“I’m bored!” they tell me. Sometimes I sigh. Sometimes I offer ideas. Sometimes I say, “Being bored sometimes is good for you.” But I never say, “Go watch a show.” Why? Because we all know that they get enough screen time, and the rest of the time they need screen free fun.
Here are 6 ideas for your kids’ screen free activities.
Make up a Game
Making up a new game keeps my kids busy for a while. They get to use their imaginations for the rules, and sometimes get really creative with making game pieces. It’s as easy as paper and leftover art supplies. After they make a game, there’s more fun ahead when they play it with their siblings or you. That’s two screen free activities in one!
Help them Cook a Snack
What kid doesn’t enjoy cooking a snack? Little ones will need your help with this, but that can mean quality time with a special adult in their lives. Plus, learning to cook is a skill that will last a lifetime. A recipe online doesn’t count as screen time for this one. 😉 Did you know it’s actually pretty simple to make cheese crackers? Find a recipe here from Chef Savvy.
Build with Recyclables
Sometimes my kiddos will go rummage through the recycle bin and pull out boxes and tubes and start building. They’ve built rockets and cars and telescopes, just to name a few. Just add some scissors, tape, and glue and you’ve got a fun, screen-free activity.
Rewrite a Fairytale
There are stories that we all know, like The Three Little Pigs, and Cinderella. It’s always fun to hear them with a new twist, and what better than with your own twist? If your child can write, they can put their own spin on a favorite fairytale. If not, have them tell you a new version. You might want to write it down for them, or record it so they can rewatch it.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
You could make an outdoor scavenger hunt for your kids, or you could have them make one! My kids love making and doing scavenger or treasure hunts. The last one we did was about desert plants, since we live in the desert. All that’s required is some thinking time, a paper, and a pencil. Voila! Screen free fun!
Make Puppets for a Show
Putting on a puppet show is fun. What’s even more fun is making puppets! You can go with old socks and buttons, a paper sack and crayons, or felt, fabric paint, and a glue gun. As for the show, some of my kids would love to write the script, but others would think it was more fun to make it up as they go. If they need ideas for what to act out, there are lots of good stories in the Bible!
It’s Ok to be Bored
Planning or suggesting screen free activities for your kids is a great way to get them moving and thinking. But that doesn’t mean you have to come up with everything they do. As long as they are getting their needs met, it’s fine and even healthy for them to be bored sometimes. Some of the activites I suggested today are ones that my kids came up with by themselves when they were bored. Make sure there is some time in your routine for free-play time.
Comment below to tell me what your kids’ favorite screen free activites are.
Thanks for reading my post! I hope you’re enjoying your adventure!
