Screen Free Summer Activities your Children will Love

7 Jul 25 • By Yellow Days

At Yellow Days, we’re all about slowing down, soaking up the sunshine (keeping fingers crossed!), and saying yes to sticky fingers, grassy knees, and full-body giggles. Whilst we totally understand the juggle of having the children off for a long period of time in the summer, we also believe in getting outdoors as much as possible and being able to use screens only when we really need to.

If you are feeling stuck this summer, here are 5 of our favourite screen-free summer activities that are easy, creative, and tried and tested on our own children too.

1. Mud Kitchen Magic
Set up an outdoor “kitchen” with bowls, wooden spoons, and whatever nature offers…mud pies, leaf salads, or flower soups. No rules, just imaginative and messy fun. We know that it is hard to embrace the mess, but we also know that children develop and learn so much from being outside and being able to get messy too.

2. DIY Sidewalk Obstacle Course
Grab some chalk (super simple and a great one to take on walks with you too…) and let your children design their own obstacle course… jumping lines, spinning spots, hopscotch and whatever else they can think of. Great for coordination, creativity, and burning off that all of that summer energy.

3. Ice Excavation Station
Freeze small toys or flowers in blocks of ice (farm animals, vehicles, Barbie trapped in ice…the world is your oyster here!). Once frozen, then give them warm water, salt, and spoons to “excavate” their treasures. It’s part science, part magic and from experience, we can tell you keeps them entertained for a long while.

4. Nature Bracelets
Wrap masking tape around wrists (sticky side out) and go on a nature walk. They can press on petals, tiny leaves, or feathers to make super sweet little natura bracelets that can keep them entertained and busy on those days where “I don’t want to walkkkkk” becomes a phrase you are hearing. Remember, making every day activities such as walks into more playful fun, often means it goes better for everyone.

5. Blanket Fort Picnics
Whether you can do this outside (hello sunshine) or indoors, a few blankets and cushions create an instant adventure – especially if you are busy wanting to get some work done. Add snacks, books, or soft toys and let the den become whatever their imaginations dream up. You might even be able to promise a sleepover in it one night, if you’re feeling brave (accompanied of course).

The days are long, the years are short and we hope that whilst juggling your normal every day life and school holidays, you manage to enjoy it amongst the chaos too. Don’t forget that you can still book your holiday childcare via Yellow Days here, if you are at the stage where everyone just needs a bit of a break.