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School’s out… and the screens are calling...
Kids don’t actually need screens to have fun (shocker!). They need space to explore, create, and connect. Whether you’re looking to cut back on screen time or just add more balance to your family’s routine, here are screen-free activities that inspire joy, movement, and imagination.
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1. Have a “What’s in the Box” Challenge
- Cut holes a in box
- Choose an item to put inside
- Allow someone to reach their hand inside the box and “guess” what it is.
- Take turns finding items to hide, then guessing “What’s in the Box?”
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Want to read about the Egly boys “What’s in the Box” challenge that takes an unexpected turn? Get a copy of Turtle Trouble on Amazon by clicking here. This playful tale celebrates sibling teamwork, imagination, and adventure—perfect for young readers and their families to enjoy together!
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2. Build something
The Home Depot and Lowe’s offer free monthly workshops for kids called Kids Workshops and DIY-U Kids Workshops. These workshops are designed to teach children ages 5-12 about building, crafting, and using tools, fostering creativity and practical skills. The workshops are held on the first Saturday of each month at participating stores, with The Home Depot’s workshops generally running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Can’t join on Saturday? Home Depot has created take home kits for kids – Go to customer service to ask for one for each of your kids. My 11 year old was able to follow the simple instructions and build a battleship on his own.
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3. Play a Game or Complete a Puzzle
- Uno
- Rat-a-tat Cat
- Hide and Seek
- Memory
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4. Set out art supplies and CREATE!
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Set out Pencils, markers or crayons and blank paper – Set the timer for 15 minutes and encourage everyone to sit and draw. I’m amazed at some of the things they will come up with. If they don’t know what to draw, set a stuffed animal on the table or pull out a favorite book and ask their favorite page!
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5. Make playdoh
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Click here for a recipe. We like to make a batch and then I give my boys ideas things to make: a snake, a snowman, a fidget spinner!
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6. Balloon games
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Blow up balloons and work together to keep them from touching the ground. Or, use a tennis racket outside with balloons.
Here’s a link to 18 different balloon games.
Here’s a link to a balloon pack to add to your cart!
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7. Take a bike ride or go for a walk
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Get some exercise! Go for a walk, run, bike ride!
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8. Learn a Life Skill
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- Practice introducing yourself to strangers
- Plant a Garden
- Cook a Meal
- Clean a room together
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9. Explore and Play Outside!
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- Create an obstacle course in your yard. Use cones, chalk, hula hoops, or whatever’s in the garage to build a backyard challenge.
- Play Soccer, sharks and minnows, kickball, or catch
- Climb a tree
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Click here for a post I wrote sharing three fun backyard games.
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10. Build a blanket fort
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A classic rainy-day activity—perfect for reading, snacks, and make-believe adventures.
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11. Lemonade stand
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Let kids practice math, creativity, and entrepreneurship with a lemonade stand!
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12. Turn old boxes into games
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Create a maze or arcade games out of old boxes.
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13. Build paper airplanes and test them
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See whose airplane flies the farthest or fastest. Bonus points for decorating!
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14. Exercise or have a dance party
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15. Have a picnic
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Take lunch outside for a picnic—fresh air does wonders for moods, and the best part? The crumbs stay outside!
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16. Make puppets and put on a show
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Use socks, paper bags, or spoons. Then perform for the family.
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17. Read a book or write your own
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One of the best screen free activities for kids is, of course, reading – or writing!
Find a book you and your children can enjoy together this summer. My recommendation? The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. My kids were excited to listen to a new chapter each day. When we finished, Luke said, “Can we find another book just like that one?”
Buy blank books and allow kids to write their own stories or journal about their summer!
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18. Sidewalk Chalk Art
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Turn your driveway into an art gallery, obstacle course, or hopscotch.
Click here to order a 64 pack of chalk!
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19. Have a spa day
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Use items you have at home whether it’s face masks, cucumber slices, or nail polish. This is perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening around the house.
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20. Let them be bored
Call it “NO Tech Day” and let them figure out what to do without electronics. Their creativity will spike when they are forced to figure it out on their own. Plan for unplanned time for your kids and see what they come up with.
Click here to read more about boredom and getting rid of it!
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Want more? Click here for 55 Boredom Busters!
Click here for Would you Rather!
Click here for Minute to Minute Games!
- Affiliate links in post!
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