Hey there, tired-of-the-tablet parent,
Let’s talk about something that’s on all our minds: screen time. We’ve all been there—your toddler’s watching Cocomelon for the third time before noon, or your preteen won’t look up from their game console long enough to eat lunch. Sound familiar? Well, let’s share some ideas on screen-free activities for kids.
The truth is, screens aren’t the enemy. But every now and then, we all crave a little reboot. That’s where a screen-free weekend comes in. And no—it doesn’t have to involve dragging your kids through a tech-free wilderness retreat (unless you want to, of course 😄). With a little planning, you can create a weekend so fun, they won’t even miss the screens.
Here’s exactly how to plan a screen-free weekend that your kids will love—and that might just become your favourite family tradition.
Set the Stage (and the Expectations)
Start by talking to your kids about what the weekend will look like. Make it sound exciting, not like a punishment. Say something like:
“This weekend, we’re going to take a break from screens and go on some real-life adventures together!”
Give them a say in the plans, too—kids are more likely to buy in if they feel involved.
Create a Flexible Activity Plan
You don’t need a minute-by-minute schedule, but having a few go-to ideas can help keep things fun (and avoid the dreaded “I’m boooored”). Here are some screen-free winners:
1. Scavenger Hunt in the Garden or Park
Create a list of fun things to find—like a yellow flower, a pinecone, or a butterfly. (You can find printable scavenger hunt cards on Etsy or non-printable Amazon scavenger hunt kit that make this even easier!)
2. Family Baking Time
Let the kids pick a simple recipe and help out in the kitchen. Brownie points (literally) if you let them do the mixing and decorating. Try a kid-friendly baking set.
Fun screen-free activities for kids
3. Crafts and DIY Projects
Get out the glue sticks, crayons, and pom-poms! You could make a “memory jar,” paint kindness rocks, or create greeting cards for family. A kids’ craft subscription box can be a great monthly treat.
Screen-free weekend ideas for families
4. Backyard Campout or Living Room Camp-In
Set up a tent, grab sleeping bags, tell silly stories, and roast marshmallows—indoor style if needed. You can find an appropriate indoor fort kits on Amazon which would also be fund to set up.
5. Board Game Night (With Snacks!)
Dig out your old board games or try a new one. You could even make it a tournament. For younger kids, games like Candy Land or UNO are great. My favourite board games with my kids are Monopoly and game of Chess.
Build in Quiet Time
Screens often become a default when kids are bored or overstimulated. So be sure to plan for quiet, calm moments too:
- Reading time (bonus points for interactive storybooks
- Journaling or drawing
- Listening to audiobooks together (great for winding down)
Make Memories, Not Just a Schedule
The real magic happens when you’re just present. Whether you’re jumping in muddy puddles or giggling over burned cookies, you’re connecting—and that’s what kids will remember most.
What If They Ask for Screens?
They will. That’s okay.
Gently remind them of the plan and redirect with something fun:
“I know you want to play your game, but guess what? We’re about to build the biggest blanket fort ever.”
If you treat it like an adventure, they will too.
Bonus Tip: Give Them Something to Look Forward To
End the weekend with something sweet—like a family movie night next Friday. Having a reward coming up (even one that involves screens!) helps ease the transition and builds balance into your routine.
So, Let the Weekend Begin!
You don’t have to be Pinterest-perfect or fill every minute. A screen-free weekend isn’t about cutting tech cold turkey—it’s about reconnecting, creating memories, and giving your kids the chance to play, imagine, and just be kids.
And trust me, by Sunday night, you might find you needed it just as much as they did.
