10 Ideas for Making Screen-Free Play a Reality

With the kids at home for the holiday break, it can be easy to let your usual rules about screen time fall by the wayside, but too much screen time, whether it’s on the TV, iPad or game system, means kids are missing out on real life. As a parent and a former teacher, I know how hard it can be to help kids resist the allure of the screen — so here are 10 road-tested and screen-free ideas for encouraging creativity and engagement.

1. Take the time to make activities attractive. This is especially important for younger children, but it helps at all ages. A disaster of an art area or playroom is not likely to tempt anyone to create. But a small, neat table, set with fresh white paper, a small vase of flowers and watercolor paints is sure to lure them in.


2. Follow their interests — and help them go further. Movies, games and apps are enticing, so you’re not likely to pry your kids away from them if all you’re offering is something they see as “educational.”

Instead, use what they are passionate about and help them expand upon it. Do they love Legos? Set up a permanent spot for their creations, and look up creative building challenges for them to try.

Photograph their constructions and create a gallery wall or book of their work, complete with titles and descriptions. The animation fan could (with some help) work on making her own stop-motion film or design her own comic book.


3. Host a crafternoon. Crafting is nearly always more fun with friends, so why not set a date and invite a bunch of kids over for a crafting party? Choose a project, gather supplies and clear some space on the dining table — if it’s a big hit, start a group and trade off hosting duties with other parents. Think of it as a play date with a purpose.


4. Install a messy area. Speaking of arts and crafts, is there a space in your home where your kids are free to get a little (or a lot) messy? Messy activities such as painting, play dough and sand and water play can be deeply engaging to children — but they can be hard to contain. Try creating a special zone where this is encouraged. If you don’t have a separate room to devote to messy play, try using a corner of the kitchen — the sink nearby is handy for washing up, and the floors are likely hardy.


5. Hold an art opening and invite the neighbors. Kids can really get excited about planning an event like this! It lends importance to the work they are doing, especially if you really get into the spirit.

Hang up your child’s artwork in frames or from old wooden pants hangers (as shown here) all over the house, and have your child come up with titles for each piece. Invite neighbors, grandparents and friends. On the night of, set out cheese and crackers and juice or sparkling cider. Definitely take some pictures.


6. Put on a performance. Kids not so into art? Try putting on a play, ballet or puppet show instead. This would be a great project for siblings to work on together! They can decide on their performance, rehearse, make a guest list, design invitations and plan an “after party.”


7. Do some big batch or special project cooking. Even kids who rarely want to help in the kitchen may get excited about “project” cooking — something more elaborate than the everyday stuff you usually prepare. Think homemade marshmallows and graham crackers, fresh cheese, dessert pizzas or a huge batch of a family favorite.


8. Nice day? Bring a project outdoors. Not such a nice day? Get out there anyway! Time spent outdoors is good for kids, it’s as simple as that. In good weather, any project that can be done indoors can also be enjoyed outside — and it’s often more fun that way. Try painting, water play, dressing up or holding a dance party. When there’s snow on the ground, bundle up and look for animal tracks, hang a bird feeder, make a snow person or have a snowball fight.


9. Offer cash for extra household jobs. I’m not an advocate of paying kids to do regular chores — there are certain things that everyone just needs to do around the house without expecting a special reward. But (especially when your kids are older) there are likely other jobs around the house that you’d love to have done, but don’t have the time for. Give your kids the chance to learn a new skill, such as painting or organizing, and a way to earn extra money by tackling household projects. Be sure to demonstrate the job, set up a safe work area and be around to supervise.


10. Read aloud. Even older kids enjoy being read to, so don’t assume your child is too old until you try! Pick a book you think you will both enjoy (better yet, choose one together) and set aside a bit of time each day to read.

Tell us: Do you limit screen time in your house? Share what works for you in the Comments.

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