50+ Screen Free Activities for Kids That Will Actually Keep Them Busy

Let me tell you something – as a parent in today’s digital world, I sometimes feel like I’m fighting a losing battle against screens. We all know that familiar glow lighting up our children’s faces as they become entranced by videos, games, and apps. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against technology (I mean, you’re reading this on a screen right now, right?), but I’ve found that intentionally creating screen-free time has been absolutely game-changing for my family.

Remember when we were kids? We’d spend hours outside until our parents called us in for dinner. Our creativity wasn’t limited by pre-programmed games or YouTube suggestions. We made up our own fun! That’s exactly what I want for my son, and I bet you do too.

So I’ve put together this mega-list of screen free activities that my son actually enjoys. No eye-rolling, no “I’m bored” complaints (well, maybe a few, but they don’t last long!). The best part? Most of these use materials you already have at home or can easily find.

Indoor Screen Free Activities For Kids

1. Building Forts

Age: 3-12 years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials:

• Blankets, sheets, pillows
• Clothespins or clips
• Chairs, tables, sofa cushions
• Flashlights

Steps:

1. Clear some space in your living room or bedroom
2. Gather all fort-building materials
3. Challenge kids to build the coolest fort ever
4. Add flashlights for extra atmosphere
5. Use the fort for reading, telling stories, or having a picnic

Our fort-building days are some of my favorite memories. My son once spent an entire rainy afternoon in his fort, reading books and making up stories about the “magical kingdom” he had created. No screen could compete with that imagination!

📌 Related article: Screen Free Activities for Toddlers: 15 Fun Ideas That Actually Work

2. Storytelling

Age: 3+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Just your imagination!
Steps:

1. Gather in a circle or cozy spot
2. Start with a prompt like “Once upon a time…”
3. Take turns adding to the story
4. For younger kids, use stuffed animals as characters
5. For older kids, add challenges like including specific words

My son was going through a shy phase until we started our storytelling nights. Something about the freedom to make up wild adventures helped him open up in ways I hadn’t expected. Now he’s our family’s most enthusiastic storyteller!

📌 Related article: 5 Easy DIY Sensory Bottles for Toddlers: Boost Development Through Play!

3. Treasure Hunt

Age: 3-10 years
Difficulty: Medium (requires prep)
Materials: Small items to hide, written clues (or pictures for pre-readers)
Steps:

1. Hide small treasures around your home
2. Create clues leading from one spot to the next
3. Start with an initial clue and watch them solve the puzzle
4. Make clues age-appropriate (rhymes, riddles, or picture clues)
5. Have a special prize at the end

When my son was going through a particularly screen-obsessed phase, I created a treasure hunt with clues leading to different rooms. By the end, he’d forgotten all about wanting to watch tablets and was fully engaged in the adventure!

4. Arts & Crafts

Age: 2+ years
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Materials: Depends on project – paper, markers, paint, glue, scissors, recycled materials
Steps:

1. Set up a designated craft area (I use an old shower curtain under the table!)
2. Provide materials based on your child’s interests
3. Start with a theme or let creativity flow freely
4. Display finished artwork in a special gallery area
5. Rotate supplies regularly to keep interest fresh

I’m not naturally crafty, but I’ve learned that kids don’t care if the end result is Pinterest-worthy. My son made a “robot” from an old cereal box that looked nothing like a robot, but she played with it for weeks! It’s about the process, not perfection.

Grab Your FREE Screen-Free Resources

Looking for ready-to-use activities you can print and go? I’ve got you covered! 

Get instant access to my free Screen-Free Activities Vault. These free printables designed specifically for keeping kids entertained without screens. Whether you’re planning a road trip, need quick boredom busters at home, or want engaging activities for outings, these resources will become your go-to toolkit. 

Sign up below and start downloading right away!

