Let’s be honest—screens are everywhere. Between YouTube, video games, and educational apps, our kids are constantly exposed to screens. While some screen time is totally okay (and sometimes a lifesaver, let’s be real), it’s so important to balance it out with good, old-fashioned, screen-free activities.
As a homeschooling mom, I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to keep my kids engaged without relying on a tablet or TV. Whether you're homeschooling too, looking for after-school ideas, or just need a break from screen battles, this list of 20 fun and educational screen-free activities for kids is packed with inspiration. These activities are perfect for all ages, super doable, and—bonus—many are free or low-cost.
Let’s jump in!
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Take learning outdoors with a simple nature scavenger hunt. I love printing out a checklist or drawing one for my kids with items like pinecones, ladybugs, different leaf types, or rocks. You can even turn it into a science lesson about local plants and animals.
2. Story Stones
Create story stones by painting pictures (animals, objects, people, etc.) on small rocks. Then, let your child pull a few stones from a bag and create a story using the images. This is amazing for developing storytelling skills and creativity.
3. DIY Sensory Bins
Sensory play isn’t just for toddlers! Fill a plastic tub with rice, pasta, sand, or water beads, and add small toys or measuring cups. It’s calming and promotes fine motor development. My kids can get lost in sensory bins for hours.
4. Cooking Together
Yes, it’s messy—but it’s SO worth it. Cooking teaches math (measuring), reading (recipes), and life skills. We love making pancakes or homemade pizza together. Let them mix, pour, and even chop (safely, of course!).
5. Reading Picnic
Pack a few books, a blanket, and a snack and head outside. Something about reading under a tree makes storytime extra magical. We rotate who reads and even act out characters sometimes!
6. Create a Time Capsule
This is a memory-making activity the whole family can enjoy. Have your kids write letters to their future selves, draw pictures, or add small items they love right now. Seal it and set a date to open it in a year or more.
7. Build a Fort
Let them go wild with blankets, pillows, and cardboard boxes. Then bring in flashlights and books for a cozy reading or imagination corner. Forts never get old!
8. Make Homemade Playdough or Slime
Making playdough from scratch is like a science experiment and craft all in one. Add scents, glitter, or colors for an extra twist. If you’re brave, slime is a huge hit too.
9. Create a Backyard Obstacle Course
Use cones, pool noodles, jump ropes, or even chalk. Time each other or set challenges. This gets their bodies moving and supports gross motor development. It’s also a blast on a sunny afternoon!
10. Write and Mail a Letter
Teach the lost art of letter writing. Whether it’s to a grandparent, pen pal, or even a character from a book, kids can practice handwriting and communication—and they love getting a letter back.
11. DIY Board Games
Let your kids design their own board game with paper, markers, and dice. They’ll use math, logic, and design skills while having so much fun. We even laminate ours to reuse!
12. Backyard Bug Hunt
Give them a magnifying glass and a notebook. Encourage them to observe and draw bugs, write down how many legs they have, what colors they are, or what they’re doing. It turns into a mini biology lesson right in your backyard.
13. Art and Craft Hour
Set up a mini art station with crayons, scissors, glue, and paper. Add in items like beads, fabric scraps, or recycled materials. You can even give them a challenge like "Make a robot" or "Create a self-portrait."
14. Puzzle Races
Lay out puzzles of similar sizes and race to finish them. Or work on a large puzzle together as a family challenge. Puzzles help with spatial awareness and problem-solving.
15. Build with LEGO (No Instructions!)
LEGOs are amazing for building imagination and engineering skills—especially when you don’t follow the manual. Set a theme or challenge (like "build a spaceship" or "create a mini zoo").
16. Nature Journal
Get a notebook and let your child record what they see outside. It could be weather patterns, phases of the moon, or daily bird visits. This builds observation and writing skills and encourages mindfulness.
17. Role-Play Store or Restaurant
Turn your living room into a pretend store or café. Kids can make menus, price tags, and play money. They’ll learn about math, money, and social interactions.
18. Memory Tray Game
Place 10 small items on a tray, let your child study them for a minute, then cover the tray and remove one item. See if they can figure out what’s missing. Great for building focus and memory!
19. Learn a New Card Game
From Go Fish to Uno to Solitaire, card games teach strategy, patience, and numbers. They’re also great for family bonding and are super portable.
20. Create a Vision Board
My daughter loves cutting out pictures and words from magazines to glue onto her own mini vision board. We talk about her goals, dreams, and things she wants to learn. It’s perfect for self-expression.
Final Thoughts
As a parent and homeschooler, I’ve learned that kids don’t need screens to learn and have fun—they need connection, creativity, and opportunities to explore. These screen-free activities aren’t just boredom busters—they help build lifelong skills, spark imagination, and create beautiful memories.
Whether you try one or all twenty, I hope these ideas inspire you to unplug and reconnect as a family. You don’t need to be a Pinterest-perfect parent—just willing to try new things and follow your child’s curiosity.
Have a favorite screen-free activity I didn’t list? I’d love to hear about it! Share it in the comments or tag me on social media so I can see what you’re up to!
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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