We're all guilty of our screen time shooting up during the weekends and school holidays. So often, our children find themselves with nothing else to do but sit on their phones scrolling the summer holidays away. We've come up with a few ways you can incorporate device and internet use into the summer holiday that encourages children to get outdoors, explore their local community, and get creative.
Plant and animal ID apps such as Seek or PictureThis can be used to discover wildlife around you. How many species can you find?
Go Geocaching! Join a worldwide trasure hunt using a GPS-enabled device
Go for a hike with AllTrails or OSMaps. Plenty of mapped out hikes of varying difficulty all over the country - no excuse to not get your steps in!
Stargaze with your phone using astronomy apps like SkyView
Try photography, no fancy equipment required, most mobile phones now have a great camera and there are plenty of apps to edit your photos with.
Write a journal, blog or digital scrapbook to capture your summer memories
Make a stop-motion movie with your toys, clay or drawings using apps like Stop Motion Studio.
Send digital postcards via Canva from wherever you are.
Host a virtual games night with friends and family.
Find local events and book tickets using apps like Ticketmaster, Facebook events, or Eventbrite.
Find free workshops or classes via your local council website, libraries or community social media pages.
Learn something new... Try a new DIY project with YouTube videos, or learn a language with Duolingo.
Design your bedroom makeover with apps like Pinterest
Technology doesn't have to be mindless scrolling or endless hours indoors; it's a tool with infinite possibilities! With a little creativity and motivation, your pocket-sized phone, with access to the internet, can help you explore the world, connect with people, and make this summer one to remember!