5. Board Games & Card Games

Age: 3+ years (age-appropriate games)
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Various games and cards
Steps:

1. Start with games that match your child’s attention span
2. For younger children, modify rules to keep it simple
3. Establish good sportsmanship guidelines before playing
4. Create a weekly family game night tradition
5. Let kids take turns choosing the games

Game night has become sacred in our house. We turn off phones, make special snacks, and connect in ways that just don’t happen during our busy weeks. I’ve learned more about my son’s problem-solving skills and personalities through board games than I ever would have guessed!

📌 Related article: Crafting a Perler Bead Heart: Your DIY Guide to Pixel-Perfect Love

6. Cooking or Baking Together

Age: 2+ years (with age-appropriate tasks)
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Recipe ingredients, child-safe cooking tools
Steps:

1. Choose simple, kid-friendly recipes
2. Assign age-appropriate tasks (mixing, measuring, decorating)
3. Use the opportunity to talk about math and science concepts
4. Take photos of their culinary creations
5. Create a family cookbook of favorite recipes they’ve helped with

My picky eater is suddenly willing to try new foods when he helps cook them. There’s something magical about the pride of creation that overrides even the strongest food aversions. Plus, those measuring cups and spoons are secretly teaching fractions!

7. Puzzle Time

Age: 2+ years (age-appropriate puzzles)
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Materials: Jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, logic puzzles
Steps:

1. Set up a dedicated puzzle space where work can remain undisturbed
2. Start with puzzles slightly below your child’s ability and progress
3. Work together initially, then gradually encourage independence
4. Celebrate completion with a photo before disassembling
5. Rotate puzzle types to develop different thinking skills

We started a puzzle tradition during winter breaks, and it’s been amazing to see how my son’s spatial awareness has improved. My 4-year-old who couldn’t manage a 24-piece puzzle last year just completed a 100-piece one with minimal help!

8. Dance Party

Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Music, optional props like scarves or ribbons
Steps:

1. Create a playlist of kid-friendly songs
2. Clear some space for movement
3. Add simple dance challenges (freeze dance, follow-the-leader)
4. Use scarves or ribbons for added movement fun
5. Take turns being the choreographer

Our living room dance parties have become the perfect after-dinner energy burner. My husband and I join in, and suddenly we’re all laughing and being silly together. It’s the perfect reset button when everyone’s getting cranky!

📌 Related article: 6 Free Printable Scavenger Hunts for Kids | Ultimate Collection

9. Sock Puppet Show

Age: 3-10 years
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Old socks, buttons, yarn, fabric scraps, glue
Steps:

1. Decorate socks to create different characters
2. Build a simple puppet theater from a cardboard box
3. Create a basic story or adapt a favorite tale
4. Practice the performance
5. Invite family members to be the audience

10. Science Experiments

Age: 3-12 years
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Varies by experiment
Steps:

1. Choose age-appropriate experiments with common household items
2. Make predictions before starting
3. Follow the scientific method in simple terms
4. Have children document results through drawings or notes
5. Discuss what happened and why

The first time we made a baking soda and vinegar volcano, my son’s eyes got so wide! That expression of wonder and discovery is exactly why I love screen-free activities. He asked to do it three more times and then wanted to research real volcanoes!

📌 Related article: DIY Toys for Toddlers: Boost Your Child’s Fine Motor Skills Through Play

11. LEGO or Block Building

Age: 2+ years (age-appropriate blocks)
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Building blocks, LEGO bricks
Steps:

1. Provide a variety of pieces and a flat building surface
2. Offer themed challenges or free building time
3. Have children describe what they’ve created
4. Display special creations temporarily
5. Photograph before disassembling

Building blocks might be the ultimate open-ended toy. We have spent hours constructing elaborate cities, spaceships, and fairy houses. I love watching how our creations become more complex and detailed as he grows.

12. Yoga or Stretching

Age: 2+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Yoga mat or soft carpet
Steps:

1. Find a quiet space
2. Demonstrate simple poses or stretches
3. Create animal-themed poses for younger children
4. Focus on breathing and mindfulness
5. Keep sessions short and playful

I started doing simple yoga with my son as a way to calm them before bedtime, and it’s worked wonders! My energetic child now asks to do his “special breathing” when he feels frustrated. It’s been an unexpected emotional regulation tool.

