Life these days can feel completely upside down, and it can be tempting to hand over the iPad or laptop to keep the kids occupied while you get some work done. But why not take this opportunity to nourish their little imaginations and tackle the dreaded foe of boredom? We’ve gathered a list of 100 screen-free activities that will keep your kids engaged, entertained, and off their screens. So, before you surrender to the screen, let’s dive into these exciting and analog family-friendly activities that are perfect for this time at home.
At-Home Art Class
The de Young Museum has put together 5 amazing art tutorials that will keep your little ones busy and spark their creativity. These tutorials use common household supplies, so you likely already have everything you need. From creating paint out of egg yolk and spices to making sculptures out of paper, these art lessons are sure to inspire your child’s imagination. You can watch the simple YouTube tutorials together or print out the lesson plans for an unplugged experience.
Wash Windows Together
Cleaning may sound like a chore to adults, but toddlers love to clean! Take advantage of this and have some fun while washing windows together. Grab a small spray bottle with non-toxic soap and water, a towel, and get ready for some sparkling windows. This activity can be done indoors and will keep your little ones engaged while teaching them valuable life skills.
Act Out A Book
Which book are your kids obsessed with these days? Encourage their creativity by having them act out a live action version of their favorite story. Dig into the dress-up box and let their imaginations run wild as they become the characters from their beloved books.
Make Potions
Let your little scientists unleash their creativity by creating potions. Set up small cups with water, flour, corn starch, jam, or any other ingredients they would like to mix. Watch as they experiment and create their own magical concoctions.
Dance Party!
Turn up the music and have a dance party in the living room. Dancing is a great way to burn off excess energy and lift everyone’s mood. Pick a favorite album or playlist, set a timer, and start dancing. It’s a fun and energetic activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Make Crayon-Scrap Candles
Don’t throw away those worn-down crayons! Instead, turn them into colorful candles. Follow these simple steps to create unique and vibrant candles using crayon scraps. It’s a great way to recycle and create something beautiful at the same time.
Water Activities
Fill a plastic tub with water and LEGO Duplos, and give your little ones a strainer to fish out the LEGO pieces. This activity is not only fun but also helps develop fine motor skills. Just be prepared for some splashes and water play!
Make a Fort
Build a fort using cardboard boxes, pillows, and blankets. Let your child’s imagination soar as they create their own cozy hideaway. Add a basket of books, supportive pillows, and a favorite blanket for a perfect reading nook. Forts provide hours of entertainment and a safe space for your child to play and unwind.
Origami
Introduce your kids to the art of origami. It’s a fun and unique activity that enhances creativity and fine motor skills. Start with simple origami designs or challenge them to fold paper airplanes and see who can fly them the farthest.
Make And Sculpt
Salt dough is a simple and versatile modeling dough that engages kids and requires no special materials. Use ingredients you already have at home to create salt dough and let your child’s imagination run wild as they sculpt and create their own masterpieces.
Learn a New Language
Check out language-learning programs like Pimsleur or Rosetta Stone via your library’s website. Listen to them while you color or work on a puzzle. You can also designate an hour each day for someone in the family who is fluent in a second language to speak only in that language with everyone else.
Gluing Project
Artwork is a fantastic fine motor activity that your little one can enjoy at home. Cut out colorful butterflies or flowers from construction paper and show your child how to glue the pieces onto a larger paper. This activity can be adapted for different age groups, with older children creating scenes with cut-outs and mixed media.
Pranks
With April Fools’ Day coming up, now is the perfect time to brainstorm some good-natured pranks to pull on each other. From filling dad’s shoes with cotton balls to serving blue milk (thanks to food coloring), let your creativity run wild and enjoy some laughs together.
Be A Florist
Collect branches, ferns, and a few blooms and arrange them in a pretty jar. This simple activity brings nature indoors and allows your child to explore their creativity while creating a beautiful arrangement.
