A “Mostly” Tech-Free Summer: Why It Matters and How to Make It Happen
As the final school bell rings and the last station at field day is over, many of us breathe a collective sigh of relief. The start of summer is here! No more early mornings, battles over finishing homework, or lunch-packing marathons. But with that sigh often comes a question: What will my kids do all summer?
For many of us, screens naturally become a convenient solution. Gaming systems, iPads, YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services provide easy entertainment, a quiet house, and a break for weary parents. But what if this summer could look different? What if, instead of leaning on devices, we embraced a “mostly” tech-free summer; one filled with fresh air, face-to-face connection, unstructured play, and growth for the whole family? I’m right in the middle of this journey too, inviting my own kids to unplug more and join me in rediscovering the simple joys of summer. Jump in with me and see where this summer leads!
The Problem: Too Much Tech, Too Little Life
In his eye-opening book, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt explores the alarming rise in anxiety, depression, and social disconnection among today’s kids and teens. He draws a direct line from the increase in screen time, especially social media, to the decrease in mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Kids are spending more time watching life than living it.
Similarly, Balanced and Barefoot by pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom makes a compelling case for the physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits of unrestricted outdoor play. Her research shows that children need to move, get messy, take risks, and experience the world with all their senses to grow healthy and strong. These are things that screens cannot provide.
Both books point to the same truth: what our kids need most isn’t more technology, it’s more time to be kids.
The Invitation: A “Mostly” Tech-Free Summer
Notice I said mostly. I’m not suggesting you throw every screen out the window. Technology isn’t inherently bad. It’s a tool we need to teach our children how to use in healthy and responsible ways, but it can easily become a crutch. A “mostly” tech-free summer is about intentionality. It’s about looking at our families and our free time, being aware of how much time is spent on screens, and making small changes that help children thrive inside and out.
Here’s why that matters:
- Stronger relationships – Less screen time means more face time — with family, friends, and the Lord.
- Improved mental health—You might find that children who spend less time on screens become calmer, more imaginative, and often more content.
- Spiritual growth – Quiet moments, outdoor wonder, and real-life conversations give space for God to speak.
- Better sleep and focus – Limiting screens supports better rest, which affects everything from attitude to academics.
The How: Creative Alternatives to Screen Time
Wondering how to actually pull this off this summer? Here are some fun, practical, and meaningful ways to help your family unplug this summer:
Get Outside
- Create a “100 Hours Outside” summer challenge as a family.
- Go on weekly nature walks or hikes and let your kids lead the way.
- Start a backyard garden (even herbs or tomatoes in pots!).
Read Together
- Visit the library! Every local library hosts fun summer reading programs with great incentives for kids. I’ve created a calendar with some local summer library events that are free to attend and that kids would love!
- Read a family devotional at breakfast or before bed.
- Create a cozy “book nook” and encourage rest time with a pile of good stories. You can even rotate your stories weekly from the library!
Be Creative
- Set up an outdoor art station with paints, chalk, or clay.
- Have a “craft of the week” challenge. Pinterest is your friend here!
- Start a summer journaling habit with your kids to reflect and draw daily.
Work & Serve Together
- Invite your kids to help cook dinner, do laundry, or run errands. This is a great time to connect with your kids!
- Create a chore chart. Chores give kids a chance to step up, pitch in, and feel proud of what they can do, helping them build confidence in themselves and their abilities!
- Find a local ministry where you can serve together: pack lunches for those less fortunate, clean up a park, or visit an elderly neighbor.
Play Old-School
- Board games, puzzles, sidewalk chalk, sprinklers, LEGOs, and forts are all classic, hands-on fun that lets kids create instead of consume!
- Start a family tradition: Friday night game night or Saturday morning pancake breakfasts are fun ideas kids look forward to!
Schedule Tech-Free Times
- Establish phone/tablet-free hours during certain parts of the day.
- Try “No Tech Tuesdays” (or any day!) where the whole family puts away screens and gets creative instead.
As parents, we want to raise kids who are emotionally strong, relational, and grounded in their faith. These things won’t happen by accident, especially in a tech-saturated world. This summer, what if we paused long enough to reclaim simplicity? What if we gave our kids the gift of boredom, unhurried days, and our undivided attention?
A “mostly” tech-free summer might not be the easiest path, but it might be the most fruitful.
Let’s unplug together as we reconnect with our kids, each other, and the Lord!
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Here are some attachments to help with your “mostly” tech-free summer.
