Keep the Kids Entertained This Summer, No Screens Required!
As schools across Ireland wind down for the summer, parents everywhere are bracing themselves for the long stretch of holidays ahead. While the summer break is a much-needed time to rest and recharge, it can also come with the constant challenge of keeping young minds busy—especially when the weather can turn wet, a typical Irish summer.
If you are trying to cut down on screen time in your house this summer, we’ve got you covered. Here are some fun, creative, and completely screen-free ways to keep your primary school-aged children happy, engaged, and maybe even learning a thing or two along the way.
1. Get Creative with Paper Doll Books
Rainy day? No problem! The Paper Doll Books by Carmel Grant are a brilliant way to spark creativity while also encouraging fine motor skills and imaginative play. These beautifully illustrated books allow children to colour in and cut out stylish fun outfits for their very own paper dolls.
Kids can mix and match the clothes, create new fashion combinations, and even invent stories for their paper dolls. It’s a wonderful blend of art, design, and make-believe all rolled into one.
Perfect for kitchen table crafting or quiet time on the couch, these books offer hours of focused, independent play and without a single screen in sight.
2. Indoor Treasure Hunts
Turn a rainy afternoon into a mini adventure by organising a treasure hunt inside the house. Write clues, hide small prizes, or use household objects as hidden treasures. For an educational twist, make the clues rhyming riddles or simple maths puzzles.
3. Back Garden Obstacle Course
When the sun does decide to shine, set up an obstacle course in the back garden using everyday items like cardboard boxes, hula hoops, skipping ropes, cushions, and buckets. Time each child to see who can complete the course fastest, or create fun challenges like hopping on one foot or balancing a teddy or paper doll on their head.
4. Baking Together
Get your little sous chefs involved in the kitchen. Baking scones, cupcakes, or even a simple loaf of banana bread can turn into a fun, hands-on maths and science lesson. Plus, you will all love eating the results! For recipe ideas, check out the Cool Food School.
5. Build a Blanket Fort and have a Picnic
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Drape some blankets over chairs and use pegs to hold them in place to create a fun fort, or secret hideaway or a cosy reading space. Fill it with pillows, and bring in a their favourite snacks and have a little picnic. Reading, picnicking and playing together, especially in a fun new setting, can make the experience feel like a little adventure. Best still, you can build one of these indoors in the bedroom or sitting room, or outside in the back garden.
