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DIY Summer Activity Jars to Reduce Screen Time!

This post is sponsored by Ball®. All opinions expressed are ours alone.

Who else is worried about keeping kids busy, but off screens, this summer? I decided to make things a little easier for myself by setting expectations early on and giving my kids some control over their screen time. With these DIY Summer Activity Jars – featuring Ball® Jars from Michael’s – the kids are given activities that need to be completed before they can use technology. They have control over how quickly or slowly they complete the activities, but I can feel good knowing that they spent time using their brains and bodies in healthy ways before looking at screens. Keep reading for the tutorial!

Supplies needed to make your own DIY Summer Activity Jars
(Check out Michael’s coupons to save on these and other crafting supplies!)

Ball® Pint Jars
Popsicle sticks
Adhesive vinyl
Printable Clear Sticker Paper
Washi tape

Step 1: Apply vinyl labels to the jars – one jar will say “DO IT” and the other will say “DID IT.”

You can access the designs we used in our free download libary (scroll to the bottom of the post to get access).

Step 2: Print your activity list on clear sticker paper. Cut each activity to fit the popsicle sticks, then apply them to the sticks. Here are some activities you might want to include:

  • Pray
  • Make bed
  • Get dressed
  • Repeat affirmations
  • Brush your teeth
  • Pick up room
  • Pick up toys
  • Practice piano
  • Practice writing
  • Complete workbook page
  • Read
  • Be creative/do something artistic
  • Play outside
  • Exercise
  • Chores
  • Do service

Step 3: Wrap one end of each popsicle stick in washi tape to add some pattern and color.

Step 4: Add the sticks to your “DO IT” jar. As your kids complete each task in the “DO IT” jar, they can move it to the “DID IT” jar. They’ll need to complete all the “DO IT” activities before they can have screen time.

Happy crafting!
xo, Sam



If you like this tutorial, you’ll love these other jar crafts!

“Get Well” Soup Jars

DIY Summer Jars

DIY Flower Vases

Etched Jar Drinking Glasses