13. Simon Says or Charades

Age: 3+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: None needed, optional word cards for charades
Steps:

1. Explain simple rules appropriate to age
2. Start with easy commands or gestures
3. Take turns being “Simon” or acting out charades
4. Increase difficulty as children master the game
5. Create themed rounds (animals, movies, activities)

These classic games are lifesavers on rainy days! We get bodies moving even when stuck indoors. My son laughs so hard during charades that sometimes we can’t even finish the game!

14. Letter Writing

Age: 4+ years
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Paper, envelopes, stamps, coloring supplies
Steps:

1. Discuss who they’d like to write to (relatives, friends)
2. Help them compose a simple message
3. Decorate the letter or draw pictures
4. Address the envelope together
5. Walk to the mailbox to send it

In our digital world, there’s something special about receiving real mail. My son wrote to her grandmother, and when she got a letter back, you would have thought it was Christmas morning! Now they have a monthly pen pal exchange.

15. Play Pretend

Age: 2+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Dress-up clothes, props, toys
Steps:

1. Suggest a theme or scenario (restaurant, store, doctors)
2. Provide a few props to spark imagination
3. Let children direct the play
4. Join in when invited, following their lead
5. Allow the scenario to evolve naturally

We’ve turned our dining room into a spaceship last week, complete with control panels (paper plates) and mission logs (scribbled notes). We played for two hours, completely immersed in our imaginary world. These are the moments when I’m grateful for screen limits!

Outdoor Screen Free Activities For Kids

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Age: 3-10 years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Scavenger hunt list, collection bag
Steps:

1. Create a list of items to find (pine cone, red leaf, smooth rock)
2. Make it visual for non-readers with pictures
3. Explore your yard, park, or hiking trail
4. Collect items or take photos of discoveries
5. Discuss what they found afterward

I took my son on a nature scavenger hunt at our local park, and he spotted things I would have completely missed! His excitement at finding a “heart-shaped rock” or “zigzag stick” reminded me how much wonder exists when we slow down and really look.

Here’s a list of 6 FREE of the best scavenger hunts for kids.

2. Bike Riding or Scooter Time

Age: 2-12 years (age-appropriate wheels)
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Materials: Bike, scooter, helmet, knee pads
Steps:

1. Ensure proper safety gear
2. Start in a safe, traffic-free area
3. Create simple courses with chalk or cones
4. Practice stopping, starting, and turning
5. Gradually increase distance and difficulty

Teaching my son to ride her bike involved so many falls and tears, but that moment when it clicked – when she pedaled away on her own – was pure magic. Now our family bike rides are a highlight of our weekends.

📌 Related article: Baby activity ideas 0 to 18 months old to boost developmental skills

3. Sidewalk Chalk Art

Age: 2+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Sidewalk chalk, spray bottle with water
Steps:

1. Find a safe paved area
2. Draw pictures, games (hopscotch), or messages
3. Try wet chalk for more vibrant colors
4. Create a collaborative family mural
5. Take photos before rain washes it away

Our driveway has been transformed into everything from an underwater scene to a racetrack for toy cars. We love that chalk art is temporary – it gives us freedom to experiment without pressure for perfection.

4. Gardening

Age: 2+ years
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Child-sized tools, seeds or plants, watering can
Steps:

1. Designate a small garden area or use containers
2. Choose fast-growing, hardy plants for beginners
3. Let children help with digging, planting, watering
4. Create plant markers together
5. Track growth and changes in a garden journal

My son showed zero interest in vegetables until we grew cherry tomatoes together. The pride on his face when he harvested his first tiny tomato was priceless – and yes, he actually ate it! Gardening teaches patience in our instant-gratification world.

5. Obstacle Course

Age: 3-12 years
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Hula hoops, cones, jump ropes, balance beams
Steps:

1. Design 5-7 different stations
2. Demonstrate how to complete each section
3. Time children as they go through
4. Let them redesign the course
5. Add water elements in summer for extra fun

When we’re stuck inside on bad weather days, this activity burns so much energy! My son loves when I try his redesigned courses, especially when he makes them extra challenging for me. His giggles when I struggle to fit under the coffee table are worth every second!

