The neighborhood rally button
Beacon Buddies is a physical device with a big button, bright lights, and a speaker. Kids press it to signal the neighborhood: “I’m heading outside — come play!” Think Batman signal meets Easy Button, built for neighborhood kids.
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No apps, no accounts, no screen time. Just a button, a signal, and kids heading outside.
Step 1
One big, satisfying button press. Lights flash, a fun sound plays, and the signal goes out.
Step 2
Every connected beacon in the neighborhood activates — lights, sounds, the works. The message is clear.
Step 3
Friends see the beacon, grab their shoes, and head out. Adventure begins. No screens required.
A big button, bright lights, and a mission to get kids outside
Beacon Buddies is a physical device that lets kids signal the neighborhood when they're heading outside. One press and the beacon lights up, sounds off, and rallies the crew. Here's why we're building it.
The science behind getting kids off screens and into the sunshine
Research consistently shows that outdoor play improves physical health, mental well-being, creativity, and social skills in children. Here's what the science says and why it should change how we structure our kids' days.
It takes a village — here's how to build one
A great neighborhood for kids doesn't happen by accident. It's built by parents who know each other, kids who feel safe, and a culture that values outdoor play. Here's how to create that in your community.
Remember when someone knocked on your door and asked “Can you come outside?” That simple moment launched a thousand adventures — bike rides, fort builds, epic games of tag, and friendships that lasted years. No coordination, no scheduling, no screens. Just a knock, a question, and a crew.
We built Beacon Buddies to bring that back. Today’s kids are more digitally connected than ever, but neighborhood play has quietly disappeared. We believe a simple physical signal — a beacon that says “I’m outside, come play!” — can spark the kind of spontaneous, joyful, screen-free play that every childhood deserves.
We’re in the prototype stage right now, and we’d love for you to follow along. Sign up to get build updates, early access, and ideas for getting your neighborhood playing together.
Join families following the Beacon Buddies build. Get prototype updates, early access, and ideas for neighborhood play.
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