Screen Free Summer

In our gadget-crazy world, screens are like confetti—everywhere!

But as the sun turns up the heat, what better time to hit the pause button on those glowing rectangles?

A screen-free summer is your golden ticket to bond with nature, family, and friends while sparking creativity and mindfulness.

Get ready for some screen-free shenanigans!

Why Go Screen-Free?

1. Mind Magic

Cutting back on screen time does wonders for your mental mojo. Fewer distractions mean a chill-pill for your brain, lowering stress and anxiety. It’s all about soaking up the moment and truly connecting with the world around you.

2. Bonding Bonanza

Without screens hogging your attention, you’ve got more time to build bridges with loved ones. Chat face-to-face, play board games, or share a meal—these moments are the glue that binds us!

3. Get Moving

Screens can turn us into couch potatoes. Ditch them and embrace activities like hiking, biking, or swimming. A screen-free summer is a ticket to better health and boundless energy!

4. Let Creativity Run Wild

Unplug and let your imagination take the wheel! Draw, write, or craft to your heart’s content. Discover new hobbies and unleash your inner artist.

Unplugged Fun

Soak up the sunshine with these outdoor escapades:

• Camping: Camp under the stars and bask in nature’s glory.

• Hiking Adventures: Explore trails and soak in the beauty of the outdoors—Orland Grasslands is a fab start!

• Gardening: Tend a garden and learn the joys of nurturing life.

• Birdhouse Building: Unleash creativity by crafting a birdhouse—then watch feathered friends drop by for snacks!

• Color Walks: Pick a color, hit the trail, and spot as many items of that hue as you can—mindfulness meets fun! Some trail ideas:

  • Lake Katherine

  • Morton Arboretum

  • Orland Grasslands

  • Little Red School House

  • Starved Rock

• Creative Arts: Set up an easel outdoors or paint rocks—nature’s canvas awaits!

• Crafty Creations: Use nature’s bounty—leaves, stones—to craft unique pieces.

  • 1000 Hours outside has some great ideas

  • Home Depot offers free workshops the first saturday of every month

• Summer Scrapbook: Capture summer’s finest moments in a scrapbook—it’s all about cherishing the good times!

• Local Pools: Cool off with friends at a local pool to soak up the sun & cool off.

  
  

Social Fun-tivities

Host gatherings that amp up the interaction:

• Picnics: Pack a basket for a park picnic with pals.

• Game Nights: Dive into board games or outdoor sports with loved ones.

• Community Buzz: Hit local fairs or farmers' markets—grab some fresh produce for a family cook-off!

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Screen-Free Success Tips

• Set Limits: Declare screen-free zones or times.

• Plan Ahead: Keep a calendar bursting with exciting activities.

• Stay Flexible: Mix in downtime and spontaneity for a breezy experience.

• Be the Change: Lead by example and inspire others to join the screen-free fun!

By embracing a screen-free summer, you unlock a treasure trove of possibilities. Connect with nature, deepen relationships, and ignite new passions. So, stash the gadgets and make this summer a tale worth telling!