Most of us spend way more time tethered to a Whether it’s your phone, tablet, TV, or computer, screens have become a go-to for entertainment. But sometimes, you just want to unplug and reconnect with your family without those distractions. Sound familiar? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
Here are some fun, screen-free activities to keep the whole family entertained and maybe even create a few unforgettable memories along the way.
1. Backyard Olympics
Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? Spend the morning creating your very own Backyard Olympics with a mix of fun games and activities. Think sack races, water balloon tosses, and even a soccer shootout.
All you need are a few simple supplies and some imagination. If your kids are soccer fans, setting up a mini-soccer goal would be perfect. Durable soccer nets can turn your backyard into a practice field that keeps the kids entertained for hours while they show off their best moves.
Commit to the theme and create medals or ribbons for the winners (or everyone, because who doesn’t love a participation trophy?). Trust us, the giggles and cheers will make it all worthwhile.
2. Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Turn your home or backyard into an adventure zone with a scavenger hunt. Jot down a list of items for the kids to find or challenges for them to complete. For example, you could ask them to “find something red,” “make a necklace out of leaves,” or “hop on one foot from the kitchen to the living room.”
You can make it more engaging and include clues that lead to the next item or location. You can even theme the hunt around your child’s favorite things, like animals, superheroes, or fairies.
3. Family Board Game Night
Board games are classic and with good reason. There’s nothing like a good game of Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno to bring the family together (and maybe even spark a little healthy competition). For younger kids, simpler games like Candy Land or Guess Who are perfect.
You can create a mini-tournament where the winner gets crowned Family Game Night Champion. And don’t forget to stock up on snacks because what’s game night without popcorn and a sweet treat?
4. DIY Craft Party
Get those creative juices flowing with a craft party. Set up a table with markers, colored paper, glue, scissors, and any other craft supplies you have lying around. The goal? Let your kids’ imaginations run wild.
You can suggest specific projects like making friendship bracelets, painting flowerpots, or designing their own superhero masks. But honestly, sometimes the best creations come when there’s no plan at all. At the end of the day, you’ll have some unique keepsakes and a whole lot of messy fun.
5. Nature Walk and Picnic
When you’ve had your nose to the screen for a while, you might be surprised at how entertaining it is to simply step outside. Pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket, and head to your nearest park, trail, or beach. Along the way, you can turn your walk into a mini nature exploration. See who can spot the most birds, interesting leaves, or colorful flowers.
When you find the perfect picnic spot, lay out your blanket and enjoy some quality family time. Pack some things to keep you busy with like a frisbee or a ball to toss around after lunch. The idea is simple but effective.
6. Cook Up a Storm Together
Pick a recipe everyone can help with and turn cooking into a team effort. Homemade pizzas, cupcake decorating, or DIY taco nights are always a hit.
Let the kids take on age-appropriate tasks, like mixing batter, sprinkling toppings, or even setting the table. Will things get a little messy? Probably, but that’s all part of the fun. Plus, there’s nothing like sitting down to a meal you’ve all made together.
7. Build a Fort
Who says forts are just for kids? Grab some blankets, cushions, and chairs, and let your inner architect shine. Once the fort is built, it’s the perfect spot for storytelling, reading books, or even a little living room camping.
You could even turn your fort into a little date-night spot. String up fairy lights for a magical touch and settle in for some cozy bonding time.
8. Gardening Together
Gardening is a surprisingly fun way to teach kids about patience, responsibility, and the joy of watching things grow. Start small with a few potted plants or a mini herb garden. Let the kids choose what to plant and give them the job of watering and caring for their greenery.
If you’ve got space, you can even plant a flower or vegetable garden together. Watching their efforts bloom is incredibly rewarding for kids.
9. Storytelling Circle
Turn off the lights, grab a flashlight, and take turns telling stories. Whether it’s spooky tales, funny memories, or completely made-up adventures, storytelling is a wonderful way to spark creativity and bond with your kids.
For younger children, you can start by reading from their favorite books and then encourage them to create their own endings. Older kids might enjoy writing down their stories beforehand and performing them for the family. Either way, it’s a cozy, screen-free way to spend an evening.
The Bottom Line
Screens aren’t going anywhere, but carving out some screen-free time for your family can lead to moments you’ll all cherish. So, the next time you’re tempted to switch on the TV or hand over the tablet, try one of these ideas instead. Who knows? You might even forget about the screens altogether—at least for a little while.
