30 Screen-Free Activities for Families

30 Screen-Free Activities for Families

Looking for screen-free activities your family will actually enjoy? Whether you're trying to reduce screen time during summer break, on rainy afternoons, or simply want to spend more meaningful time together, these 30 screen-free activities are fun, inexpensive, and help build lasting family memories. From reading books and exploring nature to making crafts and learning Bible verses, there's something here for every age.

We live in a world full of gadgets and digital temptations. Gaming systems become more realistic every year, and some contain themes that are not appropriate for children. In the hustle of life, it can be tempting to entertain our children with an easy movie or video game so we can “get things done.”

Moderation and careful selection is key. Investing a little time and research into the material we allow into our homes and feed our children is so very important and good choices pay off.

Another consideration is stepping away from the screen with your children for a bit. There are so many things to do that are screen-free that don’t require a lot of investigation, preparation or money. Do be prepared, however, to laugh and experience growth in your family relationships from this investment that will provide memories and lessons for a lifetime.

Outdoor Adventures

Go to the park. Fresh air, sunshine and plenty of room to run and burn energy are a great way to spend the day and make memories.

Get Wet. If it’s too hot for the park, play in a sprinkler outside. If you don’t have one, take turns spraying and chasing each other with the water hose, it is a surprisingly fun kid or family activity.

Take a hike. Adventure brings family unity along with the benefits of exercise and nature’s ability to boost our spirit.

Plant a seed. Get a small container and let your child be responsible for its care. They will be amazed when green life pierces through the ground and they watch it grow.

Play catch. Playing catch is a wonderful way to build coordination while enjoying meaningful conversations.

Kick ball. This is another good kids activity to help coordination and to burn excess energy.

Obstacle course. Set up a few cans to weave in and out of, something small to jump over. Add a somersault, use trees or whatever you have. Make it a fun competition. A race is fun and encourages friendly competition.

Go to a zoo. Seeing diverse creatures is a great way to teach your children about God’s amazing creations and to broaden their knowledge.

Creative Kids Activities

Make one of our free printable bookmarks before your next reading time together. There are four on a printout, so they can share.

Likewise,

Download a free Coloring page for exciting, creative coloring time together. There are several to choose from

Play dress-up. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, a bandana or a couple of accessories paired with a child's imagination can become an unforgettable adventure.

Write and illustrate your own story. Fold several sheets of paper together, staple them into a little book, and let your child become both author and illustrator. Younger children can dictate the story while you write the words. It's a wonderful way to encourage imagination and a love of books.

Paint a picture together. It probably won’t be a masterpiece but you will have a lot of fun creating it together.

Make homemade play-dough. This is a bonding experience where the fun is in making it together and the play that follows.

Make a craft. There are many things you can make with things around your house or you can check Goodwill or thrift stores for unexpected surprises. I remember taking a soda bottle, tearing tiny pieces of masking tape that overlapped and covered the bottle, then rubbing it with a color shoe polish to make a flower vase as a kid. It was so much fun.

Learning Together

Clean together - A double benefit. It helps you and teaches your little ones responsibilities.

Read a book together. Experience the awe with your children of a good book and let their imagination show them the story. Charlotte’s Web and James and the Giant Peach are classics. The Shed, A Story of Love and Sacrifice is also a heartwarming story worth the read.

Nature hunt. Identify trees, insects or animals that you see. If you’re not sure, take a picture and research it later together. (A good use of screen time)

Teach budgeting. Depending on the age, have fake money and set up your pantry, or items in your home, toys or whatever as a shopping mart. Use sticky notes with pricing. You can have them create a shopping list for a meal or things they want, be creative. Give them their money and let them shop. Check them out with a calculator or OK, use your phone calculator only for this :0) and see how they do. Help them understand needs versus wants. They will thank you when they’re 30 that they can budget and make good choices.

Visit a local museum. There is so much history and a museum can expose young minds to the world around them.

Serving Others

Bake cookies for a neighbor. You can teach about measurements and the importance of following directions and giving all at once.

Make a card for a grandparent or a neighbor. It teaches your child to think of others… and will brighten another’s day.

Donate a toy. You can choose something to help declutter and have your child pick an item from theirs to give or donate to help another child. Nurturing a giving heart in children is a beautiful gift.

Anytime Fun

Play a board game. There is something special in a child’s eyes about an adult, especially a parent playing a game with them. Those moments often become a child’s favorite memories.

Play cards. Card games are always good family fun. Some of the oldies are goodies, like Crazy Eight, Go Fish, or Old Maid. For older children Phase 10, Rummy and Spades.

Play hide-and-seek. Indoors or out is fun. Watch the surprise on your child’s face when you find them or they find you. Be prepared for laughter.

Have a playdate with neighborhood children or other friends. Building relationships is special at all ages.

Play Jacks. This is a great game to teach skill and dexterity. Super fun for the family.

Play “I Spy.” A great way to teach your children to observe their surroundings and a fun family activity.

“WHAT AM I?” On road trips, we would describe animals, where they lived, what they ate, anything that helped describe them for one another to guess what it was. The winner got to be the one that gave the clues for the next selection. Our sons always loved this, and it was one of their favorite kids' activities.

Bonus Activities: The Best for Last

While these activities help strengthen family relationships, the next two can have an impact that lasts far beyond childhood.

Learn a Bible verse. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is God's Word hidden in their hearts. Memorizing Scripture helps children build faith, find comfort, and learn truths they can carry with them throughout life. Even learning one short verse each week can make a lasting impact.

Pray together. Before bedtime or a meal, spend a few minutes thanking God for the day and praying for one another. Children may not remember every activity they did growing up, but they'll remember hearing Mom and Dad pray with them.

Screen-free moments don't have to be elaborate or expensive. Often, the memories our children treasure most come from simple moments—reading together on the couch, laughing while running through a sprinkler, baking cookies in the kitchen, or learning a Bible verse before bed.

Childhood passes quickly. Choosing to spend intentional time together today is an investment that will bring some of life's greatest returns. The memories you create and the faith you nurture can bless your children for years to come.

Inspire

Wholesome stories for families to cherish together.

Faith

Joy

lisa@loveshinesbrightbooks.com

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