What to Do With Kids This Summer (That Doesn’t Involve Screens)

By Chrissy V. (a tired, outdoor-loving parent)

School’s out, summer’s in full swing, and if you’re like most parents, you’re wondering: how do I keep my kids entertained without relying on screens all day? You’re not alone.

Between tablets, TVs, and phones, it’s easy for tech to take over – especially on long summer days and days juggling parenting with working from home! – but some of the best memories come from the simple joy of being outside, trying new things, and spending time together. That’s why we needed a list of fresh, screen-free ideas to keep your summer full of laughter, exploration, and connection.

7 Screen-Free Summer Activities for Families

1. Climb Through the Trees at a Ropes Course

Let kids burn energy, conquer their fears, and build real confidence on a high ropes adventure. Whether they’re zipping through the treetops or mastering tricky crossings, courses like Go Ape offer an unforgettable mix of fun and personal growth – no WiFi required.

2. Start a Backyard Nature Journal

Grab a notebook and challenge your kids to track bugs, leaves, or birds they spot throughout the week. It encourages observation, creativity, and daily outdoor time.

3. Host an Outdoor Obstacle Course Challenge

Set up a DIY course in your yard using cones, ropes, and hula hoops. Add a timer and a little family competition, and you’ve got an afternoon of screen-free excitement.

4. Try a Family Hiking Bingo Game

Create a checklist of things to spot on a trail (think: things like mushrooms, squirrels, wildflowers). Whoever finds the most wins a special adventure or maybe a s’more!

5. Plan a Sunset Picnic or Campout

Evenings are cooler and quieter. Pack up dinner, bring a few blankets, and enjoy the golden hour with fireflies and fresh air. You can even make it a family tradition: once a week, have a meal outdoors!

6. Visit a Local Adventure Park

From ziplining to axe throwing to ground-based games, parks like Go Ape offer activities for all ages and comfort levels. It’s a fun way to try something new together and often, gives you a chance to sit back and relax while they use up their energy in a healthy, positive way that builds their confidence, resilience, and love of the outdoors.

7. Let Them Get Bored (Really!)

Sometimes the best creativity sparks when kids aren’t overstimulated. Give them open time outside with sticks, rocks, and a little freedom; you might be surprised what they invent. Plus, learning how to critically think through their challenges (like being bored) helps them develop life skills that will benefit them for years to come.

The Best Part of Summer Adventures?

They don’t have to be elaborate or expensive! They just need a little intention. Whether it’s high-fiving at the top of a zipline platform or spotting a bunny in the backyard, these unplugged moments are the ones that stick. So put down the screen, lace up your shoes, and get outside! Your next great memory is waiting.

About Go Ape

In a world dominated by screens and fleeting connections, Go Ape offers an antidote: a place where joy is tangible, adventure is primal, and connections are authentic.

Whether you’re a parent wanting to create meaningful family memories, a thrill seeking adult, a leader building stronger teams, or an educator inspiring growth outside the classroom, we provide an unparalleled experience that blends physical challenge, emotional connection, and the beauty of nature. We believe in creating spaces where people of all ages can escape the ordinary, rediscover their courage, and embrace the thrill of discovery. Here, in the treetops or along scenic paths, lifelong bonds are forged, confidence is renewed, and laughter echoes through the canopy.

Go Ape isn’t just an activity—it’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose. Let’s rise above together. Visit goape.com.