Go for a Drive
If all else fails, take a drive. Consider your child’s interests and find a nearby area that matches their hobbies. Whether it’s counting cows on a grassy field or spotting different emergency vehicles, a drive can be an exciting adventure for your little one.
Raid Your Closet for Tactile Fabrics
Gather scarves of various fabrics and let your child explore different textures. Show them how to play with the scarves by waving them overhead or twirling around. This sensory activity stimulates their sense of touch and provides a calming and engaging experience.
Throw A Bath Party
Create a fun and exciting bath time by turning off the lights, using glow sticks and bubble wands, and playing music. It’s a great way to make bath time more enjoyable and memorable for your little ones.
Craft Collages from Family Photos And Old Magazines
Let your kids get creative by cutting up old magazines and family photos to create collages. This activity not only enhances their artistic skills but also encourages storytelling and self-expression.
Play Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-seek is a classic game that never gets old. Let your kids unleash their creativity and find unique hiding spots. As they become more creative, the game becomes more exciting and engaging for everyone.
Sudoku
Challenge your kids’ logic and problem-solving skills with Sudoku puzzles. There are different levels for all ages and abilities, including alphabet and color Sudoku. It’s a great mental exercise that can be fun for the whole family.
Learn Some Magic Tricks
Introduce your kids to the world of magic by teaching them a few tricks. Whether you buy trick coins or cards or learn simple sleight of hand, mastering magic tricks can be a captivating and entertaining activity for the whole family.
Rotate in Old Favorite Toys
Revive old favorite toys and activities that have been stored away. Now is the perfect time to reintroduce them and let your child engage with these toys with fresh eyes. It brings back nostalgia and provides familiar and comforting entertainment.
Go Outside
If there’s a park or wooded area nearby, take a walk and let your kids run free. Set up an obstacle course with pinecones, sticks, and rocks, challenging them to different body movements as they navigate the course.
Make a Toilet Paper Roll Craft
Get creative with those empty toilet paper rolls by turning them into fun and unique crafts. From animals to rockets, the possibilities are endless. Let your child’s imagination guide them as they transform these everyday objects into something extraordinary.
Tic Tac Toe
Put a twist on the classic game of tic tac toe by creating a custom board and using objects like rocks or pinecones as X’s and O’s. This adds a tactile element to the game and makes it more exciting and engaging for kids.
Rummage the Closets for an Impromptu Fashion Show
Let your kids have a fashion show by rummaging through your closets for fancy dresses and funny hats. They can strut their stuff and show off their creativity in their dream outfits.
Rock a Family Band
Create a family band using everyday objects as instruments. Grab some spoons and pots, and let the music flow. It’s a fun and interactive activity that encourages creativity and teamwork.
Host a High Tea and Wear Fancy Outfits and Funny Hats
Get dressed up in fancy outfits, wear funny hats, and host a high tea party at home. Serve tea out of a proper pot and cut the crusts off cucumber sandwiches for an authentic experience. It’s a delightful and imaginative activity that will make your kids feel extra special.
Make A Yogurt Sundae Buffet
Set up a yogurt sundae buffet with all the classic ice cream toppings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, nuts, and dried coconut. Let your kids personalize their own sundaes and indulge in a delicious and healthy treat.
Let Them Flip Through Cookbooks and Pick A Recipe To Make Together
Encourage your kids to explore the world of cooking by letting them flip through cookbooks and choose a recipe to make together. It’s a great way to introduce them to new foods and develop their culinary skills.
Decoupage
Decoupage is a fun and creative activity that kids love. Let them cut out pictures from newspapers or magazines and glue them onto various surfaces. They can also add extra elements like buttons, paint, glitter, and stamps to create unique mixed media pieces.
Play a Board Game
Put away the screens and go old school with a classic board game. From Candy Land to Sorry and Operation to Uno, there are countless options to choose from. Board games provide hours of fun and allow for quality family time.
