With summer in full swing, keeping kids entertained without a screen can feel like a full-time job. But unplugging doesn’t have to mean boredom! Here are 6 fun, creative, and simple activities that will help your kids enjoy the sunshine, use their imagination, and maybe even forget about their devices for a while.

1. 🏓 Try Kid-Friendly Pickleball

Pickleball is exploding in popularity — and it’s not just for adults. With smaller courts and lighter paddles, it’s easy for kids to learn. Set up in a driveway, gym, or community court and teach them the basics. Even a modified version with a beach ball and chalk lines works for younger players.

Benefits: Builds coordination, teamwork, and gets them moving.

2. 🏃 Backyard Obstacle Course

Turn your backyard into a mini adventure zone! Use cones, pool noodles, ropes, and hula hoops to create challenges. Have them crawl under, jump over, and balance through the course. Add a timer for a friendly competition.

Benefits: Builds motor skills, burns energy, and promotes creativity.

3. 🌳 Scavenger Hunt in Nature

Whether it's a walk around the neighborhood, a local park, or even your backyard, create a scavenger hunt list with items like "a red leaf," "a feather," or "something shaped like a heart." Let them take pictures or collect small items (if allowed).

Benefits: Encourages observation, curiosity, and time spent outdoors.

4. 🍋 DIY Lemonade Stand

Let your kids set up a lemonade stand the old-fashioned way. Help them mix up a batch, make signs, set prices, and greet neighbors. It’s a fun blend of creativity, math, and entrepreneurship.

Bonus: Donate earnings to a charity of their choice to model empathy.

5. ⛺ Build & Camp Out (or In!)

Help them set up a tent in the backyard—or build a blanket fort in the living room. Add sleeping bags, flashlights, stories, and s'mores for the full experience. No WiFi allowed in the campsite! Use Gryphon to suspend the Internet for the day!

Benefits: Fosters independence, imagination, and connection.

6. 💦 Water Balloon Games

On a hot day, nothing beats a classic water balloon toss, sponge relay, or sprinkler dash. Invite neighbors or friends over to turn it into a mini splash party.

Benefits: Cool off while having fun.

👨👩👧 Why This Matters

Screens aren’t the enemy—but finding balance is key. By offering hands-on, active alternatives, you help your kids develop real-world skills, relationships, and memories. Plus, they'll sleep better (and so will you).