When the final school bell rings and the backpacks hit the floor, summer officially begins. And for many moms, so does a new kind of challenge: managing the screen-time spiral. You know the one—what starts as 30 minutes of “just one show” turns into a full-blown binge session, complete with snack wrappers on the couch and glassy-eyed stares. If it feels like you’re competing with a tablet for your child’s attention, you’re not alone.
Some parents fight back with all-day summer camps and structured activities. But let’s be honest—that adds up quickly. And for families who homeschool, work from home, or simply want a more laid-back summer rhythm, daily drop-offs and pickups aren’t always realistic. The good news? You don’t need a packed calendar or a huge budget to reclaim your summer from screens.
One Book Series Parents Are Loving This Summer
Enter Tuttle Twins. If you haven’t heard of them yet, they’re quickly becoming a go-to for parents who want to keep their kids engaged and learning during the summer—but without the groans and eye rolls that sometimes come with “educational” activities.
This bestselling book series takes big, often overlooked ideas—like personal responsibility, free markets, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and even inflation—and makes them accessible and fun for kids. The stories are bright, colorful, and filled with humor, adventure, and just the right amount of challenge to spark curiosity.
Parents appreciate that these books help kids understand how the world works, not through lectures or dense texts, but through storytelling. Whether you’re reading aloud together on the porch or giving your older kids a quiet hour to read on their own. There’s even a charming animated show, printable activity guides, and summer kits to mix things up if you’ve got younger ones or multiple ages in the mix.
Turn Boredom into Fun with Weekly Family Challenges
One of the easiest ways to keep kids off screens is to give them a mission.
You might declare “Money Monday” and give your kids a small budget to plan and prep lunch. Or “Think Tank Thursday” where they design a new board game or build something wild from cardboard and duct tape. And yes, “Tuttle Tuesday” can absolutely be a thing—read a chapter, try an activity, and talk about what you learned.
These challenges can be as silly, creative, or practical as you like. The key is that they give your child purpose—and when kids are engaged in something meaningful, screens naturally take a backseat.
Create a Cozy Screen-Free Zone at Home
Out of sight, out of mind really works—especially with screens. One smart strategy is to create a designated “screen-free zone” in your home. Fill it with books, puzzles, games, craft supplies, and maybe a bean bag or two. Add a basket with The Tuttle Twins series and a few favorite read-alouds or audiobooks. You might be surprised how often kids will wander in and start creating or reading on their own.
Set a daily screen-free window—say from 1 to 3 p.m.—and let that space become the go-to destination. It’s a gentle reminder that there’s life beyond the screen, and giving your kids that space to explore independently builds confidence and creativity.
Use Your Local Resources—They’re Gold
It’s easy to forget just how many free or low-cost programs are right in your backyard. Local libraries often offer summer reading challenges, craft days, STEM workshops, and book clubs—with actual prizes to keep kids motivated. Museums and community centres often have free days, pop-up events, or activity kits you can pick up and enjoy at home.
These little outings, combined with your screen-free challenges and favourite book series, can round out the summer in a way that feels full and balanced, without draining your energy or your wallet. Even something as simple as a weekly bike ride or evening walk becomes a moment to unplug and reconnect.
You’ve Got This, Mama
Summer doesn’t have to be a tug-of-war between fun and frustration. You don’t need to be a cruise director, and you don’t need to rely on screens to keep the peace. With just a few thoughtful swaps, like a stack of books you trust, some fun family challenges, and a cosy screen-free corner, you can create a summer that’s calm, creative, and genuinely enjoyable.
DISCLOSURE – This is a collaborative post.
