How To Keep Kids Busy Without Screens
by Y.L. Cantrell
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| Photo by Adina Voicu |
School is out for winter break.
You should be hearing the pitter-patter of little feet, but… silence.
Where are the kids? Just follow the annoying sound effects and high-pitched
cartoonish melodies of video games echoing through the house. They’re either
stretched out on the couch glued to the TV playing video games or developing
hunchbacks from leaning over their cell phones and tablets cruising social media, right?
cartoonish melodies of video games echoing through the house. They’re either
stretched out on the couch glued to the TV playing video games or developing
hunchbacks from leaning over their cell phones and tablets cruising social media, right?
You ask yourself, how can I lure the little munchkins away from their screens?
Well, I’ve got you covered!
Prepare to ignore the whining objections like “Aw why do we have to do it now?” and
“But I’m on level 6!” and get busy making fun happen!
“But I’m on level 6!” and get busy making fun happen!
Here’s a tip: Invite their friends with whom they play online games, so they don’t feel like
they’re missing anything. Not to mention, their parents will adore you for giving them a
break. And be sure to ask them to return the favor with a play date at their house next time.
Here we go!
they’re missing anything. Not to mention, their parents will adore you for giving them a
break. And be sure to ask them to return the favor with a play date at their house next time.
Here we go!
15 Fun Screen-Free Activities For Kids
1. Time to dust off those board games! Check out some top-rated games for families on
Amazon, including Say Anything and The Awkward Family Photos Movie Line Game.
My niece and nephews forget all about their video games and social media when we
play their favorite games like Jumanji, Mousetrap, and Family Feud.
Amazon, including Say Anything and The Awkward Family Photos Movie Line Game.
My niece and nephews forget all about their video games and social media when we
play their favorite games like Jumanji, Mousetrap, and Family Feud.
2. Go camping! Pitch a tent in the living room in front of the fireplace or (weather
permitting) outside in the backyard. Toast marshmallows to make s'mores, sing campfire
songs, and tell spooky ghost stories. You can find reasonably priced indoor/outdoor tents
on Amazon.
permitting) outside in the backyard. Toast marshmallows to make s'mores, sing campfire
songs, and tell spooky ghost stories. You can find reasonably priced indoor/outdoor tents
on Amazon.
3. Go on a scavenger hunt! Make it holiday-themed by including items like a Christmas
stocking, tree ornaments, and a snow globe. Offer prizes along the way such as candy,
toys, free passes from chores, or a chance to open one Christmas gift. Find free
printable colorful maps and lists of items online.
stocking, tree ornaments, and a snow globe. Offer prizes along the way such as candy,
toys, free passes from chores, or a chance to open one Christmas gift. Find free
printable colorful maps and lists of items online.
4. Recreate MasterChef Junior! Head to the kitchen and pass out the aprons!
Demonstrate a simple dish and recipe for your tiny master chefs to create within
an hour. Or have them decorate cupcakes. Then, judge which one is the best,
awarding 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. prizes for everyone. Keep it simple with pre-made cookie
dough, brownie mix, sandwiches, mini pizzas, mac & cheese, or tacos. (Worried
about too many sweets or junk food? Secretly add pureed spinach to brownie mix
and pureed cauliflower to mac & cheese. Don’t worry, they won’t be able to taste it.
You could even award a bonus prize to the kid who can guess which veggie was
added to the recipe. Hint: wait until after they eat it.)
Demonstrate a simple dish and recipe for your tiny master chefs to create within
an hour. Or have them decorate cupcakes. Then, judge which one is the best,
awarding 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. prizes for everyone. Keep it simple with pre-made cookie
dough, brownie mix, sandwiches, mini pizzas, mac & cheese, or tacos. (Worried
about too many sweets or junk food? Secretly add pureed spinach to brownie mix
and pureed cauliflower to mac & cheese. Don’t worry, they won’t be able to taste it.
You could even award a bonus prize to the kid who can guess which veggie was
added to the recipe. Hint: wait until after they eat it.)
5. Do people still make ice cream from snow? Well, they should! If snow is in the
forecast, set out a clean bucket to collect fresh snow. All you need to add is vanilla
and condensed milk!
forecast, set out a clean bucket to collect fresh snow. All you need to add is vanilla
and condensed milk!
6. Make holiday arts and crafts. The kids will love making their own wreaths to
hang on their bedroom door. They can also make Christmas tree ornaments. These
make lovely mementos to keep throughout the years. Bring out the markers and
glitter to make holiday greeting cards too!
hang on their bedroom door. They can also make Christmas tree ornaments. These
make lovely mementos to keep throughout the years. Bring out the markers and
glitter to make holiday greeting cards too!
7. Strike a pose for a fun photoshoot! Use your imagination to come up with goofy
costumes and props to create photos. Frame the best ones or stick them on greeting
cards and tree ornaments.
costumes and props to create photos. Frame the best ones or stick them on greeting
cards and tree ornaments.
8. Time to make memories! Break out the video camera and your director’s chair!
Film a montage of the kids acting out their favorite movie scenes from classics like
Home Alone or A Christmas Story or create your own short play. They could also
make a music video singing holiday songs.
Film a montage of the kids acting out their favorite movie scenes from classics like
Home Alone or A Christmas Story or create your own short play. They could also
make a music video singing holiday songs.
9. Science! Pick up a chemistry set or put together a homemade experiment.
10. Build a box fort! Kids go wild for boxes! Grab the biggest boxes you can find,
and I promise you, this will provide hours of fun for the little ones. The older kids
can play the invading monsters or sword-wielding giants!
and I promise you, this will provide hours of fun for the little ones. The older kids
can play the invading monsters or sword-wielding giants!
11. Need to get out of the house? Plan a trip to your local children’s museum or zoo.
They’re sure to have special exhibits and events for the holidays. You could also give
back by donating old toys to a toy drive or by volunteering at your nearest family
homeless shelter.
They’re sure to have special exhibits and events for the holidays. You could also give
back by donating old toys to a toy drive or by volunteering at your nearest family
homeless shelter.
12. Zumba! Try to keep up with these kids! Lay out those yoga mats and have fun
exercising together!
exercising together!
13. Make jewelry! Bejeweled trinkets make great gifts for the kids to give to family
and friends.
and friends.
14. Sing! Grab a mike and sing Karaoke style.
15. Nap time! Just kidding! Or am I?
I hope I have provided some inspiration to help you create a fun winter break for you
and the kids in your life. Let us know how it’s going! Please feel free to share your
ideas and photos. I’d love to see you in action!
and the kids in your life. Let us know how it’s going! Please feel free to share your
ideas and photos. I’d love to see you in action!
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