Karaoke Competition
Let your kids unleash their inner rock stars with a karaoke competition. Clear the living room, create a stage, and have each kid take turns singing their favorite songs. Don’t have a microphone? A hairbrush works just as well. It’s a fun and entertaining activity that brings out the performer in everyone.
Put On A Puppet Show
Encourage creativity and storytelling by putting on a puppet show at home. Create a cardboard box theater, make puppets out of old socks or brown bags, and watch as your kids bring their imaginative stories to life.
Indoor Garden
Bring some nature indoors by creating an indoor garden. Let your kids paint their own clay pots, choose their own seeds, and make labeled plant markers. It’s a hands-on activity that teaches them about plants and provides a sense of responsibility as they care for their little garden.
DIY Bowling
Create a DIY bowling game using plastic bottles or any tall plastic containers you have at home. Set them up in a long hallway and use a ball of your choice. It’s a fun and active indoor activity that your kids will enjoy.
Spread Some Love
Encourage your kids to spread some love by writing cards, making gifts, or drawing pictures for relatives and friends. It’s a thoughtful and creative way to connect with loved ones, especially those who may be far away or isolated.
Take A Family Bike Ride
If you have access to bikes and a safe area to ride, take a family bike ride. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while practicing social distancing. You can even invite friends or neighbors to join—just remember to follow safety guidelines.
Make Your Own Puzzles
Let your kids create their own puzzles by drawing colorful pictures on paper and cutting them into large pieces. Challenge each other to solve the puzzles once everyone is done with their work. It’s a fun and challenging activity that exercises problem-solving skills.
Play Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic game that gets kids moving and following instructions. It’s a great way to keep them active on days when outdoor play isn’t possible.
Do a Riddle Scavenger Hunt
Create a riddle scavenger hunt by hiding objects around the house and writing clues for your kids to solve. It’s a thrilling activity that gets everyone involved, and you can take turns hiding items and writing clues.
Start a Pen Pal
Pick a relative or friend whom your child can’t see right now and encourage them to write a letter or draw a picture. It’s a wonderful way to foster connections and teach them about the joy of giving.
Yoga
Start each day with a peaceful stretch by practicing yoga with your kids. You don’t need a yoga mat to do this—just find a quiet space and teach them some simple poses. It’s a calming and rejuvenating activity that sets a positive tone for the day.
Spring Cleaning
Use this time at home to tackle a cluttered corner of the house or your child’s room. Have them take everything out and go through it together. Let them decide which toys they still want to play with and donate or store the ones they no longer need. It’s an opportunity to teach them about organization and responsibility.
Make Up a Song
Encourage your kids to tell a story through song. Let them create lyrics and melodies that express their imagination. It’s a delightful and creative activity that allows them to showcase their unique talents.
Hand Sew Something
If you have fabric lying around, let your kids try their hand at hand sewing. They can transform old baby blankets or T-shirts into something new and creative. Start with simple projects like a felt heart to get them started.
Jump On The Bed
Sometimes it’s fun to make exceptions to everyday rules. Let your kids jump on the bed for some energetic and exciting playtime.
Read a Longer Chapter Book to Them
Spend dedicated time each day reading a longer chapter book to your kids. Choose books that capture their imagination and take them on exciting adventures. It’s a great way to bond and ignite their love for reading.
Make Paper Flowers
Cut out paper flowers and place them in vases all over the house. It’s a simple and beautiful way to bring some color and cheer into your home.
Write a Poem
Encourage your kids to explore their poetic side by writing a poem. Start with simple rhyming exercises or create Mad-Lib style poems together. It’s a fun and creative way to express their thoughts and emotions.
Get Baking
Baking is a great way to bond with your kids and indulge in a delicious treat. Choose a simple recipe and let them help measure ingredients and mix the batter. Baking together creates lasting memories and teaches valuable baking skills.
Write Letters to Grandma and Grandpa
Send some love to grandparents and loved ones by having your kids write letters or create heartfelt pictures. Share the joy and kindness by making extra cards or crafts to send to neighbors or residents of nearby retirement centers. It’s a wonderful way to spread happiness and connect with others.
