Screen Free Things to Do at Home


Once I had my son I knew I wanted him to avoid a screen for as long as possible. I want to share some screen free things to do at home for kids of all ages. These are fun screen free things to do at home for kids age 3 and up! Read more to check out my screen free things to do at home! 

Screen Free Things to Do at Home

Screen Free Things to Do at Home for Babies and Toddlers: 

  • Sit your child in a cardboard box and have them paint 

  • Put some paint in a Ziploc bag with a canvas board and have your child paint 

  • Sidewalk chalk drawing 

  • Play in the sand box or at the water table 

  • Make and play with play dough

  • Bake together 

  • Teddy bear picnic 

  • Have a "toy wash" with soapy water and sponges

  • Practice threading beads or pasta onto string.

  • Play with kinetic sand or moon sand in a sensory bin

  • Sort and organize household items into baskets or containers.

  • Play "Follow the Leader" with simple movements.

  • Play with a sensory wall filled with textured materials.

  • Practice tossing beanbags into targets

  • Play with water and ice cubes in a sensory bin.

  • Have a bubble wrap stomping party.

  • Create a collage using old magazines or newspapers.

  • Practice stacking cups or nesting toys.

  • Experiment with pouring and mixing colored water in containers.

  • Play with magnetic letters or numbers on the fridge

  • Create art with stickers, stamps, or crayons.

  • Play with a ball, kicking or throwing it back and forth.

  • Practice simple cooking or baking together.

  • Explore different sounds with musical instruments.

  • Set up a miniature world with toy animals or figurines

  • Play with sensory bags filled with gel, water, or glitter.

  • Create a DIY obstacle course with cushions, pillows, and tunnels.

  • Play with toy cars and trucks on homemade tracks.

  • Practice pouring and transferring water with cups and containers in the bathtub or sink.

  • Build a simple indoor obstacle course using furniture and cushions.

  • Play "I Spy" using objects in the room.

  • Have a puppet show with homemade puppets.

  • Explore different textures with a sensory touch board

  • Make music with pots, pans, and wooden spoons.

  • Explore nature in the backyard or nearby park.

  • Plant seeds in pots and watch them grow - check out my seed started activity here! 

  • Build a fort using blankets and pillows.

  • Play with building blocks or LEGO bricks.

  • Have a dance party to favorite songs.

  • Create a sensory bin with rice, beans, or pasta for tactile exploration.

  • Make homemade playdough and sculpt shapes.

  • Sort and match colored objects or toys.

  • Arrange a scavenger hunt around the house.

  • Finger paint with non-toxic paint.

  • Play dress-up with costumes and props.

  • Read books together or make up stories.

  • Play with simple puzzles.

  • Have a tea party with dolls or stuffed animals.

  • Play "Simon Says" to encourage movement and listening skills.

  • Blow bubbles and chase them around.


Screen Free Things to Do at Home for Ages 7+: 

Symmetry Drawing: 

Symmetry drawing is a fun screen free thing to do at home. You can download and print the PDF pages. You can easily get the pages photocopied to use them again and again. Symmetry drawing is better than colouring books because your child is learning, practicing and refining their drawing skills while learning about symmetry and how to draw realistically. The symmetry designs are printed on plain and grid paper. The grid paper makes it easier for kids to count the squares and measure to create a more symmetrical and realistic drawing. 



Free School Supply Symmetry Drawing:

Click here to download the FREE symmetry drawing for primary students

Save 30% and purchase my symmetry drawing pages for kids ages 7-9.


Acrylic Painting:

Acrylic painting is a great and fun screen free activity to do at home. You don’t need a lot of supplies and kids can choose to paint on canvas, canvas board or watercolour paper. 

Check out some of these acrylic painting tutorials by clicking on the videos below. Or read here for painting tutorials! 

You can use these paintings as an idea- kids don’t need to follow along to the steps on screen.



Watermelon Painting 


Boho Rainbow Painting 


Mountain Range Sunset Painting 



Screen Free Things to Do at Home for Ages 9+: 

Symmetry Drawing: 

Symmetry drawing is a fun screen free thing to do at home. You can download and print the PDF pages. You can easily get the pages photocopied to use them again and again. Symmetry drawing is better than colouring books because your child is learning, practicing and refining their drawing skills while learning about symmetry and how to draw realistically. The symmetry designs are printed on plain and grid paper. The grid paper makes it easier for kids to count the squares and measure to create a more symmetrical and realistic drawing. 


FREE Insect Symmetry Drawing - Click here to download the FREE insect symmetry drawing

Animal Symmetry Drawing Book 

There are 68 pages in this book -34 animal designs printed on plain paper and 34 animal designs printed on grid paper.

This book is perfect for kids who love animals and drawing! Teach your kids about symmetry and allow them to practice and refine their drawing skills.

The symmetry drawing book measures 8.5"x11"

Click the button below to purchase the Animal Symmetry Drawing Book! 


Save 30% and purchase the bundle of symmetry drawing for kids age 9-12 


Click the button below to visit my TPT store and see other symmetry drawing pages! 



Acrylic Painting:

Check out some of these acrylic painting tutorials by clicking on the videos below. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube acrylic painting channel to see new painting tutorials .You can use these paintings as an idea- kids don’t need to follow along to the steps on screen.

Painting a Simple Bee


You Are My Sunshine Painting 

Zentangle Heart Painting 


Other Screen Free Things to Do at Home:

  • Create a scavenger hunt with clues around the house or backyard.

  • Build a cardboard fort or castle.

  • Have a DIY arts and crafts session with materials like paper, scissors, glue, and markers.

  • Start a small garden or plant seeds in pots- check out my seed starter activity here 

  • Set up a treasure hunt with hidden items and a map.

