How to reduce screen time during children’s vacations

28 de May, 2026

Knowing how to reduce children’s screen time during the vacations is a growing concern for many families. The summer vacations are coming and, with that, your children will be spending more time at home. Screens are always around and are an easy solution for entertaining the kids while you balance work, managing the family space and trying to secure some time for yourself too.

Although screens are a practical entertainment solution, in excess, they also carry risks. In fact, the Portuguese Society of Neuropediatrics has already published a set of recommendations on the use of screens.

The truth is that screens don’t have to be the only option. We share some simple strategies to provide a healthy balance and help youngsters develop new skills.

1. Setting times to use screens

If children are already used to using screens, it can be difficult to suddenly impose stricter rules. Instead, choose to establish specific periods for their use (for example, after lunch or at the end of the day) and avoid continuous use for several hours. Creating screen-free times of the day helps to set clear boundaries that are easier to enforce.

2. Finding alternatives to screens

There’s nothing like going back to “analog” to forget about screens for a moment. Try a session of board games, puzzles or cards with the kids. As well as stimulating thinking, these classics promote interaction and are ideal for family time.

3. Create daily challenges

Why not turn an entire day into a game? Create challenges or missions that don’t require a lot of preparation: for example, suggest that the child create a story to present to the family at the end of the day or do a treasure hunt indoors. These activities explore creativity and generally keep children entertained for a while.

4. Promoting movement

Whenever possible, get out of the house with the children. Go to a park or garden and get the kids moving. Encourage outdoor games with or without a ball or riding a bike, i.e. activities that involve movement. If going outside isn’t an option, you can always find alternatives indoors: impromptu dances, obstacle games or simple physical games.

5. Use routines to your advantage

The vacation season is usually more relaxed, but creating structured days can help kids know what to expect and ask for fewer screens. So you can divide the day into blocks: morning with creative or educational activities; afternoon free (including screens if necessary) and, at the end of the day, family activities.

6. Involve children in decisions

A simple way to reduce resistance to something is to give the younger ones a voice. Activities can be chosen as a family so that everyone is happy. As well as increasing involvement, this strategy promotes skills such as organization and responsibility. When everyone is part of the process, there is greater motivation to participate.

And don’t forget…

Vacations are also synonymous with rest and that includes giving children some autonomy. It’s not necessary to eliminate screens altogether, but to ensure that they are part of a varied day.

With small changes and alternatives adjusted to the reality of each family, it is possible to reduce screen time without conflict and make better use of this period.

If you’re looking for alternatives for the little ones, know that you can count on fun, educational activities with associated advantages, made available through Edenred’s Discounts and Advantages Program.