Screen-Free Activities for Kids: A SmartSitter Summer Survival Guide

SMARTSITTER Team
May 9
3 min read

Why Screen-Free Time Matters More Than Ever

Between remote learning, YouTube binges, and rainy-day TV marathons, it’s no secret that screen time has become the default babysitter. But too much screen exposure can lead to restlessness, poor sleep, and attention challenges. That’s why more families are searching for screen-free activities for kids to encourage real connection, creativity, and movement—especially during the long days of summer.

At SmartSitter, we believe in helping parents and sitters create a well-rounded routine that balances fun and flexibility, without being tethered to a tablet.

Explore & Play Index

Simple Summer Activities That Actually Work
Smart Activity Picks by Location (STL | JAX | ATL)
Bonus: Create Your Own Screen-Free Summer Jar

Simple Screen-Free Activities for Kids That Actually Work (Summer Edition!)

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. These ideas are low-cost, high-fun, and sitter-friendly:

	✨ Fort-Building Fiesta Use sheets, couch cushions, and flashlights. Add a picnic lunch and a bedtime story hideaway.
	🌿 Nature Walk Bingo Make a quick list (acorns, butterflies, red flowers) and head outside to spot them all.
	💡 Mystery Bag Challenge Toss random objects in a bag. Kids pull them out one by one and invent a story.
	🔮 No-Screen Story Time Turn favorite books into mini skits or puppet shows.
	✍️ Sidewalk Game Zone Hopscotch, mazes, and positive messages with chalk = hours of outdoor fun.
	🍷 Kitchen Creations Make popsicles or no-bake snacks together.
	⛺ Obstacle Course Indoors or outdoors, use cushions, buckets, or cones to build a mini challenge course.

Need even more ideas? We like this roundup: 67 Screen-Free Activities for Kids

St. Louis, Jacksonville, and Atlanta-Specific Ideas

STLSITTER | St. Louis, MO

Visit the Saint Louis Zoo or take a scavenger hunt at Forest Park (grab a printable map!).
Explore the Saint Louis Science Center that has hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and STEM-focused play zones.
Paint pet rocks with Mississippi River pebbles and hide them for a game of hide & seek.
Tour the Missouri Botanical Garden's Children's Garden—great for exploratory play.

JAXSITTER | Jacksonville, FL

Try a beachside fort-building challenge with collected driftwood and shells.
Explore the Jacksonville Arboretum with a homemade nature bingo sheet.
Use sidewalk chalk to create a “mini city” and let kids act out roles.
Attend a free story time event at a Duval County Public Library branch.

ATLSITTER | Atlanta, GA

Build a fort using bed sheets and read under it during the heat of the day.
Try “Red Light, Green Light” or chalk obstacle courses at Piedmont Park.
Visit Fernbank Forest for bug hunts and plant ID.
Have a backyard dance party with music from Georgia-based artists.

Tip: Share your sitter-approved creations on social media and hashtag #SmartSitterSummer to be featured!

Bonus: Create Your Own Screen-Free Summer Jar

This interactive DIY can be made in 15 minutes and enjoyed all season:

Grab a mason jar (or cup!) and decorate it.
On slips of paper, write down fun screen-free activities from this post or your own ideas.
Whenever boredom strikes, let your child (or sitter!) pull one out.

Want sitters who know how to unplug and engage?

Our network covers STL, JAX, and ATL—with thoughtful, creative pros who know how to make downtime meaningful. Book a sitter today and say goodbye to screen struggles.