📌 Related article: What is open-ended play, why it’s important for kids & toys

6. Picnic

Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Blanket, simple food, books or games
Steps:

1. Let children help pack the picnic basket
2. Choose a special outdoor location
3. Bring activities for after eating
4. Practice “leave no trace” principles
5. Make it a weekly tradition when weather permits

Our “Picnic Fridays” became a cherished tradition during the pandemic. Even if we just went to our backyard, the change of scenery made meals more exciting. My picky eater mysteriously tries more foods when we’re sitting on a blanket under a tree!

7. Jump Rope or Hopscotch

Age: 4-12 years
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Materials: Jump rope, chalk for hopscotch
Steps:

1. Start with basic skills and increase difficulty
2. Create jump rope rhymes or counting games
3. Draw creative hopscotch patterns
4. Have competitions for fun
5. Teach classic playground games from your childhood

I was shocked when my 6-year-old had never played hopscotch at school! Teaching her games from my childhood has been so rewarding. These simple activities develop coordination and balance skills while burning off endless energy.

8. Bug or Bird Watching

Age: 3+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Magnifying glass, notebook, field guide
Steps:

1. Find a good observation spot
2. Wait quietly and watch
3. Record findings with drawings or notes
4. Look up species in a field guide or app
5. Create a neighborhood wildlife map

My son’s fascination with roly-poly bugs turned into a wider interest in all insects. We created a simple bug journal where he draws what he finds. His attention to detail has improved remarkably, and he’s developing real observation skills.

9. Sports

Age: 3+ years
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Materials: Varies by sport (balls, goals, nets)
Steps:

1. Focus on fun rather than competition for young children
2. Teach basic skills through games
3. Modify rules to match ability levels
4. Play together as a family
5. Rotate through different sports to find favorites

I’m not particularly athletic, but kicking a soccer ball around with my son has become one of our favorite after-dinner activities. We’re all learning together, and the emphasis is on fun rather than skill. These informal games have given him confidence to try organized sports.

10. Water Play

Age: 2+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Sprinkler, water balloons, buckets, sponges
Steps:

1. Set boundaries for water use
2. Create games like sponge relays or target practice
3. Use recycled containers for pouring and measuring
4. Add food coloring to water for extra fun
5. Keep towels handy!

Water activities are my summer sanity savers! My son will stay engaged for hours with just a sprinkler and some cups. I’ve found that adding a simple challenge like “fill this bucket using only this sponge” can extend play time significantly.

11. Climbing Trees

Age: 5+ years (depends on ability)
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Sturdy trees with low branches
Steps:

1. Establish clear safety rules
2. Teach proper three-point climbing technique
3. Stay close for supervision
4. Respect the tree (no breaking branches)
5. Know your child’s limits

I was nervous the first time I let my son climb our backyard oak tree, but the confidence it gave his was worth overcoming my helicopter parent instincts. We established clear boundaries about how high she could go, and tree climbing has become his favorite outdoor activity.

📌 Related article: Is Lego good for 3 year old kids? + Best Lego sets in 2025

12. Camping in the Backyard

Age: 3+ years
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Tent, sleeping bags, flashlights
Steps:

1. Set up tent together
2. Create a simple campfire (or use lanterns)
3. Tell stories or identify stars
4. Cook a simple outdoor meal if possible
5. Have an indoor backup plan for weather issues

Our backyard camping adventures started as a test run before “real” camping, but they’ve become special events themselves. There’s something magical about sleeping under the stars just steps from your back door – especially for younger kids who might not be ready for the full camping experience.

13. Cloud Watching

Age: 3+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Blanket to lie on
Steps:

1. Find a comfortable spot to lie down
2. Look for shapes in the clouds
3. Make up stories about what you see
4. Discuss how clouds move and change
5. Learn basic cloud types together

This peaceful activity has become our family’s reset button when everyone is cranky or overstimulated. Lying on our backs, watching clouds drift by, and sharing what we see – it’s simple mindfulness practice disguised as play.