  • Have a family board game or card game night.

  • Bake cookies or make simple recipes together.

  • Design and decorate homemade bookmarks.

  • Write and illustrate a short story or comic book.

  • Create a mini science experiment with household items.

  • Have a dance party with favorite songs and dance routines.

  • Set up an indoor or outdoor obstacle course.

  • Paint rocks or pebbles with acrylic paints.

  • Play with modeling clay or dough to sculpt figures or objects.

  • Learn a new skill like knitting, crocheting, or origami.

  • Organize a fashion show with clothes and accessories from dress-up bins.

  • Have a picnic in the backyard or living room.

  • Build a bird feeder or birdhouse.

  • Experiment with building structures using toothpicks and marshmallows.

  • Practice juggling with scarves or soft balls.

  • Create and perform a puppet show with homemade puppets.

  • Start a journal or diary to record thoughts, feelings, and daily activities.

  • Learn magic tricks and put on a magic show for family members.

  • Make homemade slime or playdough.

  • Design and decorate homemade greeting cards for friends or family.

  • Set up a DIY mini-golf course using household items.

  • Explore nature on a backyard scavenger hunt.

  • Learn simple magic tricks or card tricks.

  • Create a time capsule with items and notes to be opened in the future.

  • Organize a talent show with family members showcasing their talents.

  • Build a model rocket or airplane and launch it in a safe outdoor area.

  • Set up a DIY photo booth with props and costumes for fun pictures.

  • Practice yoga or meditation together.

  • Create homemade musical instruments and have a jam session.

  • Play outdoor games like tag, hide and seek, or capture the flag.

  • Set up a lemonade stand or bake sale for a simple entrepreneurial activity.

  • Have a DIY spa day with homemade face masks and manicures.

  • Make homemade popsicles or ice cream.

  • Explore DIY science experiments like making slime or volcano eruptions.

  • Design and paint rocks to place around the neighborhood or in the garden.

  • Create a family tree or genealogy chart.

  • Build a model of famous landmarks or structures using household materials.

  • Set up a mini bowling alley using empty plastic bottles and a soft ball.

  • Create and perform a play or puppet show for family members.

  • Build a miniature city or town using cardboard boxes and recyclable materials.

  • Start a collection of items like stamps, coins, or trading cards.

  • Practice basic cooking skills by helping prepare simple meals or snacks.

  • Learn and practice magic tricks with a magic kit or online tutorials.

  • Have a DIY science fair with homemade experiments and presentations.




Screen Free Things to Do at Home for Ages 14+: 

Symmetry Drawing: 

Symmetry drawing is a fun screen free thing to do at home. You can download and print the PDF pages. You can easily get the pages photocopied to use them again and again. Symmetry drawing is better than colouring books because your child is learning, practicing and refining their drawing skills while learning about symmetry and how to draw realistically. The symmetry designs are printed on plain and grid paper. The grid paper makes it easier for kids to count the squares and measure to create a more symmetrical and realistic drawing. 



FREE Portrait Symmetry Drawing - Click here to download the FREE portrait symmetry drawing


Save 30% by purchasing the symmetry drawing bundle for teens age 14 and up! 


Click the button below to check out my TPT store and see other symmetry drawing! 



Acrylic Painting: 

Check out some of these acrylic painting tutorials by clicking on the videos below. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube acrylic painting channel to see new painting tutorials. You can use these paintings as an idea- kids don’t need to follow along to the steps on screen.


Easy Sunset Moon Painting 

Campfire Painting 

Galaxy Sky Night Painting 

Moon Over Water Painting 

Lemon Painting


Other Screen Free Things to Do at Home: 

  • Cooking or Baking: Experiment with new recipes or bake treats from scratch.

  • DIY Crafts: Get creative with DIY projects like painting, jewelry-making, or crafting with recycled materials.

  • Reading: Dive into a good book or start a book club with friends.

  • Journaling: Start a journal to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

  • Exercise: Engage in home workouts, yoga, or dance routines.

  • Board Games: Have a game night with classic board games or card games.

  • Musical Instruments: Learn to play a musical instrument or practice existing skills.

  • Drawing or Sketching: Unleash artistic talents through drawing or sketching.

  • Gardening: Start a small garden or tend to indoor plants.

  • Photography: Experiment with photography using a camera or smartphone.

  • DIY Spa Day: Pamper yourself with homemade face masks, manicures, and relaxation techniques.

  • Writing: Try creative writing, poetry, or storytelling.

  • Learn a New Skill: Explore interests by learning skills like coding, graphic design, or cooking techniques.

  • DIY Home Décor: Redecorate or personalize living spaces with DIY home décor projects.

  • Scrapbooking: Preserve memories and create scrapbooks with photos and memorabilia.

  • Letter Writing: Write letters to friends, family, or pen pals.

  • Volunteering: Find virtual volunteering opportunities or help out in the local community.

  • Painting: Explore different painting techniques and create artworks on canvas or paper.

  • Camping Indoors: Set up a tent indoors and have a camping experience in the living room.

  • Learn a Language: Start learning a new language through online resources or language learning apps.

  • Music Jam Session: Jam with friends or family members who play musical instruments.

  • Magic Tricks: Learn and practice magic tricks or cardistry.

  • Cook-off Challenge: Have a cooking competition with friends or family members.

  • Dance Party: Dance to favorite music or learn new dance styles through online tutorials.

  • Role-Playing Games: Play tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons with friends.

  • Home Movie Marathon: Have a movie marathon with classic or favorite films.

  • Explore Virtual Museums: Take virtual tours of museums and art galleries around the world.

  • Fitness Challenges: Set fitness goals and challenges to improve strength and endurance.

  • Sculpting: Experiment with sculpting materials like clay, polymer clay, or wire.






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