Summer Tech Experiments for Families
Try one each week—or mix and match! These simple, low-pressure activities help families build healthy digital habits together while making space for connection, creativity, and reflection. There is one idea for each week of summer.
1. The Docking Station Challenge (June 9th) Inspired by Challenge Success
Experiment: Everyone—yes, adults too—charges their devices outside the bedroom for one week.
Talk About It:
- What’s the last thing you want to think about before sleep—and the first thing when you wake up?
- Was it easier or harder to fall asleep without your phone nearby?
- What else could live on your nightstand instead of your phone?
- App Clean-Out Together (June 16th)
Experiment: Set a 15-minute timer and go through your devices to delete anything you no longer use or that doesn’t make you feel good.
Talk About It:
- Which apps do you actually enjoy, and which ones just suck you in?
- Is there an app you use because you feel like you *have* to?
- How would it feel to have a less cluttered home screen?
3. Make a Tech-Free Zone (June 23rd)
Experiment: Choose one space in the house (or yard) where phones don’t go—like the dinner table, a hammock, or the porch.
Talk About It:
- What do you notice when your phone isn’t in that space?
- Did it change how we talked or connected?
- Would you want to keep this space tech-free all the time?
4. Screen-Time Swap (June 30th)
Experiment: Replace 30 minutes of usual screen time with an offline activity—like biking, baking, journaling, or painting.
Talk About It:
- Did you miss the screen? What surprised you?
- What did you enjoy about the offline activity?
- Is there something we’d want to do again as a new habit?
5. Create, Don’t Just Consume (July 7th)
Experiment: Use tech as a creative tool: write a story, record a video or podcast, or make a digital drawing.
Talk About It:
What’s more fun: watching someone else’s content or making your own?
What’s something we could create together?
Would you want to share what you made—or keep it just for us?
6. Family Screen Check (July 14th)
Experiment: Everyone checks their screen time stats and shares one thing they found interesting.
Talk About It:
- Does your screen time match what you *thought* it was?
- What’s one change we might try this week?
- What app or activity takes the most time—and is it worth it?
7. Digital Sabbath (July 21st)
Experiment: Try going 3–6 hours without personal devices on a weekend. Plan fun, screen-free things to do instead.
Talk About It:
- Was it hard? What did you notice about how we spent our time?
- Did you feel more present or more bored?
- Would you want to try it again next weekend?
8. YouTube with a Twist (July 28th)
Experiment: Watch a video together—then talk about it, critique it, or learn something new from it.
Talk About It:
- What do you think the creator wanted you to feel or do?
- Would you have done anything differently in that video?
- Did it inspire you to try something new?
9. Notification Detox (August 4th)
Experiment: Turn off all non-essential notifications for 48 hours—no dings, badges, or pop-ups.
Talk About It:
- Did your brain feel quieter? What did you still check anyway?
- Did you miss anything important—or was it all just noise?
- What notifications could stay off permanently?
10. AI Curiosity Prompt (August 11th)
Experiment: Use ChatGPT (or another AI tool) to help write a joke, tell a bedtime story, or plan a fun family day.
Talk About It:
- How can we use AI as a tool—not just a shortcut?
- What was surprising or helpful about the AI’s response?
- How can we tell when AI created something online?
*Built of our healthy tech habits guide and remixed with ChatGPT