We’ve hit that point in the summer, where, we might be getting a little more lax about keeping kids off screens. (It can be exhausting, I get it.) The last thing parents want our kids to do the rest of the summer is to spend all day watching YouTube videos or playing more Minecraft. We’re always hoping our kids can find a little more balance with screen time over the summer, and that whatever screen time they do have can be used maybe in uh, more creative or productive ways.
This is why I am so pleased to share Apple’s free downloadable workbook of 30 creative activities for kids. Because they’re not all about vegging out on tablets or phones. At all.
Plus, they’re timeless — relevant year after year.
Download the free workbook and you’ll find an interactive list of super fun ideas that kids can do the rest of the summer. And beyond.
Click on any of the ideas to go right to a project description that gives kids just enough structure to get them started — including instructions for what device or app may help them get it done — but not so much info that kids can’t just use it as a jumping off point. Then, they can find their own way to bring the project to life.
Like going on a photo walk with a focus on textures. Creating an Olympic style obstacle course then filming using burst photos. Thanking someone they appreciate — kind of the way we’ve suggested thanking a teacher with free ecard templates. (Psst you might also check out these cool printable gratitude journals for kids while you’re at it.) Or sharing a passion project, whether it’s photographing birds in your backyard (above) or creating a podcast about something your kids love.
There’s really a lot in here!
I also like the idea for creating a tourist map in your own neighborhood. What better way to get kids out on foot or on bikes, spending an entire day away from home until dinner. Or maybe that’s just me reminiscing about my own suburban summers as a kid.
For even more ideas — and can parents ever have too many ideas for engaging our kids? — you can check out the Today At Apple : Creative Projects video playlists, which are free on YouTube. One of the best: How to draw yourself as a Peanuts character with tips from a real animator from The Snoopy Show.
Streaming The Vince Guaraldi Trio’s iconic Peanuts music on Apple Music while they draw, totally optional.
