Before I share my 5 screen-free activities, let me start by saying that I don’t think screens are the enemy. Some days, I need 20 minutes to make dinner without someone hanging off my leg, and a show is exactly what gets us through. Other days, the weather isn’t cooperating, the baby is napping, and everyone just needs something to do. But I’ve also learned that when my kids have a few activities they genuinely enjoy, they’re much less likely to be glued to their tablets. These are the screen-free activities we come back to the most.

5 Screen-Free Activities My Kids Never Get Tired Of

1. Listening to Stories with the Yoto Player

The Yoto Player has been part of our home for a while now, and it’s one of those things that gets used far more than I expected. My younger kids can listen independently, while my older ones enjoy choosing their own cards. I also love that it’s something they can do quietly without needing a screen in front of them.

Lately, our favourite has been the Around the World card. The kids have been learning about different countries, cultures, and traditions, and it’s led to some fun conversations afterward. It’s one of those cards that keeps getting pulled off the shelf.

If you’re looking for another card to add to your collection, I’d definitely recommend that one.

Where to buy:

Amazon (CANADA)(USA)
Walmart (USA)
Yoto (CANADA) (USA)

2. Colouring with PLAYMOBIL Color

One of the newest things we’ve added to our playroom is PLAYMOBIL Color, and it’s been such a fun twist on regular PLAYMOBIL.

Gifted.

The kids get to colour many of the accessories with washable markers, play with them, wash them off, and start all over again. It’s a combination of arts and crafts and imaginative play, which means they end up spending a lot more time with it than I expected.Every time they wash everything clean, they come up with a completely different theme.

Where to buy:

Amazon (CANADA) (USA)
PLAYMOBIL

5 Screen-Free Activities My Kids Never Get Tired Of

3. Reading Together

Reading together has slowly become part of our favorite routine. Some days we’re reading picture books before bed. Other times, we’re working through a chapter book, one chapter at a time. I love that reading gives us a chance to slow down together, even if it’s only for 15 or 20 minutes. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

4. Pulling Out the Craft Supplies

Whenever I hear “I’m bored,” one of the first things I suggest is grabbing the craft bin.

We keep things pretty simple around here. Paper, markers, crayons, stickers, scissors, glue, paint, and whatever recycling we have lying around. Our newest obsession? Colouring! When the baby is down for a nap, I even like to join in on the fun. We get most of our supplies at the dollar store, but you can find what we use in my Amazon storefront. They always have some pretty awesome craft kits, too.

Sometimes I’ll give them an idea, like making a birthday card or building something out of cardboard, and other times they come up with their own projects. Either way, they’re creating something instead of staring at a screen.

5. Spending Time Outside

This probably won’t surprise anyone if you’ve been following me for a while. We spend a lot of time outside, especially in our backyard. Whether we’re watering the garden, riding bikes, playing with bubbles, drawing with sidewalk chalk, or heading out to pick strawberries, getting outside almost always resets everyone’s mood, mine included. It doesn’t have to be an all-day adventure. Even an hour in the backyard can make a huge difference.

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I don’t think there’s one perfect way to manage screen time. Every family is different, and every day looks a little different too. For us, it’s simply about making sure there are plenty of other options. Some days, the kids choose a story on the Yoto. Other days they’re colouring, building, reading, or outside.

I’d love to know what screen-free activities your kids keep coming back to. Leave a comment below. I’m always looking for new ideas to try with mine.

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