With excitement building around Toy Story 5, many fans are already talking about one of the movie’s biggest themes: the growing role of screens in children’s lives. Early previews suggest the beloved toys may once again be fighting for kids’ attention — this time against tablets, devices, and digital distractions. It’s a story that feels especially relevant today, and one that closely connects to the mission of Challenge Island.

At Challenge Island®, children step away from screens and into worlds of imagination, collaboration, and creativity. Instead of scrolling, kids are designing roller coasters, building islands, solving engineering challenges, and creating inventions together. These hands-on experiences encourage communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that can sometimes get lost in an overly digital world.

Of course, technology has its place, and there are many positive ways kids can learn online. But childhood also needs moments of unplugged exploration — the kind where cardboard becomes a castle, tape becomes a tool for invention, and teamwork turns into adventure. Screen-free STEM learning gives children opportunities to think independently, experiment freely, and engage with the real world around them.

As families look ahead to summer and beyond, Toy Story’s message feels like an important reminder: imagination thrives when kids are actively creating, not just consuming. Whether they’re engineering a challenge, inventing with teammates, or laughing through a hands-on adventure, Challenge Island® helps children rediscover the magic of learning through play — no batteries required.

Check out our upcoming hands on STEAM Programming