When school gets out for the summer, kids will flock to the indoors, filling what was once time at school with time on their phones, laptops, and TVs. The average screen time per day for children aged 8-18 is 7½ hours. High screen times have been connected to a more sedentary and isolating lifestyle over the last several years. How will your kids experience the sun on their faces or the smiles of their peers on an upcoming breezy summer day? Look no further than the local businesses of Lincoln, promoting health and community as they offer various opportunities for kids to enjoy interacting with nature and their neighbors instead of with their screens.

From the days where it’s too hot to be outdoors to the days where the weather is perfect, Lincoln’s local businesses promote summer activities that fit the needs of children with all backgrounds, abilities, and interests.

Lincoln Running Co. (Shop.LincRunningCompany.com) offers a welcoming approach to the realm of running and walking; those with all ages and ability levels are enthusiastically welcomed into the community, whether that is your 8 year old looking to play outside or your 18 year old wanting to start running over the summer.

Lincoln Running Co. is offering Beginning Running Class that runs June through July that starts people out the right way on their running journey. They encourage families to sign up and do it together. A family that runs together has fun together! In this class there are several running experts covering everything from motivation, to nutrition and running injuries. They have schedules that start them off on the right foot and keep them interested and healthy.

Through this class, participants are getting information and hints on running from experts and it’s–many times–the same info they may get from their parents, but somehow it seems to stick if it is NOT from their parents!

Through Beginners Luck–the schedules keep them interested—the workouts progress each week and they end the class with a 5K at Pioneers Park, so they work on accomplishing small goals on the way to the big goal: the Beginner’s Luck 5K!

Running can be a great thing to do with loved ones and helps set a strong foundation for other physical activities and can give kids a reason to be proud: when they finish the race faster than they thought, or when they meet a new friend who will push them to run faster or begin that sport.

Lincoln Running Co. isn’t only about running. It’s about moving and caring for yourself in a way that is fun and rewarding.

On days when the sun may be too hot, kids can find tons of fun at Sun Valley Lanes & Games (SunValleyLanes.com)! They are known for their incredibly immersive bowling lanes, but that’s not all they have to offer. Sun Valley also has an arcade, laser tag, and mini golf, perfect for some indoor fun with friends! Sun Valley is a heavy promoter of community and friendly competition, offering leagues in bowling, sand volleyball, and cornhole.

Their leagues provide activities for kids of any skill level and can provide fun physical activity in an exciting atmosphere. Along with the physical activity provided, the social aspect plays a huge role in kids’ health as well. Helping kids make friends and build connections in a setting outside of school provides for more social interaction and experiences. It also encourages good habits, such as working together as a team and supporting teammates through wins and losses.

While Sun Valley Lanes & Games gives kids confidence and good memories with leagues and tournaments, they also promote fun as a venue for hosting children’s birthday parties. While most food and drinks must be provided by their delicious selection of bar and grill items, their friendly staff allows birthday cakes and ice cream to be brought in from outside. They offer flexibility with space for the type of party your group and child may want, as well as reservations for bowling, laser tag, and mini golf for your child.

Perfect for families with multiple unique personalities, Play It Again Sports (PlayItAgainSports.com) in Lincoln offers a variety of quality used sports gear for affordable prices. This summer, sports such as baseball, softball, and soccer are in full swing – parents are purchasing bats, gloves, cleats, helmets, and shin guards for their kids’ seasons. As the summer goes on, Play It Again sees an increase in sales of volleyball and football equipment as well, signifying summer preparation for programs in the Fall. They have gear that covers all kinds of sports for all kinds of young athletes.

Aside from specific popular summer athletics, Play It Again provides opportunities for both general fitness and recreational activities. For kids that participate in multiple sports, Play It Again offers conditioning equipment like agility ladders, resistance bands, and weighted training tools. They also offer golf, pickleball, and tennis equipment for casual fun with family or friends, as well as general fitness gear for kids looking to just stay active.

Play It Again is perfect for younger kids who are still growing and just starting out in a new sport. It’s important to keep sport introductions simple: summer sports for kids are about learning and having fun. Having the newest or the most expensive equipment doesn’t take center stage when kids will quickly grow out of their equipment by next summer. Despite this, it’s important to find equipment that fits; the team at Play It Again encourages parents to bring their kids in so they can help find the perfect gear for your child.

Play It Again is happy to be an affordable and convenient aid in your child’s athletic development, from unexpected growth spurts, to family fun at the tennis courts, to community involvement in local camps, leagues, and clubs of popular summer sports. Youth sports encourage lessons in teamwork, resilience, and having a good work ethic – it’s important to get your kids involved this summer!

As summer approaches, many parents are looking for simple ways to encourage kids to spend more time outside and away from screens. One growing trend is nature play, where kids explore the outdoors through unstructured activities like building forts, collecting rocks, observing insects, or creating nature art. These activities spark curiosity while helping children develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

Another popular idea is turning outdoor time into an adventure. Backyard obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, bike rides, or visits to local parks can make being outside feel exciting and engaging. Families are also embracing “micro-adventures,” such as hiking nearby trails, fishing, or even camping in the backyard.

Outdoor creativity is trending as well, with kids painting rocks or drawing with sidewalk chalk. Along with this, keeping a nature journal can encourage mindfulness and curiosity about the natural world. The creative avenues that nature provides should not be taken for granted; there are many benefits that kids can get from outdoor creativity.

Beyond fun, time outdoors supports healthy development by encouraging physical activity, building good habits, improving mood, and helping kids recharge mentally.

Whether they’re lacing up running shoes for their first race, celebrating a strike at the bowling alley, or gearing up for their next sports season, local businesses are helping make sure summer is filled with activity, friendship, and fun.

The best summer days are often the simplest ones: running around with friends, learning a new skill, or discovering a hobby that sparks excitement. These moments help kids build confidence, strengthen their connections, and stay active—all essential ingredients in creating experiences that stay with them long after summer break ends.

So this season, consider trading a little screen time for sunshine, laughter, and community. Lincoln’s local businesses are ready to help kids stay moving, stay curious, and make the most of every warm summer day. From running and walking, to indoor bowling leagues, to affordable sports equipment, your kids will be prepared to have a summer they will remember.

And beyond the activities themselves, it’s the little moments in between that truly shape the season, the high-fives after a game, the encouragement from teammates, the sense of pride that comes from trying something new. These are the experiences that build confidence, foster independence, and create lasting memories.