Screens are everywhere—TVs, tablets, phones—and while they can be helpful, sometimes kids just need a break. That’s why these 5 non-screen activities for your kids are a great way to spark imagination, boost movement, and encourage family bonding. Whether it's rainy day boredom or you're simply setting some screen-free boundaries, having a few go-to activities can make all the difference.
Do you remember how much screen time you had as a kid? “Screen time” wasn’t even a phrase back then – probably because the only screen you saw was the TV for a few basic cartoons or much-loved kids’ programmes, which didn’t equate to much time at all. There were no smartphones. No iPads. No PlayStations.
So, what did you do with all that time?
You invented. You got creative. You rode bicycles around the garden, pretending it was a town. You built forts out of blankets. You collected weirdly-shaped rocks and painted them bright colours. You played outside and got dirty – often with other kids. The point is that you spent almost all of your day interacting with the natural world and other people, rather than with technology.
As wonderful as tech can be, unfortunately, it is still detracting from our children’s development. A recent Lancet Child and Adolescent Health Journal study showed a direct correlation between reduced screen time and an improved ability to learn and reason in American children between the ages of 8 and 11.
So, while it might seem like an uphill battle to reduce your child’s screen time – especially when their friends are chatting on social media or raving about the latest computer game – there are loads of advantages to doing so.
Here are five great non-screen options that have been around long before even you were a child:
Play a board game
Board games are a great way to bond as a family or with a group of friends. Encourage your kids to hone their artistic and communication skills with Pictionary, their spelling and literacy with Bananagrams, or teach them strategy with Jenga or Battleships. These games will teach your kids how to deal with winning and losing, and they’ll help develop problem-solving and cooperation skills.
Get dirty in nature
Playing outdoors encourages your child to be more physically and mentally active, as well as to have a closer connection with the great outdoors. But chances are they won’t just head outside – so give them a reason for being there. Get them a magnifying glass, a bug collecting set, gardening tools, seeds to plant and nurture, or books for identifying trees, birds, plants and insects. You could even allocate a small spot outside as their special dirt patch where you bury marbles, coins or other “treasures” for them to find.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO READ: Clever ways to get your kids to love reading
Seek out STEM puzzles and games
Tech-savvy dad Ben Ford believes science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills don’t come from time in front of computers or tablets. “My job has me on a computer all day, but the best way for kids to learn problem-solving, logic and critical thinking skills is through hands-on activities,” Ben says. Look for games designed to develop STEM skills, such as anti-gravity puzzles, robot kits and maths games, like tangrams and Sudoku.
Make music
Music is a universal language that all kids can relate to, no matter what their age. Make a suitable playlist for them of their favourite tunes and load it on to a device they can operate (preferably one not linked to the Internet – there are still a few music playing devices available that don’t have screens). Get them shakers, triangles, a drum, or even a keyboard and let them make up a show that you can then watch later. Encourage dance moves too, of course!
ALSO READ: Good digital habits for you (and the kids!)
Reorganise their rooms
While tidying up may not seem like such an enticing activity, you can sweeten the deal by offering your child an incentive. Perhaps you offer to buy them a new pillow/blanket/bedside lamp if they sort through their toys and make up a pile to give away? The bonus is that while they’re tidying, they’ll probably find toys they haven’t played with for months, and these will keep them busy for ages. You could do the same with their clothes: ask them to try everything on, with the reward of a new shirt or hat if they donate some of their older items or things that don’t fit. 
You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your children off screens. Above all, remember that the best way to keep your kids away from them is to keep them engaged with the outside world, including spending time with other people they’re close to – because there’s no replacement for that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Non-Screen Activities for Your Kids to Enjoy Today
Why are non-screen activities important for children?
Non-screen activities support creativity, physical development, social skills, and mental well-being. They allow children to engage with the world around them, use their imagination, and build essential life skills away from digital devices.
How can I encourage my child to enjoy non-screen play?
Create a designated play area with engaging materials, offer choice and variety, and join in when you can. Keep screens out of sight during playtime and establish screen-free routines, such as “craft hour” or “garden time”.
What outdoor non-screen activities are suitable for different ages?
For toddlers: sand play, water tables, nature walks
For older kids: bike rides, scavenger hunts, ball games, obstacle courses
Outdoor play helps build motor skills, resilience, and a love for the outdoors.
How much non-screen time should my child have daily?
There’s no set limit, but it’s recommended that screen time is balanced with plenty of free play, physical activity, reading, and rest. Aim for at least 1–2 hours of active play daily, especially for younger children.
Can non-screen activities be educational too?
Absolutely! Many non-screen activities help develop skills in maths (board games), literacy (reading or word games), science (nature exploration), and problem-solving (puzzles or construction play) – all while being fun and engaging.
What can my child do when they’re bored and there’s no screen time?
Boredom can spark creativity! Try encouraging:
Making up their own story or play
Building a fort or den
Inventing a game or scavenger hunt
Drawing a comic or making a paper puppet show
How can I get siblings to play together without screens?
Offer cooperative activities like:
Building something together
Playing a two-player board game
Putting on a performance or talent show
Helping with baking or a craft project
Shared, creative tasks help develop teamwork and bonding.
Are non-screen activities suitable for rainy days too?
Yes! Rainy days are ideal for indoor crafts, science experiments, cooking, dressing up, or making music. You can also create a cosy reading corner or have a themed pretend play day.
How do I balance screen time and non-screen time at home?
Set clear screen time limits, create a daily routine that includes screen-free blocks of time, and make non-screen options easily accessible. Encourage family involvement in offline play and praise your child when they choose non-screen fun on their own.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Every child is different – find what works best for your family and consult a child development professional if you have concerns about screen habits.
The winter school holidays are here and provide us with the opportunity to spend time with our kids doing fun holiday activities. Read on about …
