Screen time has become a huge topic that is widely talked about in medical offices, schools, and in general conversations. If you’re anything like me, you have a smartphone… whether it be an IPhone or an Android, you use it for many things. I use my phone for personal, business, and just plain ole scrolling. With that being said, it’s not surprise that kids are drawn to their parent’s phones because they see mom and dad on it… and want to know what is so great.
Then you go on a long drive or simply just had a long day at work and the phone can help out with some much needed quiet time. We have all done it and I am definitely not opposed to my kids having screen time but with the new studies out about all of that screen time, should it be a constant thing?
Switching up your daily routine, and making screen time less of a habit. Switching it up will be key, especially for little ones because if not they will get bored of the same ole activities daily.
With the help of my almost 5 year old, we put together a fun list of screen-free activities from your little ones:
- Movie in the Park – This one is one of my favorites. If you’re local to Maine there are several spots to go to catch a movie in the park with your kids. Freeport, Bug Light Park & a new one at the Harpswell elementary school are a few. If you’re not in Maine a quick Google or Facebook search should help you!
- Create a fun recipe with some of your favorite ingredients and try it out!
- Go fishing
- Read a book
- Build a Campfire
- Go check out your local farmer’s market
- Make popsicles
- Go on a hike
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Bradbury Mountain State park - Go see a movie at the movie theatre
- Plant a new plant in your garden
- Go to the zoo or local wildlife park
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Maine Wildlife Park Gray Maine - Check out one of your local amusement parks
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Story Land North Conway New Hampshire - Head to a children’s museum
- Play outside with chalk
- Set up an insect kit and watch caterpillars turn into butterflies or observe ants as they work.
- Make lemonade and set up a stand.
- Visit animals at a local farm
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Smiling Hill Farm - Wash your vehicles.
- Fly a Kite
- Go Mini Golfing
- Have a family game night
- Have a water balloon fight
- Make root beer floats… yum!
- Visit your favorite beach
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Harpswell Maine Beach - Go strawberry or blueberry picking
- Bake in the kitchen
- Go through your old clothes & toys, and donate whatever you do not need to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
- Have a picnic in the yard or at the park
- Make Slime
- Learn Yoga
- Learn how to ride a bike/Go on a Bike Ride
- Have a Dance Party
- Go to your local playground
Happy Adventuring!
Xo,
Ashley
1 Comment
Heather
July 7, 2018 at 4:50 pmSome great ideas! I have a three year old and try to be mindful of screen time too; will use some of these, thank-you:)