Parenting hacks: 5 smart swaps for a screen-free summer!

Tip 1. Get them reading pictures

Highly illustrated reading material is your best friend during the holidays. Fill a basket or tote bag with age-appropriate picture books (including wordless books), comics, magazines and graphic novels linked to your child’s hobbies and interests. Full of vibrant colours and eye-catching designs, these text-light options are visually rewarding just like screens. Use the basket at home, but take a tote bag when you’re out and about so your child can access the collection.

You can find inclusive wordless picture books for all ages, graphic novels for younger and older readers, and picture books for older kids on our website.

Bonus tip: let your child choose what reading material goes into the tote bag or basket. A trip to the supermarket to buy comics or magazines with pocket money might also be exciting. If they settle on a favourite, you may even want to consider a subscription, which could work out cheaper in the long run. LEGO offers a brilliant subscription magazine, aimed at children ages 5 to 9, for absolutely free. Crammed with activities, comic stories, posters and LEGO-build ideas to boost creativity, in their own words it's '28 pages of screen-free fun!' Check it out it: https://www.lego.com/en-gb/magazine.

Each issue is packed full of cool activities, fun comics, creative builds, posters and so much more! Featuring all your child’s favourite LEGO® sets and characters!The magazines includes

Tip 2. Invest in an audiobook player

In 2024, the National Literacy Trust said ‘42.3% of children and young people aged 8 to 18 enjoyed listening to audio in their free time’, so this summer might be a good time to switch smartphone scrolling for audiobook listening, at home or on the go.

The Yoto Player for ages 3 to 12 (£89.99+ RRP), the Toniebox for ages 3+ (£79.99+ RRP) and the VoxBlock (£69.99+ RRP) are super-cool, child-friendly, portable audiobook devices. They offer screen- and ad-free ways of listening to children’s books, plus other audio content. While a bit of an investment, they make an ideal birthday gift alternative to a smartphone or tablet. Also, check out our inclusive audiobook recommendation for older kids in this Guardian article.

Bonus tip: if these audio players are out of your price range, why not go retro with a basic CD player? They are still available to buy in some cute, child-friendly designs. Many libraries stock a range of CD audiobooks, and kids love pressing real buttons, which is great for developing fine-motor skills too!

Tip 3. Go on a library ‘book dash’!

You’d be hard pressed to find a child who doesn’t enjoy a competitive treasure hunt. So why not create one for books, to get them off the sofa and up on their feet?

Challenge your children to hunt for books based on a topic they love. Space, dinosaurs, superheroes or a favourite author, for example. The first child to find 5 books on their theme gets to borrow them all, or you could offer a small prize to the fastest finder! If you’ve got one child, you could set a timer to make it a speed challenge. Older children could hunt for a specific word in book titles, for example, ‘if’ or ‘girl’. If you feel nervous about this activity getting too rowdy in a public space, organise a similar activity at home — whatever suits your child’s needs.

Bonus tip: joining a public library in the UK is still free, so if you haven’t already, taking your child to sign up for a library membership card is another fun activity. It will make them feel more grown up and motivated for visits. Although many libraries open during the summer holidays, not all do, so check before you visit.

Tip 4. Build a reading den in nature

Transform a corner of your garden into a screen-free reading haven. If you don’t have a garden, you could combine this activity with a visit to the local park or beach. Use a pop-up tent, a beach umbrella, or even a blanket over two camping chairs to create a shaded, cosy spot. Add floor cushions, books, and you’re good to go!

If appropriate, it's a good idea to let your child take ownership of building their den, as unguided play in this way will develop a whole host of skills, including fine and gross motor skills, planning, problem-solving, creativity and resilience. Let them also decorate their den with signs, bunting or fairy lights and, of course, choose the books for inside. A lovingly made, outdoor reading retreat is such a beneficial activity for children’s development, and the finished product makes storytime feel even more magical. This DIY forest den kit from The Den KIT Company is a tried-and-tested, super fun and very stylish basis for an outdoor reading space.

As well as being ideal for reading and relaxing outside, dens can be great for socialising. Prepare a picnic and invite other children to join in the den-building fun. This way, children will connect and learn to cooperate not just with nature, but also with their friends and cousins in the real world.

Bonus tip: if at home, pop some torches in the den and let older kids stay up a little later for a ‘midnight’ reading session once the sun goes down, great for adventurous children who love scares or a bit of drama!

Tip 5. Watch a book-themed musical or play

The ultimate screen-free spectacle! Even if they grumble all the way there, most children are captivated once they’re in their seats. There are shows adapted from children’s books to suit every age and interest, from the classics like Matilda, The Tiger Who Came to Tea and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, to newer, more diverse productions. Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts ran last year, and this year, Joseph Coelho’s Overheard in a Tower Block is running from 22 May to 27 July 2025 at Little Angel Theatre, while Lenny Henry’s A Boy with Wings runs at the Polka Theatre from 21 June to 16 August, as does the touring production of Elayne Ogbeta’s adaption of her self-pubished picture book Grandad Anansi, from 12 to 16 November. Sadly, the Atinuke’s Anna Hibiscus Song touring production's stop at The Southbank Centre has been cancelled, but keep an eye on their website for updates.

Many theatres also offer relaxed or accessible performances, ideal for some neurodivergent children or those with sensory needs. Check regional theatres as well as the West End. They often have more unusual but wonderful productions on offer.

Bonus tip: read the book before you visit the show, then draw or write a mini-theatre review together afterwards. Children love star ratings! Alternatively, if money is tight for theatre tickets, local children’s bookshops usually host fun book events for kids during the holidays, and they are often free. Our ‘10 of the best… inclusive bookshops’ blog post is a great place to start for inspiration on where to visit.

If you want more practical advice and support on smartphones and children’s mental health, visit Nip in the Bud.

And finally...

Summer doesn’t have to mean endless arguments over screen time. With a little creativity and the right mix of book-inspired activities, you can keep your child busy, boost their literacy and create lasting family memories, all without picking up a mobile phone.

Ready to get started? Explore the IBC website to find inspiring inclusive books to support you and your child’s screen-free summer.

Check out our expertly reviewed inclusive books for babies right through to children aged 9 by clicking ‘Search books’ and ‘Search booklists’. All titles are good quality reads, richly diverse in format, topics and representation. 

Fabia Turner is Head of Content at IBC and the Founder of the Jericho Prize for Children’s Writing. She is also a former primary teacher and educational book editor with a love of children’s literature.