Offline Activities for 5-Year-Olds: Creative, Calm & Full of Fun
Five-year-olds are full of big ideas, growing skills, and endless curiosity.
It’s a great age for games with rules, creative challenges, and activities that stretch their imagination.
These screen-free ideas are designed to be easy, fun, and flexible — perfect for after school, weekends, or whenever you fancy a break from screens.
Just pick what suits your day and enjoy some relaxed, playful time together.
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Activity Type
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Age
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Join a Local Scouts or Guides Group
Scouting and Guiding groups offer fun, friendship and adventure. From Rainbows to Cubs to Explorers, there’s something for every age and interest.
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Threading with Pasta
A simple, mess-free craft using dry pasta and string that supports fine motor skills and creativity — perfect for quiet play or beginner crafting.
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Elderflower Cordial
A lovely seasonal activity that starts with foraging and ends with a refreshing homemade drink. Get outside, pick some elderflowers, and make something delicious together.
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Junior ParkRun
Junior ParkRun is a brilliant, free way for kids to enjoy running in the great outdoors — all while building confidence, friendships and healthy habits.
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Paper Tearing Collage
Tearing paper into little bits and sticking them down to make creative designs is great for coordination, focus, and self-expression — and it’s really fun too!
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Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Gather soft toys, lay out a blanket, and enjoy a pretend picnic together — perfect for imaginative play and a little outdoor (or indoor!) fun.
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Simon Says
A classic listening game that gets children moving, thinking and laughing. Ideal for developing attention, coordination and self-control.
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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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Join a Drama Club
Drama clubs give children the chance to act, express themselves, and build confidence while making friends and having fun.
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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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Sign Up for Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons help children stay active, build water confidence and learn essential safety skills — all while having fun with their peers.
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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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Learn a Musical Instrument
Learning an instrument is a rewarding journey that nurtures patience, creativity and a lifelong love of music.
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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.