Create a Treasure Hunt
Create a fun treasure hunt throughout the house. Hide objects, prizes, and miniature candy bars, and create a map to guide your kids to the findings. Let their imagination run wild as they become little pirates on a thrilling adventure.
Plant Something
Plant snap peas or any other fast-growing plant to create an indoor garden. Let your kids paint their own pots, choose their seeds, and take care of their mini garden. It’s a hands-on activity that teaches them about nature and the joy of watching something grow.
Turn Those Amazon Boxes Into Something Cool
Recycle those Amazon boxes by turning them into something cool. Let your kids use their creativity to transform the boxes into mazes, race tracks, or even skyscrapers. Provide them with tape, glue, scissors, and paper, and watch their imagination soar.
Play Hair Salon
Create a hair salon experience for your kids. Give them a water spray bottle, a hairbrush, and various hair accessories. Let them experiment and have fun styling their own hair or each other’s hair. It’s a creative activity that encourages imaginative play.
Make Up A Play
Encourage your kids to create their own play or skit. Let them come up with characters, a storyline, and practice acting it out. They can perform the play for you once you’ve finished your work. It’s an exciting and imaginative activity that enhances their storytelling abilities.
Zone Out To Music
Encourage your kids to listen to music, not just kids’ music but a variety of genres. Share your favorite songs with them and let them explore different styles of music. It’s a great way to introduce them to new artists and create a musical bond.
Start A Chore Chart
Create a chore chart for your kids, giving them daily responsibilities that they can tackle. This teaches them about accountability and helps establish a sense of routine and discipline.
Become an Activist
Discover what your kids are passionate about and find ways for them to get involved, even on a kid scale. Whether it’s saving the planet or being kind to animals, introduce them to other young people making a difference. It’s an opportunity to teach them about compassion and the power of activism.
Create Chalk Art
Grab some chalk and let your kids unleash their artistic skills on the sidewalk. Encourage them to create hopscotch squares or colorful murals. Chalk art allows them to express their creativity while enjoying some fresh air.
Make A Milk Carton Craft
Recycle your empty milk cartons by turning them into fun and creative crafts. Rinse them out and let your kids use them for various projects. Get creative and see what they can come up with using tape, glue, scissors, and paper.
Make a List
Encourage your kids to create lists on different topics. Whether it’s movies they want to watch, books they want to read, or places they want to visit, lists spark their imagination and encourage them to think beyond their immediate surroundings. It’s a simple and enjoyable activity that fosters their creativity.
Paint Little Finger and Toe Nails
Let your kids have fun painting their little finger and toe nails. Use non-toxic polish that is easy to clean up. It’s a creative and enjoyable activity that adds a touch of whimsy to their day.
Write a Book With Them
Spend time writing a book with your kids. Let them tell you a story, and you can write it down. Then, collaborate to decide which words will go on each page and create illustrations to bring the story to life. It’s a collaborative and imaginative activity that strengthens their storytelling abilities.
Armchair Travel
Bring the excitement of travel into your home by researching and learning about different destinations. Let your kids create artwork or build scenes related to the places you were expecting to visit. It’s a fantastic way to explore new cultures and expand their knowledge.
Make A Rock and Stick Garden
Use rocks and sticks collected from nature walks to create a rock and stick garden. It’s a great way to connect with nature and engage your kids in a hands-on activity. Let them design and arrange their garden as they please.
Make A DIY Animal Charades Game
Encourage creativity and imagination by creating an animal charades game. Let your kids draw pictures of as many animals as they can think of and cut them into small squares. Fold the squares, place them in a bowl, and take turns playing charades. It’s a fun and interactive activity, especially for younger kids who can’t read yet.
