#WEOutside Because It's Summer, Summer, Summertime!
- Enesse
- May 18
- 3 min read
How We’re Creating a Mostly Screen-Free, Budget-Friendly Summer for Our Kids
We just welcomed our second child, and like so many families this year, we’re feeling the weight of inflation. With prices climbing, summer camp simply isn’t an option — and truthfully, we wouldn't have time to take our four-year-old anyway. We're in a busy season, but also a beautiful one.
That’s why we’re choosing to be intentional, resourceful, and present this summer. Our goal? A mostly screen-free summer full of outdoor fun, creativity, and memory-making — on a budget.
Why We’re Doing a Mostly Screen-Free Summer With Our Kids
Our oldest daughter just turned four (time flies!), and this year, we’re leaning into her growing independence. That means fewer cartoons and more backyard adventures, creative play, and hands-on learning — homeschool style.
We’re capping her screen time at 1 hour per day max, and she has to complete a list of daily tasks to earn it. (Let’s just say the tasks are detailed enough that she usually chooses to play instead. 😂) It’s our gentle way of helping her develop healthy screen habits — and we’re challenging ourselves to do the same.
Where We Found Our Summer Supplies
We made a few strategic shopping stops:🛒 Five Below🛒 Dollar Tree🛒 (Reluctantly) Amazon – we’ve been boycotting due to their DEI policy changes, but in a few cases, they were the only option.
Every item we bought was chosen with multi-use, budget, and creativity in mind. Because a great summer doesn’t require fancy vacations or endless subscriptions — just a little planning, some open space, and a lot of imagination.
What a Screen-Free, 90s-Inspired Summer Looks Like in Our Backyard
We’re showing our daughter how to play like a 90s kid (with some 2020s updates, of course). Over the last few years, we’ve transformed our backyard into a safe and welcoming space for kids and adults alike.
We'll be reading under the gazebo, sipping sweet tea (real Southern sweet tea!), using everyday moments like measuring ingredients as part of homeschool math, and hosting art classes in nature. When you homeschool, everything is an opportunity to learn.
We’ve decided to save our indoor activities for the colder months — because after waiting all year for warm weather, we plan to be outdoors as much as possible!
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Screen-Free Summer Bucket List: Our Family’s Checklist
Here’s our summer activity list — designed for fun, learning, and memory-making:
🎨 Outdoor Activities for Kids
Make a summer bucket list poster
Hula hoops + jump rope (the kind that needs a crew!)
Bowling set + giant dominoes
Leg rope skip jumper (#IYKYK)
Bubbles, splash balls, and ball pit balls (rotating in the car daily)
Inflatable pool + bounce house
Sports gear (tennis, baseball, soccer, etc.)
Backyard cookout with kickball + water play
🧊 Summer Treats & DIY Snacks
DIY slushie cups (with fresh juice)
Popsicle molds (smoothie style)
Reusable applesauce pouches (our own fruit blends)
Popcorn machine + snow cone machine
👨👩👧 Homeschooling Through Summer
Math through cooking and measuring
Nature-based art classes outside
Swim lessons + ballet classes
Calendar of playdates
Free local library and park system activities
Hiking trails + picnic days
Local park bucket list (we’re in Metro Atlanta!)
🎬 Not Totally Screen-Free (but totally worth it!)
$1 Regal movie days
Outdoor movie nights in our yard or neighborhood
🧺 Backyard & Family Fun Extras
Picnic blanket
Cornhole + backyard games
Ping pong balls + red solo cups (RIP Toby Keith)
Pool noodles
Community splash pad or pool access
Intentional Summer. Core Memories. No RAgrets.
This summer isn’t about keeping up. It’s about slowing down, staying true to our values, and showing our kids that joy doesn’t have to come from a screen.
We’re building a summer full of connection, creativity, and core memories — without overspending or overcommitting.
📌 Want to create your own screen-free summer plan? Save or share this post for ideas!💬 Have something on your summer bucket list? Drop it in the comments or DM me — I’d love to add new ideas!
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