Like many parents of school-aged kids, I sometimes find it difficult to come up with things that are exciting enough to keep my children engaged. TV and tablet time can easily take over the quality time we could be spending together, learning, creating, and playing. So I’ve gathered some fun ideas to help your family unplug, get creative, and sneak in a little learning a long the way, all while getting back some of that one-on-one bonding time.
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1. STEM EXPLORERS PIXEL ART CHALLENGE.
These days, Minecraft is all the rage. This is a fun way to take Minecraft off of the screen and into real life! With over 40 challenges, this STEM activity gives your kids plenty of exciting creations, while tapping into their problem-solving skills. It’s a great way to practice math and coding concepts while keeping their creative minds active and engaged.
(Paid Link)
2. handheld digital microscope for kids.
I love anything that gives me and my children the opportunity to get outside for some fresh air, and I think I’ve found my new favorite reason. This portable microscope combines science and curiosity for a fun spin on learning. I love that because it is designed with kids in mind, they are able to really explore without having to be overly careful with it. The shock-absorbing case adds extra protection against the inevitable bumps and drops, while the anti-shake feature makes it easier for little hands to get a steady look at whatever they discover. It also has a built-in camera with storage so they can save and share their favorite discoveries.
(Paid Link)
3. 30 scratch-off adventure games for ages 6-12.
If your kids are anything like mine, sometimes the hardest part of getting them away from their screens is figuring out what to do instead. I love the idea of having them scratch off an activity and letting the prompt decide the adventure for us. With 30 different games to uncover, it adds a little mystery and excitement to our weekend while encouraging creativity, movement, and quality time together. Plus, there’s something about a scratch-off that makes even a simple activity feel like a fun surprise.
(Paid Link)
4. Waiting games: on-the-go activity cards.
These pocket sized cards are perfect for screen-free fun on the go. With over 30 games and activities and 3-6 different variations for each game, your kid can have long lasting fun while learning a thing or two. I appreciate that they include a carabiner clip, which keeps all of the cards together and makes them easy to toss into a backpack or take along in the car. Even better, this is one of those purchases that gives back. A portion of your purchase helps provide free activity kits to hospitalized children through Open The Joy.
(Paid Link)
5. Skillmatics storybook art kit.
Art and storytelling gives kids the freedom to express themselves and open up their imaginations, and that’s why I love this next pick! This all-in-one kit helps inspire your child with writing prompts, vocabulary lists, stickers, and markers to bring their ideas to life. They can write, illustrate, and create a story that’s completely their own, all while practicing reading, writing, and communication skills without it feeling like school work.
(Paid Link)
6. find and seek scavenger hunt card game.
One thing my kids are always down for is a good scavenger hunt! Watching their minds work like little detectives always brings a smile to my face. A scavenger hunt is also a great way to get them up and moving while keeping their observational skills sharp. It’s always so funny to me how fast they find items on the list they’re scavenging for vs. how long it takes them to find their shoes before school in the morning.
(Paid Link)
7. Magnet game.
This is a simple, yet fast paced game where fun meets strategy. It’s suitable for 2-4 players so you can play one-on-one, or as a family. The object of the game is easy, players take turns setting down a single magnet in the rope circle, if they stick together, you collect them. The first person to use up all of their magnets wins. There are also various challenges to keep the game fun!
(Paid Link)
8. Tulip one-step Tie dye kit.
I had to end this list on a purely fun note, and I think this one is perfect! Imagine how fun it would be to come together as a family to create your very own tie-dye masterpieces. Or you could always shake things up and make one for each other! I especially think it would be super fun to assign everyone in the family a number, put those numbers in a hat, and whoever you draw is who you have to make a t-shirt for. This is a great way to make fun memories and spend quality time together.
(Paid Link)
A little less screen time, a lot more connection.
Getting kids away from screens doesn’t have to mean filling every minute of their weekend with something educational. Sometimes it’s simply about giving them opportunities to create, explore, use their imaginations, and spend a little more time together. I hope these ideas inspire some screen-free fun in your home and maybe a few new family memories along the way. Happy unplugging!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.