14 Exciting Screen-Free Activities for Kids to Enjoy with Their Families

In today's digital age, it can be challenging to find activities that captivate kids' attention without screens. But worry not, because I have compiled a list of 14 exhilarating screen-free activities that will have your kids eagerly putting down their devices to enjoy quality time with the family.

1. Backyard Camping Adventure

What's better than a mini camping trip right in your backyard? Set up a tent, tell spooky stories, gaze at the stars, and enjoy some tasty s'mores over a campfire. This activity will ignite your kids' imagination and create lasting memories. Packed for Life has a post of camping hacks when camping with kids that have some pretty nifty ideas.

2. DIY Science Experiments

Get ready for some messy fun with DIY science experiments. Create volcano eruptions, slime concoctions, or rainbow eruptions right at home. Not only are they entertaining, but they also spark curiosity and encourage learning. Learn to make an easy lava lamp at One Little Project's blog. Or something more interesting like an electromagnetic battery train!

3. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Take the family outdoors for a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items to find – leaves, rocks, flowers, or animal tracks. Exploring nature together promotes bonding and appreciation for the environment. I created a scavenger hunt in my Colors Printable Pack to find something of each color!

4. Arts and Crafts Bonanza

Unleash your kids' creativity with an arts and crafts bonanza. From painting and drawing to making DIY decorations, arts and crafts allow children to express themselves while having fun. With there being so many activities in this category to choose from, you really can't go wrong. The most important thing about this is enjoying yourselves and making memories together. Who knows, you might discover a hidden Picasso in the family!

5. Baking/Cooking Together

Put on your chef hats and get ready to make a huge mess. Whether it's cookies, cupcakes, or a fancy cake, baking together encourages teamwork and lets kids learn valuable skills while enjoying delicious treats. I'm a no-bake kinda gal so I like simple things like these Homemade Fruit Snacks from Dessert for Two.

6. Obstacle Course Challenge

Transform your living room or backyard into an obstacle course. Set up challenges like hopping over cushions, crawling under tables, or balancing on a beam. The competitive spirit and physical activity will keep your kids entertained for hours. Here is a very cute idea for chalk obstacle courses!

7. Family Book Club

Start a family book club where everyone reads the same book and gathers to discuss it. Reading together not only fosters a love for literature but also encourages thoughtful conversations and critical thinking skills. This is a great idea for kids older than toddler age. If you need some good ideas, here is a great post with books for kids from ages 5 and up.

8. Puzzle Mania

Dive into the world of puzzles with your family. Whether it's a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, or brain teasers, working together to solve puzzles enhances problem-solving abilities and promotes teamwork. I love a good puzzle and these kid escape room ideas for the younger ones are a great way to get your child's brain working. This printable Halloween Coloring & Activity Pack has tons of puzzles for younger kids such as mazes, Eye Spy, hidden objects, etc.

9. Dance Party

Turn up the music and have a dance party at home. Dancing is a fantastic way to bond, release energy, and create fun memories. Fortnite is all the rave right now and they already have their own challenges games. Get to flossin!

10. Gardening Fun

Discover the joys of gardening with your kids. Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables together and watch them grow. Gardening teaches patience and responsibility and provides a sense of accomplishment as a family. There is a fantastic post with 30 gardening activities to do with kids. Making a moon garden is definitely on my bucket list.

11. Target Practice & Nerf Wars

If you don't have yourself some army men you can use any lightweight figurines for the target practice idea from Frugal Fun 4 Boys! And if you're like me there is probably a pile of Nerf guns going to waste inside a toy box you haven't gone through in too many months. So you could invite some kids over and have an all-out Call of Duty Modern Warfare style Nerf War. Frugal Fun 4 Boys also has a post with 20 Nerf gun games!

12. Exercise & Yoga

I have another whole post with fun fitness ideas for kids! There are some really good videos on YouTube as well for doing yoga with little ones.

13. Cardboard Pretend Play

Cardboard is the most versatile toy there is! You can literally make it into any kind of game or toy. Now, cardboard and felt together are the best combination. Who needs to pay 30 dollars for a pack of play food that will last less time than cardboard play food? Little Ladoo made this post of a super simple and cute play kitchen from a shoebox. Now just imagine all the other kitchen accessories you could make!

14. Sensory Play!

With special needs kids, sensory play is a very important aspect of playtime for our children. Sensory play can improve cognitive growth, fine motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, and so much more! I really cannot stress enough how important it is for all our children. This can be things like sensory bins, slime/play dough, chewy toys/necklaces, fidgets, weighted vests or animals, and tons more. Here is a really awesome list of possible choices for what to put in your kid's sensory kits from Growing Hands-On Kids.

So there you have it – 14 exciting screen-free activities that will bring joy, laughter, and togetherness into your family life. Step away from the screens, immerse yourselves in these engaging activities, and create priceless moments with your loved ones.