Are you looking for brilliant ways to keep your kids entertained without resorting to screens? You’re in the right place!
I know all too well how easy it is to let screens become the go-to activity. But as much fun as they can be, it’s crucial to mix things up with some good, old-fashioned hands-on fun.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of twelve fantastic screen-free activities that children of all ages can enjoy.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
A classic! There’s something magical about a scavenger hunt. It turns an ordinary walk into an adventure. For me it’s the ultimate screen-free activity.
To set up a nature scavenger hunt, all you need is a list of items for your kids to find and a small bag for each participant to collect their treasures.
You can include items like a certain type of leaf, a smooth stone, or even something colorful they discover along the way. This activity encourages your kids to explore the great outdoors and sharpens their observational skills.
Make sure to tailor the complexity of the items to fit the age of your children so everyone can participate fully.
It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, soaking in the fresh air and perhaps learning a bit about local flora and fauna together.
2. Cardboard Castle Construction
Unlock your children’s architectural talents with an afternoon of cardboard castle construction!
Grab some large cardboard boxes from local stores or use ones you have at home.
You’ll also need tape, scissors, and markers or paint for decorating. I find paint pens particularly great for cardboard.
Show your kids how to cut doorways and windows, and let their imaginations run wild as they create turrets, drawbridges, and even a moat.
This wonderful screen-free activity is fantastic for boosting creative thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a fun, hands-on project that can keep the family engaged for hours.
3. Family Bike Ride
A family bike ride is the perfect way to combine fitness with family bonding time. Check that each family member’s bike is in good working condition, grab helmets, and set off on a route that suits everyone’s ability level.
Whether it’s a park trail or around your neighborhood.
You can make it more interesting by planning a few stops along the way to observe nature, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax. Not only does it encourage physical activity, but it also offers everyone a chance to unplug and enjoy each other’s company in the great outdoors.
4. DIY Obstacle Course
Turn your home or backyard into a thrilling obstacle course!
Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create stations that require jumping, crawling, and balancing.
For an added challenge, include a station where kids must toss a ball into a bucket or hop through a series of hula hoops.
This is one of those screen-free activities that is great for all ages as you can adjust the difficulty level to suit younger or older kids. It helps develop physical coordination and problem-solving skills. Gather a stopwatch and see who can complete the course the fastest for a little friendly competition!
5. Homemade Magic Show
Start by helping your kids learn a few simple magic tricks, which you can find in books from the local library or online tutorials. See the video below for example!
They’ll need a few basic supplies like a pack of cards cards, some coins, or even a home-made wand!
Practice together, then let them perform for the family. It’s a fun way to boost their confidence and presentation skills.
Don’t forget to create a cozy setup with dim lights and a curtain for that authentic magic show feel!
6. Cooking Workshop
Get your chef’s hats on and dive into a cooking workshop right in your kitchen.
Pick a simple, kid-friendly recipe like homemade pizza, cookies, or fruit salads.
Gather all the ingredients and assign tasks to each child according to their age and skills, such as measuring, mixing, or decorating.
Cooking together teaches valuable life skills and also helps with math and reading comprehension as they follow recipes. Plus, it’s a delicious way to spend time together.
End the session by enjoying the meal or treat you’ve made, giving everyone a sense of accomplishment and a tasty reward!
7. Book Creation Station
Encourage your kids to become authors and illustrators with their own book creation station.
Provide them with paper, markers, old magazines for cutting out pictures, glue, and maybe even some glitter for a bit of sparkle.
Guide them to come up with a story idea. Perhaps a fairy tale, adventure story, or a day in their life.
They can write the text on the bottom half of the page and illustrate the top.
This activity helps develop their writing and artistic skills and ends with their own book to proudly read aloud to the family.
8. Tea Party Extravaganza
Host a whimsical tea party for your children and their favorite stuffed animals or dolls.
Set up a small table with tea sets, plates, and little snacks like sandwiches or cookies.
Encourage your children to dress up for the occasion and perhaps role-play as different characters.
This activity is great for younger kids as it sparks their imagination and teaches them about manners and social interactions. It’s also a lovely way for family members to bond over tea and treats, engaging in storytelling and gentle play.
9. Crafts with Pipe Cleaners and Sock Puppets
Open a crafty afternoon with materials like pipe cleaners, socks, buttons, and yarn. Show your children how to twist pipe cleaners into colorful shapes and animals.
Sock puppets can be made by gluing or sewing on buttons for eyes and yarn for hair. This activity promotes fine motor skills and creative expression.
It may be helpful to have a hot glue gun for this activity, and a needle and thread.
Once the crafts are made, children can put on a puppet show, which enhances their storytelling and verbal skills. It’s a delightful way to encourage creativity and a fun display of their handmade characters!
10. Epic Board Game Marathon
Nothing says family fun like an epic board game marathon.
Pull out various board games that cater to different age groups and interests within your family. You could include a mix of strategy games, classic games like Monopoly or Clue, and quicker card games like Uno.
This screen-free activity encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and patience as family members switch between games.
Make it extra special by keeping score and offering a small prize for the overall winner. It’s a great way to engage everyone for hours!
11. Jump Rope and Hula Hoop Contest
Organize a friendly competition with jump ropes and hula hoops in your backyard or at a local park.
These is one of those screen-free activities that is classic, wholesome fun, and excellent for kids to improve their physical fitness while having a blast.
You can set challenges like who can jump rope the longest without stopping or who can hula hoop the most rounds.
It’s a fun way to energize everyone and enjoy some active playtime together.
12. Treasure Hunt with Secret Codes
I love secret codes! They are challenging, playful, and add a bit of adrenaline to any activity.
Create an adventurous treasure hunt by using secret codes and clues hidden around your house or yard.
You’ll need to prepare a map or a series of clues, each leading to the next location. This is just as much fun for us parents as for the kids!
Incorporate simple coded messages that need to be deciphered to reveal the next clue, using symbols, reversed letters, or simple cipher keys.
This activity is fantastic for older children as it challenges their problem-solving skills and sparks their curiosity. The hunt ends with finding a ‘treasure’. Maybe a box of treats or small toys, adding excitement and a sense of achievement to their adventure.
Stephanie Simmons is an Anglo-American mum of two who is passionate about all things outdoors. She loves camping, outdoor crafting, and all outdoor activities.
Steph believes in getting the kids outdoors no matter the weather!
She created Wild Bloom Families to share her passion for the outdoors with other families.
Getting in nature can transform your physical health, mental health and happiness!
