The Screen-Free Summer Challenge: 30 Things to Do With Kids That Get Everyone Out

Outdoor, creative and low-cost summer activities to help kids spend less time on screens

The summer holidays are a brilliant time for children to rest, play and enjoy proper time away from school routines.

But for many families, the school holidays can also mean more screen time.

Tablets come out when everyone is tired. TV fills the rainy afternoons. Phones become an easy back-up when plans change. And before you know it, the day has disappeared into scrolling, gaming and “just one more episode.”

That is why a screen-free summer challenge can be so helpful.

It does not mean banning screens completely. It does not mean every day needs to be a perfect outdoor adventure. And it definitely does not mean parents need to plan expensive days out every week.

This guide gives families 30 screen-free summer activities to try during the school holidays, from park games and nature trails to creative challenges, rainy-day ideas, low-cost days out and Kids Pass activity ideas for bigger treats.

You can follow the list day by day or simply choose the ideas that work best for your family.

How to make a screen-free challenge work

A screen-free challenge works best when it feels positive, not like a punishment.

Instead of saying, “No screens today,” try:

• “Let’s choose today’s challenge.”
• “Which outdoor activity should we try?”
• “Do you want an active challenge or a creative one?”
• “Let’s do one screen-free activity before TV.”

This helps children feel involved.

You can also make it more fun by creating a simple chart.

Add:

• 30 activity boxes
• stickers
• tick boxes
• space for children to choose favourites
• one bigger reward at the end
• one family treat after every five activities

The reward does not need to be expensive. It could be choosing dinner, picking a family film, having a picnic tea or planning a Kids Pass day out.

Day 1: Start with a screen-free summer wish list

Before starting the challenge, ask the kids what they would like to do this summer without screens.

Give them a few categories:

• something outside
• something active
• something creative
• something free
• something with friends
• something with family
• one bigger day out
• one rainy-day idea

This helps children feel involved and gives you an easy list to use when they say they are bored.

Day 2: Visit a new playground

A playground visit is one of the easiest free screen-free activities for kids.

To make it feel more exciting, choose a playground you do not usually visit.

Let the kids rate it for:

• slides
• swings
• climbing frames
• space to run
• picnic spots
• shade
• overall fun

You can even create a “best playground of the summer” scoreboard.

Day 3: Create a nature scavenger hunt

A nature scavenger hunt turns a simple walk into a proper activity.

Ask children to find:

• something yellow
• something round
• something soft
• something tiny
• something with wings
• something that smells nice
• something that makes them laugh
• something that feels like summer

This works in a park, garden, forest, beach, country park or even on the walk to the shops.

Day 4: Have a garden sports day

A garden sports day is a great way to get children moving without needing to book anything.

Try:

• egg and spoon race
• beanbag toss
• football penalties
• skipping challenge
• hula hoop contest
• water cup relay
• scooter race
• obstacle course
• long jump with chalk marks

Children can make medals, scorecards or certificates to turn it into a proper family event.

Day 5: Go on a family walk with a twist

A family walk can feel boring if children think it is just “a walk.”

Give it a twist.

Try:

• colour walk
• bug hunt
• photo challenge
• listening walk
• tree spotting
• cloud spotting
• step-count challenge
• “choose the route” walk
• mystery destination walk

For younger children, keep it short and add a snack stop.

Day 6: Build a den

Den building is a classic screen-free activity because it uses imagination, teamwork and problem-solving.

You can build a den:

• in the garden
• under the dining table
• with blankets
• with cardboard boxes
• in the woods
• using cushions
• with old sheets

Once the den is finished, children can use it for reading, snacks, toys or quiet time.

Day 7: Plan a picnic challenge

A picnic makes a normal day feel special.

Let children help choose and pack the food.

Keep it simple:

• sandwiches
• wraps
• fruit
• crackers
• crisps
• yoghurt
• water bottles
• homemade cakes
• chopped vegetables

Then take it to a park, garden, beach, woodland, local green space or even the living room floor if it rains.

Day 8: Try a bike or scooter route

A bike or scooter ride is a brilliant way to get children outside and moving.

Look for:

• traffic-free paths
• parks
• canal routes
• seafront paths
• country parks
• quiet local routes
• cycle trails

Pack water, snacks and helmets, and choose a route that suits the youngest child.

