Screen-Free Summer Fun: How to Turn Coloring Time Into a Global Adventure

School’s out, the sun’s shining and if you’re a parent, chances are you’ve already heard the classic summertime refrain:
“I’m bored!”

With long days ahead and screens often filling the quiet moments, it can be tough to find meaningful, unplugged activities that keep kids engaged while still supporting their growth.

If you're looking for ways to make this summer both fun and educational (without gluing your child to a tablet), coloring might just be your secret weapon especially when it becomes a journey around the world.

Why Coloring Can Be So Much More Than Just Coloring

Coloring is often seen as simple play—but it’s actually a gateway to deeper learning. When paired with global themes and thoughtful prompts, it becomes a tool for:

• Building cultural awareness
• Reinforcing geography and science
• Developing focus and fine motor skills
• Sparking curiosity about the wider world
  

It’s tactile, calming, and screen-free; ideal for summer days at home, on the go, or while traveling.

A Creative Way to Explore the World

One easy way to turn coloring into a rich, global experience is to use tools that combine art with cross-cultural learning. For example, Animals Around the World Coloring Series is a printable coloring and activity book that invites kids ages 4–12 to travel the continent through its wildlife.

Each page features:

• An animal from a different African country
• Fun facts and cultural tidbits
• Space to color, reflect, and engage
  

Rather than just keeping kids busy, it helps them connect the dots between animals, habitats, and the people and cultures who share those spaces.

How to Make It a Summer-Long Adventure

Want to get even more out of the experience? Try building a simple summer routine around it:

• Pick a Country a Day

Choose one new animal and country to explore each day. Look it up on a map or globe, and mark your progress as you "travel."

• Add Sound and Story

Play music or nature sounds from that region while your child colors. It helps build a sensory connection to the place.

• Create an “Animal Passport"

Encourage your child to keep track of the animals they’ve colored in a DIY travel log or “passport.” They can write down what they learned, what surprised them, or even make up stories about their animal’s day in the wild.

Who This Is Great For

This kind of activity is perfect for:

• Parents seeking screen-free summer enrichment
• Homeschool families looking for cultural geography and science tie-ins
• Teachers preparing for global themes in the classroom
• Kids who love animals, art, or both
  

It’s low-prep, easy to bring on road trips, and flexible enough to use however it works best for your family.

Bonus for Families Who Purchase

If you decide to try the Animals Around the World series, each book also includes a free bonus printable activity pack with:

• Coloring tips to enhance each page
• Real photos of the animals for visual connection
• Cultural facts that deepen learning
• And a surprise your child will love
  

(Just follow the download link inside the book.)

Summer learning doesn’t have to mean more worksheets or more screen time. With the right tools, even a coloring book can open up a world of discovery. Whether you’re traveling or staying home this year, your child can still explore new places, learn about distant lands, and build a lifelong sense of curiosity.

Want to get started?
The Animals Around the World: Africa Edition is available now on Amazon. One page, one country, one amazing animal at a time; your child’s journey begins here.

[Order now on Amazon]
Ideal for ages 4–12 | Screen-free | Printable bonus included