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.
Refine your search
Activity Type
Location Type
Energy Level
Mess Factor
Age
Time Duration
-
Skimming Stones
A timeless outdoor challenge — find the perfect flat stone and see how many times you can make it bounce across the water.
-
Sand Mummy Wrap
Sculpt something silly in the sand by gently burying arms or legs — a fun and creative way to turn someone into a sand mermaid, dinosaur or superhero!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
Simon Says
A classic listening game that gets children moving, thinking and laughing. Ideal for developing attention, coordination and self-control.
-
Make Muffins
Baking muffins is a fun, tasty way for children to get involved in the kitchen, practise basic maths, and enjoy the rewards of their hard work.
-
Beach Bowling
Turn the beach into your own bowling alley with just a beach ball and some plastic cups — perfect for a breezy bit of fun in the sand.
-
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.
-
Go Foraging
Foraging is a hands-on way for children to connect with nature, learn about the seasons, and discover wild food — all with close adult supervision.
-
Rockpooling
Explore tide pools and discover tiny sea creatures hiding between the rocks — perfect for curious little beach adventurers.
-
Join a Forest School Group
Forest school sessions give children the chance to explore the outdoors, learn practical skills, and grow in confidence through nature-based play.
-
Rock and Shell Hunt
A calming and mindful seaside activity where children collect beautiful shells and stones — perfect for quiet exploration and discovery.
-
Join a Drama Club
Drama clubs give children the chance to act, express themselves, and build confidence while making friends and having fun.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.