Day 9: Visit the library

Libraries are one of the best free screen-free activities for kids.

Children can borrow books, join summer reading challenges, look for free events, take part in craft sessions or simply enjoy a calm indoor space.

To make it more fun, give children a mini mission:

• choose one funny book
• choose one fact book
• choose one book with animals
• choose one book to read together
• choose one book they have never heard of before

Day 10: Make a summer reading corner

Create a cosy reading space at home.

You could use:

• cushions
• blankets
• fairy lights
• favourite books
• comics
• library books
• soft toys
• a small snack tray

This gives children a screen-free place to rest, especially on rainy days or after busy days out.

Day 11: Make homemade ice lollies

Homemade ice lollies are simple, cheap and fun.

Use:

1. fruit juice
2. yoghurt
3. smoothies
4. chopped fruit
5. berries
6. banana
7. mango
8. pineapple

Children can help choose flavours, pour the mixture and check them once frozen.

It is a small activity, but it still feels like a summer treat.

Day 12: Create a chalk art gallery

Chalk is a great low-cost way to get children outside.

They can draw:

• rainbows
• hopscotch
• animals
• obstacle courses
• treasure maps
• giant flowers
• road tracks
• funny faces
• summer scenes

Take photos before the rain washes it away.

Day 13: Try a family cooking challenge

Let children help make lunch, dinner or snacks.

Easy ideas include:

• pizzas
• wraps
• pasta salad
• fruit kebabs
• pancakes
• cupcakes
• smoothies
• homemade sandwiches
• picnic boxes
• baked potatoes

Cooking feels like an activity, but it also helps with meals.

Day 14: Have a board game afternoon

Board games are a good screen-free option for quiet or rainy days.

Choose:

• simple games for younger children
• team games for mixed agesi
• card games
• puzzles
• memory games
• word games
• family tournaments

Add snacks, score sheets or a winner’s certificate to make it feel more special.

Day 15: Visit a free museum or gallery

Museums and galleries are perfect screen-free days out, especially when the weather is too hot or too rainy.

Look for:

• free entry
• family trails
• children’s workshops
• interactive exhibits
• dinosaurs
• transport displays
• science activities
• art activities
• local history

A museum day does not need to be long. One or two hours can be enough for younger children.

Day 16: Try a park games afternoon

Take a few simple items to the park and create your own games afternoon.

Pack:

• football
• frisbee
• skipping rope
• bubbles
• bat and ball
• chalk
• beanbags
• picnic blanket

Try games like:

• catch
• races
• football penalties
• bubble chasing
• obstacle course
• “floor is lava”
• treasure hunt
• best celebration contest

Day 17: Go swimming

Swimming is a great screen-free summer activity because it helps children stay active and burn energy.

Try:

• local leisure centre
• family swim session
• splash session
• lido
• outdoor pool
• swimming lesson practice

Before going, check booking rules, child-to-adult ratios and family session times.

Day 18: Visit a splash park

Splash parks are brilliant on warm summer days.

Children can cool down, move around and enjoy water play without needing a full beach trip.

Before visiting, check:

• opening dates
• session times
• booking rules
• toilet facilities
• parking
• shaded areas
• whether towels and spare clothes are needed

Day 19: Try bowling

Bowling is a good screen-free activity for rainy days, birthdays or family competition.

Make it more fun with:

• kids vs grown-ups
• funniest bowling pose
• best celebration
• first strike challenge
• family leaderboard
• arcade games afterwards if budget allows

Kids Pass bowling offers may be available at selected venues, so check before booking.

Day 20: Play mini golf

Mini golf is a relaxed screen-free activity that works well for mixed ages.

Choose a themed course and turn it into a family challenge.

It works well for:

• rainy days
• low-energy days
• birthdays
• family competition
• grandparents joining in
• a treat before or after a family meal

Kids Pass mini golf offers may be available at selected venues.

Day 21: Visit a soft play or indoor activity centre

Soft play and indoor activity centres are useful when children need to burn off energy but the weather is not helping.

They are good for:

• rainy days
• younger children
• mixed-age siblings
• last-minute plans
• school holiday mornings
• active play indoors

Check session times, booking rules, parking and whether socks are required.

