How To Reduce Children’s Screen Time This Summer: Active Alternatives

During the summer holidays, it’s all too easy for children to slip into a routine dominated by screens, whether it’s playing video games or scrolling through devices. While a bit of screen time can be part of a balanced day, too much sedentary time can harm children’s physical health, mood, and sleep patterns.

Encouraging kids to stay active over the summer doesn’t have to involve expensive clubs or complicated schedules. In fact, with a bit of planning and creativity, there are plenty of simple, enjoyable ways to get children moving both at home and out in the community. From backyard games and local events, this article offers a range of practical ideas to help keep young minds and bodies engaged, all while cutting down on screen time.

Why It Matters: The Impact of Screen Overuse

We all know that physical activity is important, but during the long summer break, it becomes even more vital. Without the daily structure of school, children are at greater risk of becoming less active and more reliant on technology for entertainment.

Regular movement supports physical development, builds coordination, and enhances mental well-being. It can also simplify bedtime, which is something every parent values. Encouraging a healthy balance of activity, rest, and play during the holidays can significantly improve your child’s physical and emotional well-being.

DIY Adventure Ideas at Home

You don’t need fancy equipment or loads of space to keep kids moving at home. With a little imagination, the garden, living room, or driveway can become the perfect playground.

• Create an obstacle course: Use garden chairs, buckets, skipping ropes, or even cushions to build a fun course. Let the kids design their own and challenge each other’s times.
• Water games on hot days: Sponge tosses, water balloon tag, or even a DIY car wash station for bikes and scooters can turn a warm afternoon into a memorable one.
• Nature hunts: Send them off with a checklist of things to find – leaves, feathers, bugs, different flowers – either in the garden or on a walk.
• Themed activity days: From ‘Jungle Explorer’ day to ‘Mini Olympics’, giving the day a fun theme can help children get excited about moving and using their imagination.

Get Involved in the Local Community

Exploring what’s on offer in your local area is a great way to introduce new experiences and keep things fresh.

• Join a local sports session: Community centres and leisure facilities often run child-friendly classes or holiday clubs, ranging from football to martial arts.
• Head to a junior Parkrun: These free weekend events are designed for children and often held in local parks. They’re a great way to burn energy and build confidence.
• Go on family bike rides: Choose a cycle path or quiet route and turn it into a mini-adventure. Pack snacks, take breaks, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
• Keep an eye out for community events: From nature trails and family fun days to library-led movement activities, summer calendars are often packed with free or low-cost ways to get active.

Make the Most of Long Summer Days

One of the great benefits of the British summer is the long daylight hours, which open up more opportunities for outdoor activity well into the evening. For many families, this can be the perfect window to fit in some movement, especially after a busy day or for working parents needing more flexible options.

A quick game of rounders, a relaxed family walk, or a kick about in the park can help children wind down while staying active. Many local sports facilities, such as football pitches, cricket clubs, and multi-use games areas, are now equipped with LED floodlights, making them accessible even after the sun begins to set.

Turn Boredom into a Bonus

It’s perfectly normal for children to announce “I’m bored” at some point during the summer holidays. While it might seem like a complaint, boredom can be a valuable opportunity for children to stretch their imagination and develop independence. Encouraging them to come up with their own ideas is a great way to promote self-directed play.

Your child might invent a brand-new sport, complete with homemade rules, or decide to lead a mini fitness class for the rest of the family. Some children enjoy creating their games using toys or whatever they can find around the house or garden. Others might prefer setting personal goals, like skipping for one minute without stopping.

These self-initiated activities not only help children stay physically active but also give them a sense of ownership and achievement, something that structured play doesn’t always offer.

Final Tips for Parents

• Set a routine: Having a loose plan for each day with at least one physical activity helps provide structure without being rigid.
• Mix it up: Alternate between solo activities, family games, and outings to keep things interesting.
• Limit screens, not fun: Instead of banning screens, offer engaging alternatives that naturally draw attention elsewhere.
• Celebrate effort, not performance: Praise participation and creativity to build a positive attitude towards staying active.