14. Flying a Kite

Age: 4+ years
Difficulty: Medium
Materials: Kite, string, windy day
Steps:

1. Check wind conditions (ideally 5-15 mph)
2. Find an open area away from trees and power lines
3. Demonstrate basic launching and flying
4. Take turns controlling the kite
5. Discuss how wind affects flight

My little one was amazed the first time we successfully launched a kite! There’s something magical about controlling something so far above your head. It’s been a wonderful way to talk about weather patterns and physics in a hands-on way.

15. Stargazing

Age: 3+ years
Difficulty: Easy
Materials: Blanket, star chart or app, flashlight with red cellophane
Steps:

1. Find a dark location away from city lights if possible
2. Allow eyes to adjust to darkness
3. Identify constellations or planets
4. Share star mythology stories
5. Ask open-ended questions about space

Staying up past bedtime for a special stargazing session feels like such an adventure for us. We keep it simple – finding the Big Dipper, spotting the moon’s craters, and wondering about what’s out there. These quiet moments of wonder often lead to the most profound conversations with my son.

Age-Specific Suggestions

For Toddlers (2-3 years)

• Water painting on the fence or sidewalk
• Sorting games with household items
• Simple sensory bins with rice or beans
• Dance party with scarves
• Bubble chasing

For Preschoolers (4-5 years)

• Simple cooking projects
• Letter/number hunts around the house
• Puppet shows with socks or paper bags
• Nature collecting and sorting
• Building with cardboard boxes

For School-Age (6-12 years)

• Science experiments
• DIY board games
• Start a collection (rocks, leaves, etc.)
• Create a family newspaper
• Write and perform a play

Ready to Take the Challenge Further?

After seeing how much these activities transformed our family’s screen time battles, I knew other parents needed more than just a list. That’s why I created the Screen Free Activities Challenge Kit: Break the Screen Habit & Boost Creativity – a comprehensive toolkit that makes implementing screen-free time actually doable (and fun!).

This isn’t just another printable pack. It’s a complete system that includes:

• A colorful weekly activity tracker that kids get excited to fill in
• 16 quick “I’m bored” activity cards for instant solutions
• Achievement certificates that make kids proud of their screen-free time
• A parent guide with strategies for handling resistance and meltdowns
• Seasonal activity calendars to keep things fresh all year long
• Troubleshooting tips for common challenges

What I love most is watching my son race to color in his tracker each day. He’s gone from begging for screen time to actually asking, “What’s today’s screen-free challenge?” The visual progress keeps him motivated, and the achievement certificates have become treasured keepsakes.

If you’re ready to break the screen habit in your home without the constant battles, this kit gives you everything you need to succeed. Check it out in my shop – your future self (and your kids) will thank you!

FAQs about Screen Free Activities for Kids

Conclusion

I’m not here to make anyone feel guilty about screen time. Trust me, there are days when I’m beyond grateful for the electronic babysitter! But I’ve noticed something important in our family – when we intentionally create screen-free zones in our day, something magical happens.

My son talks more. He creates more. His imagination expands in ways I never expected. One cardboard box becomes a rocket ship, then a store, then a robot costume – all in the span of an afternoon.

The activities I’ve shared aren’t complicated or expensive. They don’t require you to be a Pinterest-perfect parent. They simply create space for your child’s natural creativity and curiosity to flourish.

So next time you hear “I’m bored” after turning off the screens, try one of these activities. You might be surprised at how quickly they forget about their digital demands and discover the joy of good old-fashioned play.

Don’t forget to grab your free resources from my vault to make implementing these activities even easier. And if you’re ready to fully transform your family’s screen habits, check out the Screen Free Activities Challenge Kit in my shop for a complete system that takes the guesswork out of screen-free living.

What’s your favorite screen-free activity to do with your kids? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

Happy screen free activities, 

Xx Kinga

Pin it for later!