20 Screen Free Summer Activities For Kids That Are Fun and Budget Friendly

 

When school’s out and screens are calling, it can be tempting to let your kids zone out in front of a tablet or TV all summer long. But you know what? Some of the best summer memories happen when screens are put away and imaginations take over.

Whether you’re trying to cut back on screen time or just want to create more meaningful moments, these 20 screen free summer activities for kids are fun, frugal, and easy to pull off with little to no prep.

Most of them use things you already have at home, and they work for a wide range of ages so you can enjoy them as a family or let the kids take the lead.

1. Backyard Treasure Hunt

Create a list of items to find or hide some surprises in the yard. You can make it themed like a pirate treasure hunt or nature scavenger hunt. Kids love the excitement of searching, and it keeps them moving and thinking.

2. Build a Fort Indoors or Outside

Grab some blankets, chairs, and pillows and let them create their own space. Whether it’s a reading nook inside or a shaded fort outside, it becomes a fun little world of its own.

3. Host a Toy Wash

Fill up buckets of water, grab sponges and give toy cars, dolls, and even bikes a “bath.” This activity is great for sensory play, helps clean things up, and keeps kids cool in the summer heat.

4. Make Homemade Playdough or Slime

Get creative in the kitchen by mixing up your own dough or slime. Kids can customize it with colors, scents, or glitter. It’s fun, hands-on, and way cheaper than buying kits.

5. Set Up a Lemonade Stand

Help your kids set up a little lemonade or iced tea stand on the sidewalk or driveway. It teaches basic business skills, gets them outdoors, and can even help them earn a few dollars.

6. Nature Walk Bingo

Print or draw bingo cards with things you might see on a walk—birds, butterflies, flowers, etc. Give them a pencil and take a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park.

7. Picnic in the Backyard

Let them help pack sandwiches and snacks, lay out a blanket and have lunch outside. Add a few books or card games to stretch it into a relaxing, playful afternoon.

8. Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course

Instead of just drawing pictures, use chalk to create an obstacle course with jumps, spins, balance beams, and silly walks. It’s creative, active, and burns energy.

9. DIY Bird Feeder Craft

Use toilet paper rolls, peanut butter, and birdseed to create simple feeders. Hang them up in a tree and spend time watching who comes to visit. It’s a quiet, peaceful activity that also teaches patience.

10. Create a Time Capsule

Have your kids write letters to their future selves, draw pictures, or collect small keepsakes from the summer. Seal it in a box and choose a date to open it in the future.

11. Water Balloon Baseball

Swap out a regular baseball for water balloons and let the kids swing away. It's a hilarious and refreshing way to stay cool and get some laughs in.

12. Host a Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Have your kids set up a pretend sleepover for their stuffed animals. They can plan games, bedtime stories, and take pictures of their plush guests having fun.

13. Make a Summer Bucket List

Sit down together and make a list of fun things to try this summer. Kids will love checking off activities as they go and it builds excitement throughout the season.

14. Plant Something Together

Start a small garden or even just plant some seeds in a container. Watching something grow is magical for kids and teaches them about responsibility and nature.

15. Storytelling Circle

Sit in a circle and take turns adding lines to a made-up story. One person starts and each person continues with the next sentence. The sillier the story gets, the more fun everyone has.

16. Cardboard Box Creativity Day

Give the kids a few big cardboard boxes and let their imaginations run wild. They can make rockets, cars, castles, or shops using markers, scissors, and glue.

17. Make DIY Popsicles

Blend fruit, juice, or yogurt and pour them into molds or paper cups. Kids can experiment with flavors and will love checking the freezer to see when their popsicles are ready.

18. Host a Talent Show

Have each child plan a skit, dance, song, or magic trick. Then dim the lights and invite the family for a living room performance. It builds confidence and creativity.

19. Bake Together

Pick a simple cookie or muffin recipe and let the kids help measure, pour, and stir. You get a fun bonding experience and a yummy reward at the end.

20. Make a DIY Puzzle

Cut up an old cereal box into puzzle pieces and have the kids draw a picture on the blank side before mixing it up and putting it together again.

You Don’t Need Screens To Make Summer Magical

Screen free doesn’t mean boring. With just a little creativity and some time, you can help your kids build memories that last longer than any YouTube video or game.

These simple, budget friendly summer activities are proof that fun doesn’t have to come with a power button or a price tag.

You’ve got this—and your kids are going to love it.