With technology on the rise, parents may be concerned about how much time their children spend on their phones, iPads, or tablets. While screens aren’t bad in moderation, there are screen-free activities to help your children — and yourself — unplug and connect. Here’s a list of screen-free boredom busters.
Outdoor activities
- Neighborhood scavenger hunt. Create a list of things for kids to find in the neighborhood and let them check them off the list as you go.
- “Counting” walk. Grab a click counter and let your kids count every squirrel, sign, mailbox, etc.
- Play “I spy” as you go. This one is a guaranteed good time.
Activities that are also chores
- Cook together. Let your child “help” make a meal. Let them sort or pick leaves off of a stem. Grab a cutting board and a toddler knife and give them something easy to chop.
- Pack lunch. Pack their school lunches together.
- Tidy up scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunt around the house like picking up laundry to put in a basket or toys to put in the toy bin.
At-home activities (high energy)
- Build a fort. Create a fort or play area with couch cushions, blankets, pillows etc.
- Create an obstacle course. Lots of at-home items work for this like pillows or towels to jump over or tape on the floor as a “tight rope” or “balance beam.”
- Balloon volleyball. Blow up a balloon and see how long they can keep it in the air.
- Simon says. Make this game entertaining by switching the “Simon” role between you and your kids.
At-home activities (lower energy)
- Free art. Gather supplies and let their creativity flow. Some useful items might be popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, pompoms, glue sticks, markers, crayons, etc.
- Giant coloring sheet. Cover an entire table with a roll of paper and let them get to work.
- Easy crafts. Paper planes, post cards to decorate and send to friends and family, thank you cards, or get well soon cards.
Places to go
- Zoos and aquariums. Many zoos and aquariums offer special events or activities for kids.
- Museums. A good science or children’s museum will keep your children entertained.
- Libraries and book stores. Check out some books and let your kids explore the children’s section. You might just find their new favorite book series or interest.
- Both libraries and book stores can be catalysts that spark a love for literature and new interests that extend well beyond the walls of the library or store. Parents can capitalize on the experience by setting up reading time at home where personalized reading experiences can enhance the connection between the child and what is being read. When children see themselves in the books and stories they are reading, these moments become more engaging and meaningful part of everyday family life.
