In the spring I took away the kids’ privilege of screens and social media from Monday to Thursday nights.

School’s starting the day after Labor Day and I want to remind the kids (and myself) that real life exists beyond the computer, Xbox, Facebook, instant messaging, and texting.

Here’s how you can have fun without screens.

1. Shop (in real stores, not on-line)
2. Read books
3. Give or get a manicure/pedicure
4. Play board games
5. Play cards
6. Work out
7. Do jigsaw puzzles
8. Play basketball in Riverside Park
9. Go for a walk, even around the block
10. Do a splatter art project (like Jackson Pollock)
11. Make a collage from magazines
12. Make a scrapbook page
13. Talk on the phone to Chicago cousins
14. Sit on a stoop with a friend
15. Go to the school yard
16. Nap
17. Bake cookies or brownies
18. Take a bath
19. Go swimming at the JCC
20. Redecorate, move furniture around
21. Practice gymnastics in the field
22. Read comic books
23. Make up a dance
24. Sing
25. Simply be awesome