Dancing Bear Toys will partner with ten other local businesses to encourage kids to take a break from their screens during WNC Screen Free Week.
Every day, kids between the ages of three and eighteen will spend an average of six hours a day in front of screen media. Studies have linked excessive screen time to childhood obesity, irregular sleep patterns, and behavioral issues.
On May 2-8, 2016, Dancing Bear Toys will celebrate its 20th annual Screen Free Week by challenging kids to "go off TV, video games, and other screen media" for seven days. They will offer a $5 gift card to kids who successfully complete the challenge.
Dancing Bear will also offer free play days every day after school. Each play day will celebrate a different country from around the world. Kids will make pinatas, decorate venetian masks, write their name in hieroglyphs, and so much more!
“We wanted to turn it into a community effort,” says Marylee Sumeriski, marketing specialist at Dancing Bear Toys. “We’re always looking for ways to spotlight other local businesses. We want to encourage kids to get out, get active, and get engaged with all WNC has to offer.”
Local businesses will show their support for healthy kids by offering special programming during the week and incentives to kids who complete the Screen-Free challenge.
Participating businesses include The WNC Nature Center, The Arboretum, Neo Burrito, The Hop, Ultimate Ice Cream, Vortex Donuts, Flat Rock Playhouse, Kilwin’s of Hendersonville, and Novels and Novelties.
For a complete list of activities and sponsors, visit their website: https://screenfreeweekwnc.wordpress.com/
Screen Free Week is a national holiday sponsored by the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood. Dancing Bear Toys is a family-owned specialty toy store with locations in Asheville (518 Kenilworth Rd) and Hendersonville (418 North Main Street).
