100+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids
Looking for fun, low-prep ways to keep the kids entertained without screens? You’re in the right place.
This is your hub for creative, engaging, and completely offline activities designed to spark imagination, encourage movement, and bring families closer—no gadgets required.
Whether you’ve got five minutes or a full afternoon, there’s something here to suit every energy level, mess tolerance, and age group.
Refine your search
Activity Type
Location Type
Energy Level
Mess Factor
Age
Time Duration
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Finger Puppet Fun
Use finger puppets (or socks with faces!) to bring playful characters to life. A gentle, engaging way to support baby’s social and imaginative development.
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Kitchen Sound Lab
Turn everyday kitchen items into a toddler-friendly percussion lab! Tap, bang and stir to explore sound, rhythm and creativity through playful noise-making.
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Tray Memory Game
Children love studying a tray of curious objects and seeing how many they can remember once it’s been whisked away. It’s a calm, engaging game that encourages focus and memory skills — perfect for a quiet moment at home.
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Dots and Boxes
A simple pencil-and-paper game where players take turns joining dots to complete boxes. Great for quiet moments and early strategy skills.
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Journalling
A simple way for kids to reflect, express themselves, and build writing confidence. Perfect for quiet time or as part of a calming daily routine.
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Cook a Meal
Get kids involved in the kitchen with simple, fun meal ideas they can help prepare. A great way to build confidence, life skills and family connection.
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What’s the Time Mr. Wolf
A classic outdoor running game that combines counting, listening and lots of giggles. Perfect for parks, gardens or school playgrounds.
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Rock Painting
Grab some smooth stones, paint, and let kids turn rocks into mini works of art. Perfect for creative outdoor or indoor fun—and lovely to hide for others to find!
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What’s Missing?
A simple observation game that’s perfect for restaurants, waiting rooms or any moment where you need a few minutes of quiet fun.
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Geocaching
Head outdoors with your phone or GPS and hunt for hidden treasures! Geocaching is a brilliant way to explore new places, get active, and add a bit of adventure to your walk.
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Emotion Cards
Create simple cards with different emotions and use them to spark gentle conversations about feelings. A great way to build emotional confidence and connection.
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Indoor Bowling
Create a mini bowling alley at home using plastic bottles and a soft ball. It’s a fun, active way to build coordination and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
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Duck Duck Goose
Simple, energetic and full of laughter, Duck Duck Goose is a brilliant game for groups of children. Great for burning off energy indoors or out.
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Do the Dishes
With a little encouragement, helping with the washing up can feel like play — especially for younger children who love bubbles, splashing, and being part of the team.
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Chinnies
Draw a face on your chin, flip the camera, and give your chin a starring role! Chinnies are a hilarious way to get the whole family giggling.
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Anything Boules
Play a fun, unpredictable game of pétanque using everyday items like socks, toy bricks, or crumpled paper! A great way to get kids laughing and aiming indoors or out.
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Water Play Tub
A shallow tub, some toys, and a bit of water is all it takes to keep little hands busy. Water play supports sensory development and endless pretend fun.
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DIY Top Trumps
Design, draw, and battle! DIY Top Trumps is a fun mix of creativity and strategy as kids make their own themed card decks and challenge friends or family to a showdown.
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Make a Mud Pie
Let children dig, mix, and decorate their own pretend pies using soil, water, and whatever nature offers. It’s a joyful, sensory-rich activity that celebrates mess and creativity.
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Pub Cricket
Spot pub signs and count legs to score runs in this funny travel game. Full of friendly rule debates, it’s perfect for UK and Ireland countryside trips.