Screen-Free Kids’ Activities That Take 30 to 60 Minutes
Activities That Fill the Time — Without a Screen in Sight
Sometimes you just need something that lasts a bit longer — enough time to make a cup of tea, answer an email, or simply catch your breath.
This collection of 30 to 60 minute activities is perfect for keeping kids focused and entertained without switching on a screen.
You’ll find creative crafts, imagination games, outdoor fun and more — all designed to be engaging, low-prep and easy to set up at home or on the go.
Ideal for quieter afternoons, rainy days, or just a well-earned pause.
Refine your search
Activity Type
Energy Level
Mess Factor
Age
Time Duration
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Plant a Mini Garden
Create a mini garden in a pot, tray, or window box! This hands-on activity is a brilliant way for kids to learn about plants, nature, and responsibility.
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Rice Krispie Squares
Whip up a batch of gooey, crunchy Rice Krispie treats! A quick and tasty no-bake recipe that kids will love to make—and eat.
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Make-Your-Own Mini Pizzas
Get hands-on in the kitchen by building your own mini pizzas! Choose your base, pick your toppings, and enjoy a deliciously fun cooking activity.
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Cereal Box Puppet Theatre
Transform an empty cereal box into a mini puppet theatre and put on your very own shows with paper puppets. A perfect rainy-day activity packed with creativity and drama!
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Handprint Art
Capture little hands in big, creative ways! Turn handprints into animals, flowers, and seasonal art that’s perfect for display or gifting.
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Foil Art Embossing
Make eye-catching embossed artwork using foil, glue, and cardboard! A fun mix of texture, shine, and bold colour for crafty kids of all ages.
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Egg Carton Flowers
Turn egg cartons into blooming works of art! With a little paint and imagination, kids can create their own colorful flowers with pipe cleaner stems.
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DIY Paper Beads
Transform old magazines into beautiful, colorful beads! A creative, eco-friendly craft perfect for making one-of-a-kind bracelets and necklaces.
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Tissue Paper Stained Glass
Create beautiful faux stained glass with just tissue paper and glue! A simple craft that brings bright color and creativity to any sunny window.
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Recycled Robots
Turn trash into treasure by building your own robot creations from recycled materials! A perfect blend of creativity, upcycling, and imaginative play.
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Puffy Paint
Mix up some magic with shaving cream, glue, and food coloring to create puffy paint! Kids will love painting 3D masterpieces that rise off the page.
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Paper Plate Animals
Transform simple paper plates into adorable animal faces using paint, googly eyes, and a bit of imagination. A fun and creative craft, perfect for preschoolers!
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Make a Cardboard Box Town
Transform cardboard boxes into a town full of homes, shops, and whatever your imagination dreams up.
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Go for a hike
Explore nature, get active, and spark curiosity with a family hike! Every trail offers a chance to discover new sights, sounds, and moments together.
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Beach Cricket
Take cricket to the sand with this simple, action-packed version! Draw a circle, grab a bat and ball, and enjoy some sunny, sporty fun at the beach.
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Beach scavenger hunt
Turn a day at the beach into an exciting adventure with a scavenger hunt! Search for shells, driftwood, footprints, and more while soaking up the sun and fresh air.
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Build a sandcastle
Get creative at the beach with a classic sandcastle build! Whether it’s a simple tower or an elaborate fortress, sandcastle building is pure, hands-on fun for kids of all ages.
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License plate game
Turn long drives into a fun adventure with the License Plate Game! Spot, list, and learn about different places while keeping boredom at bay.
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20 Questions
Challenge kids’ logic and creativity with a quick, classic game of 20 Questions! A fun way to build critical thinking and communication skills anywhere, anytime.
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Sand Art Mandalas
Encourage mindfulness and creativity by making mandala-style patterns in the sand using beach treasures like shells, pebbles, and seaweed.