8 things to do with your kids that aren't on screens

Here are some things that I like to do with my kids so that they're not on screens. The best alternative to screens, and saving your sanity, is FREE PLAY, and the fastest way to burn out from screen-free parenting is pinterest activities. I remember crying during the lockdown, after I spent 20 minutes setting up an activity, only for my kids to do the activity for 20 minutes, and me spend another 30 minutes cleaning up. 

Free play can look like a lot of things, but ideally there is no intended end result, and there may not be any adult involvement. Ideally free play won't make a heap of mess, but obviously it will make more mess than if your child was just sitting on an ipad. 

1. Colouring in, drawing, and art. 

Drawing on plain paper is excellent because it encourages creativity and imagination. Colouring in books are helpful for developing fine motor skills and focus. Both are a great option! We love the Crayola pens because they're so easy to wipe off walls and furniture, and to wash off clothes. Painting is also fun but be prepared for extra supervision, and cleanup.

2. Magnet tiles, lego, duplo, train sets etc

These are all excellent toys because there is no intended outcome- it's all about free play and creativity. They can also be added to over the years, for birthdays and Christmas.

3. Kick arounds

Whether you go to the a local school, playing fields, or on your lawn, kick-arounds are fun and exercise for the whole family. Soccer ball, rugby ball, basket ball, it doesn't really matter which code you pick, the ideas is just to get out and get active. You can start doing kick arounds from around toddler age and there are huge benefits for fitness, motor skills, and balance.

4. Bike ride / scooter ride

We all love a bike or a scoot, whether it's around the block, or to the local playground. Balance bikes are an excellent idea for toddlers and pre-schoolers, to improve balance and make the transition to a two wheel bike a little smoother. 

5. Play in a box/ painting a box

Basically no box can ever go into the recycling without all play options being exhausted!

6. Outdoor play

Head to your local beach/ bush/ river for some outside play. With the proximity to water this activity requires supervision. Kids love to collect stones and leaves, build dams, float leaves, throw things when they're outdoors. The idea is to let them play- not push them into going for a hike or doing some other organised activity.

7. Selection of toys

For babies and toddlers, a selection of toys in a basket or on a table can be all the invitation they need. 

8. Baking

I almost didn't include this one, because it requires set up, close supervision, and clean up by an adult, but baking is my kids' favourite thing to do. Keep it simple, with easy recipes creating something that they like to eat. We love the Chelsea Winter Crazy Italian Chocolate Cake, it certainly checks all the boxes.