As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, summer invites children to explore, play, and grow. But with screens so easily accessible, it can be tempting to turn to tablets or TVs for entertainment. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we believe summer is a golden opportunity to engage kids in meaningful, screen-free activities that support their development—in both body and mind.
Limiting screen time isn’t about eliminating fun, it’s about expanding it. Excessive screen use has been linked to decreased physical activity, reduced attention span, and missed opportunities for language and social development. In contrast, real-world play encourages creativity, movement, communication, and problem-solving.
With the right activities, you can help your child build critical life skills while still having fun.
Language develops best through interaction and experience. These activities promote vocabulary, conversation, and expression:
Bring along a scavenger hunt sheet with pictures or words. Ask open-ended questions: “What do you see?”, “How does it smell?”, “Why do you think that bird is making noise?”
Set up a cozy blanket outside and take turns creating stories. Use puppets, dolls, or just your imagination to encourage dialogue and narrative thinking.
Have your child help set up an obstacle course, then explain the steps to you or a sibling. This encourages sequencing and descriptive language.
Kids don’t need a gym to get strong, just a safe space to move, climb, and play. Try these:
Drawing and navigating chalk games improves fine motor control and balance.
From sponge tosses to carrying buckets, water activities build upper body strength and provide sensory fun.
Bear crawls, crab walks, or frog jumps help develop core muscles and coordination in a fun, silly way.
Riding helps with gross motor skills, balance, and confidence. Bonus: narrate the experience to build receptive language!
When children engage in hands-on, movement-rich, and interactive activities, they’re developing more than just muscles or vocabulary. They’re also learning to:
These foundational skills are key for school readiness and social success.
At PPT, we support children in reaching their fullest potential by integrating speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Our goal is to help families create everyday routines that nurture language, movement, and independence.
Need ideas for a screen-free summer tailored to your child’s needs? Our therapists can guide you with home strategies and summer goals that fit your child’s developmental level.
This summer, swap screen time for shared time. Whether it's splashing in a pool, walking in the park, or building a fort in the backyard, every moment is a chance to strengthen your child’s body, mind, and connection to the world around them.
We’re here to help you make it a summer of smiles, growth, and discovery.
We empower children, families, and the community to learn, grow, and celebrate every child's unique abilities.
Quick Links
Clinic Locations
Site by Spearlance