5 screen free activities for your child

In today’s digital age, it’s easy for children to spend more time in front of screens than engaging in physical play or imaginative activities.

While technology has its benefits, it’s essential for children to balance screen time with activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional development.

If you’re looking to encourage your child to take a break from screens, here are five fun and educational screen-free activities they’ll love.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you buy something after clicking on a link, I’ll earn a few pennies to help me keep creating posts like this, at no extra cost to you!

1. Outdoor adventures

Nature offers an endless array of opportunities for children to explore, learn, and have fun. Whether it’s a trip to the park, a hike in the woods, or simply playing in the backyard, outdoor activities can help children develop essential physical skills like coordination, balance, and strength. Encourage your child to explore nature by organising scavenger hunts, playing catch, or even just letting them run freely. Fresh air and sunshine also promote mental well-being, reducing stress and boosting mood.

2. Creative arts & crafts

Like this private school in Surrey, unleash your child’s creativity by introducing them to arts and crafts. Whether it’s painting, drawing, clay sculpting, or making jewellery, these activities help children express themselves while developing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. You don’t need expensive supplies to get started – simple materials like paper, glue, scissors, and coloured pencils can spark hours of creativity. Consider setting up a designated craft station where your child can experiment with different art forms, or create themed projects based on the seasons or holidays.

3. Storytime & reading

Reading is a wonderful way to ignite a child’s imagination while enhancing their language and literacy skills. Encourage your child to pick up a book and immerse themselves in different worlds, characters, and adventures. Whether you read aloud together or they read independently, setting aside time for reading each day is an excellent screen-free activity. You can also take it a step further by discussing the book afterward, helping your child make connections and reflect on the story. Visit your local library to discover new books or participate in reading challenges to keep things exciting.

4. Puzzles & board games

Puzzles and board games are perfect for engaging your child’s brain while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills. Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or The Game of Life help children develop strategic thinking, counting, and social interaction skills. Meanwhile, puzzles can improve their concentration, memory, and spatial reasoning. Whether playing alone or with family and friends, puzzles and games offer a screen-free way to bond and stimulate your child’s cognitive abilities.

5. Cooking & baking

Involving your child in the kitchen can be a fun, hands-on way to teach them valuable life skills. Whether it’s baking cookies, making a salad, or preparing a meal together, cooking promotes creativity, maths skills (such as measuring), and teamwork. Children also learn about nutrition and the importance of healthy eating as they help prepare meals. For a special treat, let them decorate their baked goods or experiment with their own recipes. Cooking not only provides a screen-free experience but also fosters independence and confidence.

By introducing these screen-free activities into your child’s routine, you can help them develop essential skills while providing opportunities for fun, connection, and creativity. Encouraging a healthy balance of screen time and engaging in hands-on activities will benefit their overall well-being and set the foundation for a lifetime of learning and exploration.

This is a collaborative post.