(Because Faith, Fun, and Family Can Coexist)
Summer is here.
And for Muslim parents everywhere, that often means one thing:
Kids. At home. All. Day. Long.
They’re bored.
They want entertainment.
And if we’re not careful, that means hours of screen time, snacks, and a glazed-over expression.
But here’s the truth:
You don’t need a packed schedule or Pinterest-perfect plans to have a meaningful summer.
You just need intention, simplicity, and a little faith-based creativity.
Here are 10 screen-free activities that bring fun and value to your child’s summer — no matter where you live.
1. Go on a “Signs of Allah” Nature Walk
Take a simple walk and challenge your child to find signs of Allah in the world.
🌿 A leaf’s pattern.
🌧️ A cloud’s shape.
🐜 An ant’s teamwork.
🌞 The heat of the sun.
Bring a notebook and let them draw what they see. This becomes reflection and art.
Then, pause together and reflect on this verse:
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.”
— Surah Aal-Imran (3:190)إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَافِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَءَايَاتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ
Let your child sit with the idea that nature itself is a kind of scripture — waiting to be read.
2. Make a Gratitude Jar
Each day, every family member writes one thing they’re thankful for.
At the end of summer, read them all aloud.
It builds emotional intelligence, humility, and God-consciousness — without lectures.
3. Read One Storybook Every Day — But Make It Count
Choose Islamic storybooks that offer more than just entertainment.
After each story, ask:
“What did this character do right?”
“What would you have done differently?”
“Which verse did this story remind you of?”
📚 Start with a free story here
4. Visit a Local Farm and Talk About Halal Animals
You don’t need a fancy zoo trip — just a small local farm.
Ask your kids:
“Which of these animals are halal?”
“Why do you think Allah made some animals for us to eat and some not?”
Let them connect ethics, nature, and divine wisdom.
5. Do a Weekly Kindness Challenge (Sadaqah Style)
Give your child a weekly mission:
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Write a kind letter to a neighbor
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Share a toy with a sibling
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Clean up without being asked
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Bake cookies for someone who’s sick
Label it clearly: this is sadaqah — a gift for Allah, not just others.
6. Build a Blanket Fort and Make It a Story Cave
Let them decorate a fort with string lights, pillows, and their favorite books.
Each night, turn it into “storytime in the cave” — inspired by the Prophet ﷺ’s time in the Cave of Hira.
7. Make a DIY Prayer Mat or Tasbih Set
This is a great hands-on way to help them feel connected to salah.
Use felt, glue, and fabric markers for the prayer mat.
Use beads, string, and a printable du’a chart for tasbih.
It’s craft meets spirituality.
8. Do a Water-Themed Reflection Day
Play with water balloons or go to a splash pad. Then sit down and talk about how:
“Water is a mercy.”
“Too much water can flood — just like too much anger or distraction.”
“Everything needs balance — even fun.”
Let play lead to meaning.
9. Bake Together — But With Intention
Turn baking into a teaching moment:
“Who can we share these with?”
“What du’a can we make while mixing?”
“How is this barakah when done for others?”
Bonus: Tie it to stories like Nora’s Snowy Sadaqah.
10. Let Them Tell Their Own Stories
Ask your child to make up a story with a moral. Help them write it or act it out.
Give prompts like:
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“A lion who learns to listen”
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“A girl who keeps a promise”
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“A goat who learns not to brag…”
Let their imagination bring out the values you want them to absorb.
You Don’t Need to Entertain — You Just Need to Connect
Summer doesn’t need to be filled with noise and distraction.
Sometimes, the best days are the quiet ones —
A story, a walk, a prayer, and a little time to talk.
📚 Ready to start?
Read free Islamic storybooks today and begin your own summer tradition.