertainment on not-so-great weather days. 

4. Games and Puzzles:

Lately, we’ve rediscovered some beloved games and puzzles in cabinets that we’d forgotten about. It turns out that the kids enjoy some of the classic board games just as much as I did. We started with a nearly 2-hour game of Sorry on the first week of summer vacation. 

5. Educational Outings:

There are free and reduced admission days to some of the local attractions in our area, so call places of interest and ask! Aside from the Tulsa Zoo, Oklahoma Aquarium, and many museums in the area, Tulsa also boasts fantastic parks to explore. Get a map of Tulsa Parks and visit as many as possible this summer!

6. Cooking Projects:

You still have to eat in summer, so why not get kids involved in the kitchen? Opting for something simple like making popsicles is fast fun; however, consider something more challenging. For those that are interested in cooking dinner meals, there are boxes you can get like eat2explore or for those that exclusively prefer baking, check out options like BaKIT Box.

7. Volunteering:

If you have a child that isn’t old enough to work, but does want to get out of the house, consider community service opportunities. This is a great way to help while also getting community service hours (if needed) for school. Volunteering provides a sense of responsibility and connection to the community.

Movies and games can be a great source of entertainment, but hopefully this short list provides some options to help your family balance things out this summer break!