Summer break is here and so is the eternal parental challenge: keeping kids engaged, learning and off mindless screens. The good news? You don’t have to choose between screen time and screen-free time. Educational screen time can help children explore new interests, build valuable skills and stay curious long after the school year ends.

We’re highlighting the tools you can use to transform your child’s summer into a season of discovery, skill-building and genuine fun without defaulting to another binge-watch session.

Visit a Virtual Museum or Zoo

What was once a field trip reserved for school days is now available at the click of a button. Many world-class institutions now offer free, immersive virtual experiences.

Virtual Museums

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Walk the halls of one of the world’s most famous natural history museums from your living room. Explore dinosaur fossils, gems, ocean life and more.
• Eiffel Tower Virtual Tour – Let your kids “stand” on one of the world’s most iconic landmarks without leaving home.
• The Louvre – Take a virtual tour of iconic galleries and get up close with masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Virtual Zoos and Aquariums

For animal lovers, several zoos around the world offer live webcams that let kids observe wildlife in real time – a great hands-on way to learn about animal behavior, ecosystems, and conservation.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium – Watch a mesmerizing live feed of the aquarium’s famous Kelp Forest exhibit, the Jelly cam and more. Try identifying different species of fish, sea stars and birds while learning more about marine ecosystems and conservation.
• San Diego Zoo Live Cams – Catch live feeds of pandas, koalas, elephants and more throughout the day.

Dive into the World of Digital Art

For kids who lean toward the creative side, digital art classes offer a fantastic outlet that also builds technical and artistic skills.

• Online Digital Art Classes – Structured courses for young artists to explore illustration, character design and digital tools in a guided environment.
• Lunch Doodles – The beloved children’s author and illustrator, Mo Willems, offers a free drawing series through the Kennedy Center. Great for all ages and guilt-free screen time.
• Adobe Fresco – For slightly older kids (10+), the free tier of Adobe Fresco introduces concepts of layers, brushes, and digital illustrations all in one app.

Explore STEM and Coding Through Interactive Learning

STEM activities can turn screen time into opportunities for problem-solving, creativity and hands-on learning while helping children develop science, technology, engineering and math skills. Many online platforms make it easy for children to explore these concepts through games, videos and interactive challenges.

• NASA Kids’ Club – Explore space-themed games, activities and videos designed to teach children about science, technology and space exploration in a fun and engaging way.
• Scratch – Developed by MIT, Scratch allows kids to create their own games, animations and stories while learning the fundamentals of coding and computational thinking.
• National Geographic Kids – From animals and geography to science experiments and educational videos, National Geographic Kids offers a variety of interactive content that encourages curiosity and discovery.

Take an Online Class in Cooking, Music or Fitness

One of the best investments you can make in your child’s summer is helping them discover a new hobby or passion. Online classes have made this more accessible than ever.

• Outschool Cooking Classes – Explore a variety of live, small-group cooking classes ranging from basic kitchen safety to international cuisine.
• Yousician – A gamified music learning app that offers guidance in guitar, piano, bass, singing and more.
• Lionheart Fitness Kids Virtual Classes – High-energy virtual fitness classes that focus on movement, coordination, and building healthy habits.

Make This Summer Count

The goal isn't to eliminate screens; it's to be intentional about how your kids use them. Virtual museums, coding platforms, online classes, and digital art tools can genuinely enrich a child's summer when used thoughtfully.

Mix these activities in with outdoor adventures, library trips, board games, and unstructured playtime, and you've got the ingredients for a summer your kids will remember!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are educational summer activities for kids?

Educational summer activities can help children continue learning outside the classroom through experiences like virtual museum tours, coding programs, art classes and interactive online learning.

How can I make screen time more educational?

Choosing activities that encourage creativity, exploration, problem-solving and skill development can help turn screen time into a meaningful learning experience.

What are some free online educational activities for kids?

From virtual tours of the Smithsonian and The Louvre to live animal cams, coding platforms and creative drawing lessons, there are many free online resources that can help children learn and explore during summer break. Explore the tools highlighted throughout this article to find activities that match your child's interests.

How can I help monitor and limit my child’s screen time?

With FOCUS Broadband’s Premium Wi-Fi, you can use the Plume Home app to manage your home network and create a safer, more balanced online experience for your family. The app includes advanced parental controls that allow you to set screen time limits for specific users or devices, quickly freeze devices when needed and filter for age-appropriate content.

Learn more about the Plume Home app and FOCUS Broadband Premium Wi-Fi by visiting www.focusbroadband.com/premiumwifi.