7 screen-free ways to entertain kids

In a world full of tablets, TVs, and phones, finding ways to keep kids entertained without screens can feel like a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be!

Whether you’re at home, on the go, or just trying to unplug for a bit, here are some fun and creative ways to engage your little ones (and maybe even enjoy a few laughs yourself).
1. Create a DIY craft station

Pull out paper, markers, glue, buttons, stickers, old magazines—whatever you have on hand. Let kids create cards, puppets, or even their own comic books.
2. Set up an indoor obstacle course

Use pillows, chairs, hula hoops, or masking tape to make a course through the house. Add challenges like “hop on one foot” or “crawl under the table” for extra fun.
3. Have a storytelling session

Make up silly stories together, or take turns adding lines to a story as it unfolds. Bonus: let them “perform” it as a mini play or puppet show!
4. Go on a nature hunt

Head outside and make a list of things to find—like a pinecone, a red leaf, a bird, or a cool-shaped rock. You can turn it into a scavenger hunt or even make a nature collage later.
5. Cook or bake together

Let them help measure, pour, stir, and decorate. Even simple recipes like homemade pizza or banana muffins can turn into a fun learning experience.
6. Build a fort

Blankets, cushions, and a little imagination go a long way. Once it’s built, the fort becomes the perfect space for reading, relaxing, or pretending to be in a secret hideout.
7. Start a kids’ journal or scrapbook

Give them a notebook and some stickers or markers. They can draw, write about their day, or paste in photos and mementos—something that’s fun now and meaningful later.