Summer has a way of opening things up. The schedules relax. Bedtimes get a little later. Kids rediscover bikes, sidewalks, sprinklers and the freedom that comes with long sunny days. But for many families, summer can also quickly turn into endless scrolling, gaming and screen time battles. What if this summer felt different?

A screen-free summer doesn’t have to mean perfectly planned days or banning devices altogether. It can simply mean creating more opportunities for kids to explore, create, connect and discover what lights them up. And often, those moments happen when screens are turned off and real life takes center stage. At Gorton, we see it every summer – kids stepping onto a stage for the first time, making a mess in an art class, learning a new skill, meeting new friends or discovering confidence they didn’t know they had. Those are the moments that stick.

Let Kids Be Curious

One of the best parts of summer is having the freedom to try something new. During the school year, kids are often busy following routines and checking boxes. Summer gives them room to explore their interests in a different way. Maybe that means diving into theater, experimenting with art, learning photography, joining a workshop or attending a camp that sparks creativity and confidence. Sometimes kids discover passions simply because they had the chance to try. And when children are engaged in hands-on experiences, they’re not just staying busy – they’re building independence, social skills and resilience along the way.

Boredom Isn’t Always Bad

Parents know the phrase well: “I’m bored.” But boredom can actually be the beginning of creativity. Without constant entertainment, kids begin inventing games, creating stories, building projects and using their imaginations in ways that screens rarely encourage. A slower summer rhythm leaves space for curiosity to grow. The goal isn’t to fill every hour. It’s to create opportunities for meaningful experiences that balance downtime with connection and creativity.

Connection Happens Offline

Some of the most memorable summer moments happen face-to-face – laughing with new friends at camp, performing in front of an audience, creating something by hand or attending a family event together. Those experiences build confidence in ways screens can’t replicate. At Gorton, summer programs and events are designed to bring people together across ages and interests. Whether kids are exploring the arts, learning new skills or simply spending time in a welcoming community space, they’re connecting with others in real and lasting ways.

Families can also make screen-free time feel more natural by creating simple summer traditions:

• Weekly outings or classes
• Family movie nights
• Creative afternoons
• Live performances or community events
• Time outdoors with friends
• Hands-on workshops and activities

Little moments add up.

A Summer They’ll Actually Remember

Years from now, kids probably won’t remember the videos they watched or the games they played on repeat. But they will remember the summer they performed on stage, painted something they were proud of, made a new friend or discovered something they loved. That’s the magic of an intentional summer – not perfection, but connection. This season, we’re inviting families to trade a little screen time for creativity, community and experiences that bring people together. From youth classes and camps to family-friendly events, Gorton offers countless ways for kids to stay inspired all summer long. Explore upcoming youth programs and events at gortoncenter.org and discover what your family’s screen-free summer could look like.