Day 22: Try a trampoline park or climbing activity

For children who love active challenges, trampoline parks and climbing centres can be a great screen-free treat.

They help children move, balance, jump, climb and build confidence.

Before booking, check:

• age suitability
• safety rules
• session length
• socks or equipment rules
• whether adults need to join in
• Kids Pass offers where available

Day 23: Have a beach, lake or riverside day

Water-side days feel like a proper summer adventure.

You could visit:

• a beach
• a lake
• a riverside walk
• a canal path
• a harbour
• a coastal town

Pack towels, spare clothes, water, sun cream, hats, snacks and a packed lunch.

Always check safety advice, weather and tide times if visiting the coast.

Day 24: Try a local town trail

A town trail turns an ordinary trip into an adventure.

Choose a local town or city and ask children to look for:

• a statue
• a clock
• a bridge
• a fountain
• a colourful door
• a market stall
• an old building
• a street performer
• a park
• a place they have never noticed before

This is a simple way to explore without spending much.

Day 25: Do a good deed day

A screen-free challenge can also include kindness.

Children could:

• make a card for someone
• help tidy a garden
• donate old books or toys
• pick up litter safely with an adult
• bake for a neighbour
• write a thank-you note
• help choose items for a food bank donation
• call a grandparent
• help a younger sibling

Day 26: Plan a “yes hour” at home

A “yes hour” gives children one simple hour where they choose a few safe, easy activities at home.

They might choose:

• music
• a dance party
• a blanket den
• a silly photo booth
• a family game
• a mini talent show
• a teddy bear café
• a living room obstacle course
• a special snack
• dressing up

The only rule is that the choices need to be safe, simple and possible at home.

Day 27: Try a family treasure map

Create a simple treasure map around the house, garden or local park.

Hide a small prize, snack or handwritten note, then draw clues that lead children from one place to the next.

Clues could include:

• under something green
• beside something round
• near something that smells nice
• next to something soft
• where you sit to rest
• where we keep shoes
• where the flowers grow

For older children, make the clues harder with riddles, codes or directions.

This turns an ordinary place into an adventure and gives children a fun challenge without needing screens.

Day 28: Start a mini family book swap

Ask everyone in the family to choose one book, comic or magazine they think someone else might enjoy.

Set up a small “book swap table” at home and let each person explain why they picked their choice.

Children can also create:

• book recommendation cards
• homemade bookmarks
• star ratings
• a favourite character drawing
• a “would you read this?” review

This is a quiet screen-free activity that works well on rainy days or slow afternoons, and it can help make reading feel more social.

Day 29: Make a family challenge wheel

Create a simple challenge wheel using paper, card or a paper plate.

Divide it into sections and write one screen-free challenge in each space.

Ideas could include:

• do 20 jumps
• draw an animal
• tell a joke
• build a tower
• make up a dance
• find something blue
• create a funny voice
• balance on one foot
• invent a new game
• act out a film character

Spin the wheel, close your eyes and point, or use a pencil as a spinner.

This is a fun way to keep children engaged when they need quick, screen-free ideas without lots of planning.

Day 30: Choose your screen-free champion day

End the challenge by letting the kids choose their favourite screen-free activity from the month and do it again.

It could be:

• a park visit
• a picnic
• bowling
• mini golf
• a museum
• a bike ride
• a family walk
• a splash park
• a board game afternoon
• a bigger Kids Pass day out

This helps children see that screen-free time can be fun, flexible and something they want to repeat.

How Kids Pass can help with the Screen-Free Summer Challenge

Kids Pass can help families find screen-free activities and days out across the UK.

That means the Screen-Free Summer Challenge can include free days, low-cost activities and bigger family treats without every day becoming expensive.

Offers and participating venues can vary, so always check the Kids Pass app before booking.

Children can still relax, watch films and enjoy downtime, but a simple screen-free challenge can help families add more balance to the holidays.

The aim is to help children move more, explore more, create more and make memories away from screens.

Not a Kids Pass member yet? Start your £1 Kids Pass trial today and discover family days out, cinema savings, dining offers, indoor activities and screen-free things to do with kids across the UK.