Summer is a great time for children to relax, play, and recharge before heading back to school. While electronics can be tempting, screen time is correlated with eye strain, nearsightedness, and trouble focusing—especially in growing children. Screen time is also associated with health risks such as obesity and poor sleep. At Small Wonder Eyecare, we encourage families to enjoy screen-free activities that support healthy vision and overall well-being.
Here are some great ideas to keep your kids active, engaged, and away from screens this summer:
Classic Board Games for All Ages
Board games are a fun way to strengthen critical thinking, teamwork, and communication—all without screens! Try some of these family favorites:
Candy Land (Ages 3+): Simple and colorful—great for young kids.
Uno (Ages 5+): A fast-paced card game that teaches color and number recognition. New versions and themed cards keep Uno fresh and engaging for all ages.
Ticket to Ride (Ages 8+): Older kids and adults will enjoy this strategy game that teaches geography and planning.
Outdoors activities
Fresh air and sunshine are good for the body and eyes! Outdoor play helps children develop hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and visual-motor skills.
Morris Memorial Park Play on the jungle gym, enjoy the walking trails, or cool off at the pool.
Elgin Recreation Center Offers basketball courts, summer camps, and open green space for running, biking, and picnics.
Nature scavenger hunts Create a list of items to find—like oak leaves, butterflies, or snails—and explore your backyard or a local trail.
Sidewalk chalk games Play hopscotch, tic-tac-toe, or create a mural.
Encourage Reading and Imagination
Books allow kids to travel to new worlds without ever leaving home. Reading builds vocabulary, focus, and imagination. Reading with a parent or older sibling is a great bonding activity.
Recommended Summer Books by Age Group
Ages 4-7: Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! by Mo Willems
Ages 7–10: Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
The Illustrated Robert Frost by Ryan G. Van Cleave
Ages 10–13: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Hank the Cowdog series by John R. Erickson
Visit the Elgin Public Library to check out books, attend story time, or join the Summer Reading Program! The library is a free, child-friendly space that supports learning all year long.
Plan Back-to-School Checkups Now
Summer is the perfect time to schedule your child’s back-to-school exams with their pediatrician, dentist, and optometrist. Vision plays a big role in learning. Children may not realize they’re struggling to see clearly, which can affect reading, attention, and classroom performance.
At Small Wonder Eyecare, we offer comprehensive pediatric eye exams to make sure your child starts the school year with healthy eyes and clear vision. Appointments fill quickly in August—book now to beat the back-to-school rush.
A healthy summer includes play, rest, sunshine, and strong family connections. Whether your child is reading at the library, riding bikes at the park, or challenging you to a game of Uno, these screen-free activities will help them grow and thrive.
Need to schedule your child’s eye exam? Call 512.229.5911 or book online today. We’re here to support your family’s vision—this summer and beyond.
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