Practice With a Rubik’s Cube
Introduce your kids to the challenging world of Rubik’s Cube. Help them learn how to solve it by providing instructions or printing out step-by-step guides. It’s a mental workout that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Browse Some Books
Encourage your kids to spend quiet time browsing through books independently. Take out a stack of books and let them explore their favorite stories or discover new ones. It’s a simple and peaceful activity that stimulates their imagination and love for reading.
Create Your Own Coloring Pages
Print out black and white photographs of friends, family members, or favorite memories and let your kids color them in. It’s a personalized and creative activity that allows them to add their own touch to the images.
Make Friendship Bracelets
Teach your kids how to make friendship bracelets using colorful string. Help them learn a few basic weaving and knotting techniques. Friendship bracelets are not only fun to make but also create meaningful tokens of friendship.
Draw or Paint a Self Portrait
Set up in front of a mirror and encourage your kids to draw or paint their own self-portraits. It’s a self-expressive activity that allows them to explore their identity and artistic abilities.
Do a Selfless Act
Teach your kids the joy of giving by engaging in selfless acts of kindness. It can be something as simple as starting a mini library, walking a neighbor’s dog, or helping a sibling or parent. Encourage them to do one selfless act each day and make a positive impact on others.
Jump Rope
Jumping rope is a fun and energetic activity that can be done in a relatively small space. Teach your kids different jump rope songs or come up with your own routines. It’s a great way to burn off energy and keep them active.
Teach Them a Hand Clapping Game From your Childhood
Pass down the hand clapping games from your childhood and teach them to your kids. From Miss Mary Mack to Patty Cake, there are endless options to choose from. It’s a nostalgic and interactive activity that connects generations.
Stickers
Stickers are always a hit with kids. Let them explore their creativity by providing them with a variety of stickers and letting them decorate cards, notebooks, or their own artwork. Stickers are an easy and engaging way to keep kids entertained.
Start a Collection
Encourage your kids to start a collection of items that interest them. It could be anything from stamps to seashells to coins. Collections allow kids to explore their interests and develop a sense of curiosity and observation.
Make Flarp
Making Flarp (also known as slime) from scratch is a fun and tactile activity that engages the senses. Follow a simple recipe to create a stretchy and squishy substance that offers hours of ongoing play. It’s a sensory experience that delights kids of all ages.
Play Jacks
Introduce your kids to the classic game of jacks. It’s a low-tech game that improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Let them practice their jacks skills and see how many they can pick up.
Camp In
Create a campout experience at home by bringing your sleeping bags to the living room. Tell silly stories with a flashlight, make shadow puppets, and even make s’mores in the fireplace or microwave. It’s a cozy and adventurous activity that brings the great outdoors indoors.
Take Photographs
If you have an old camera lying around, teach your kids the basics of photography and let them capture their own photos. You can even print out the images and create a photo book or display them around the house. Photography is a creative and expressive way for kids to document their world.
Learn Solitaire
Teach your kids how to play Solitaire. There are various versions and levels of difficulty to choose from, making it a fun and challenging game for all ages. It’s a great way to strengthen their problem-solving skills and entertain them during quiet moments.
Have A Puzzle Marathon
Set up multiple puzzles and see how many your family can complete. Leave them out on the floor so everyone can continue working on them throughout the day. Puzzle marathons encourage teamwork, focus, and perseverance.
Host a Soup Party
Invite your kids to host a soup party. Set up a toppings station with various ingredients like crackers, croutons, cheese, and bacon bits. Let them customize their own bowls of soup with their favorite toppings. It’s a cozy and delicious activity that warms both the heart and the stomach.
These screen-free activities provide a wealth of opportunities for quality time, creativity, and learning. Whether you choose to explore art, engage in imaginative play, or embark on a culinary adventure, these activities are sure to keep your kids entertained and off their screens. Give them a try and create lasting memories with your family.
For more at-home entertainment ideas, check out our piece on 10 Screen-Free Activities To Try Now, 4 Fun Art Projects Using Natural, Foraged Materials, and 10 Principles For Having A More Playful Family Life.
This article was originally published on March 19, 2020.