As summer stretches on for many kids, it's easy for parents to fall back on screens to keep them entertained. But there's a growing movement toward screenless tech that encourages active, imaginative play while keeping kids connected and safe. Here are some of my top screen less tech you that I swear by.

Garmin
Price: Garmin Bounce™ ($149.99 | $9.99/mo subscription plan for LTE service)

Garmin’s new LTE-connected kids smartwatch is perfect for staying in touch and tracking your child’s location without the need for a phone service provider, giving parents peace of mind. This kids smartwatch features two-way text and voice messaging and real-time location tracking. No need to switch phone service providers – the LTE subscription is managed directly through Garmin.

Parents can use location tracking on Bounce to view their child’s current whereabouts directly in the Garmin Jr. app, as well as be notified when they leave predefined areas.

Health metrics such as sleep, steps and active minutes, as well as fitness activities including walking, running, biking, pool swimming and more can be tracked and viewed in the Garmin Jr. app.

yoto
Price: Yoto Player ($99.99 | Original price: $119.99)

For younger children, the Yoto Player offers a screen-free, audio-based way to explore stories, music, and learning without the distractions of screens. 

Through physical cards, Yoto brings a range of content to children’s fingertips, all while curbing excessive screen time that often leads to reduced focus and disrupted sleep. The player is also camera, ad, and microphone free - giving parents the reassurance they need to let their kids play independently.

What's great is that Yoto grows with your child, and supports their learning and play. Yoto makes audio players for ages 3 and up, but has over 1000+ audio titles suitable for ages 0-12+. Infants can enjoy sleep sounds and beloved nursery rhymes, toddlers can listen to their favorite characters from Daniel Tiger and Paw Patrol, and older kids can dive into the worlds of Disney and Narnia, and learn about the solar system and the human body! Yoto also has an incredible music catalog, ranging from KidzBop to iconic artists like The Beatles and Bob Marley.

Sphero
Price: indi ($150)

And for those curious minds, the Sphero indi introduces coding and problem-solving through a fun, colorful robot – all without a screen in sight. These innovative devices offer engaging, educational alternatives that keep kids active and curious, even without a screen in front of them.

The learning robot is driven by color, meaning each color tile represents a corresponding direction, so you can program indi to follow along a path or through a maze or obstacle course. indi's approachable, screen-free design allows kids as young as four years old to learn valuable skills like critical thinking and problem solving while having fun! 

Strider 2-in-1 Rocking Bikes
For active play, the Strider 2-in-1 Rocking Bike is an excellent choice. It starts as a rocking bike for the youngest riders, helping them develop balance and coordination. As they grow, it easily converts into a Strider 12” Balance Bike, perfect for learning to ride indoors or out. 

The lightweight design means kids can practice even in small spaces, making it an ideal way to build confidence and skills year-round. Research shows that balance bikes help kids learn to ride faster than with training wheels.