Helping Kids Unplug This Summer: A Play Therapist's Guide to Encouraging Real-Life Fun
Finally, summer break is here! For many kids, summer means freedom, sleeping in, and endless opportunities for fun. For parents, it often means trying to keep everyone entertained, active, and somewhat sane while hearing "I'm bored" at least a dozen times a day.
As a play therapist, I often hear parents express concerns about the amount of time their children spend on electronics. While technology certainly has its place, childhood is meant to be filled with opportunities for exploration, creativity, movement, problem-solving, and connection with others. The good news is that helping children unplug doesn't have to involve constant battles or strict rules. Instead, it can involve creating opportunities that naturally draw them into the world around them.
Why Play Matters
Play is much more than entertainment. Through play, children develop:
Social skills
Problem-solving abilities
Creativity and imagination
Emotional regulation
Confidence and independence
Communication skills
When children spend large amounts of time on electronics, they may miss out on opportunities to practice these important developmental skills in real-life situations.
Focus on Adding Activities Instead of Just Removing Screens
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is focusing solely on limiting electronics. Children often respond better when we shift the conversation from "What can't I do?" to "What can I do?"
Try creating a summer bucket list together. Giving children ownership over their summer plans increases motivation and excitement.
Some ideas include:
Visit a new playground or park
Have a backyard picnic
Build a fort
Make homemade popsicles or ice cream
Go on a nature scavenger hunt or hiking a nature trail
Ride bikes around the neighborhood
Visit a local splash pad or pool
Plant flowers or vegetables
Have a water balloon fight
Have a family game/movie night
Spend time with friends/have sleepovers
Encourage Boredom
This may sound weird,, but boredom can actually be beneficial.
When children are constantly entertained by electronics, they rarely have opportunities to create their own fun. Some of the most imaginative play emerges after a child has complained, "I'm bored!"
Rather than immediately solving boredom, try responding with:
"I wonder what you could create?"
"What are three things you could do right now?"
"Let's see what your imagination comes up with."
Boredom often becomes the doorway to creativity.
Create Invitations to Play
Children don't always know how to initiate play independently, especially if they have become accustomed to screens.
Simple invitations can spark hours of engagement:
Leave art supplies on the table.
Set out building materials.
Place blankets and pillows in the living room for fort-building.
Put out sidewalk chalk near the driveway.
Leave a basket of outdoor toys near the back door.
These small invitations encourage children to explore without requiring constant parent involvement.
Prioritize Outdoor Play
Nature offers countless opportunities for learning and development.
Outdoor play helps children:
Burn energy
Improve attention and focus
Reduce stress
Develop confidence
Engage their senses
Encourage activities such as:
Hiking
Gardening
Swimming
Nature walks
Obstacle courses
Exploring local parks
Collecting rocks, leaves, or flowers
Children often become deeply engaged when given freedom to explore their environment.
Schedule Connection Time
One reason children are drawn to screens is because they provide immediate stimulation and engagement.
Sometimes what children truly need is connection.
Try setting aside even 10-15 minutes each day for child-led play. During this time:
Put away your phone.
Follow your child's lead.
Avoid teaching, correcting, or directing.
No questions asked
Simply be present.
These moments of connection can significantly reduce children's reliance on electronics for entertainment.
Let Kids Help
Children often enjoy activities more when they feel capable and involved.
Invite them to:
Help cook meals
Wash the car
Plan family outings
Organize a picnic
Create obstacle courses
Prepare for vacations/day trips
These experiences build confidence, responsibility, and life skills while keeping children engaged.
Remember: Progress, Not Perfection
The goal isn't to eliminate electronics completely. Screens are a part of modern life, and moderation is key.
Instead of striving for a perfect screen-free summer, focus on creating opportunities for meaningful experiences, connection, creativity, and play.
Years from now, your child likely won't remember how many hours they spent watching videos or playing games. They will remember catching fireflies, building forts, staying up late at sleepovers, dancing and singing in the living room, making homemade crafts, exploring nature, and laughing with family and friends.
Those are the moments that build childhood.
This summer, encourage your child to put down the screen, step into the world around them, and discover all the adventures waiting just outside the door.
