Unplugged Play: 10 Ideas for Engaging Activities for Kids Without Screens

In today's digital age, it's easy for kids to get lost in screens and forget about the joys of playing with physical toys and engaging in interactive activities. While technology can be a great tool for learning and entertainment, it's important for kids to also develop skills and engage in play without screens. Here are 10 ideas for engaging activities that your kids will love and that don't involve screens:

Build with Blocks

Encourage your child's creativity by providing them with a set of building blocks. Whether it's wooden blocks, Legos, or magnetic tiles, building blocks can provide hours of imaginative play and help develop fine motor skills.

Create a Scavenger Hunt

Set up a scavenger hunt for your child in your backyard or in the park. Make a list of items for them to find, such as a leaf, a rock, or a flower. This activity encourages your child to explore the outdoors and can help develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Bake Together

Spend some quality time with your child by baking a batch of cookies or muffins together. This activity teaches valuable life skills such as measuring and following directions, while also providing a fun bonding experience. Helpful tip: use the Timer on your TickTalk smartwatch to count down the time until your yummy concoction is ready! 

Play Board Games

Board games can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. Choose games that are age-appropriate for your child and that can help develop social skills such as turn-taking and communication.

Host a Tea Party

Set up a tea party for your child and their friends, complete with snacks and decorations. This activity encourages imagination and creativity, while also developing social skills such as sharing and taking turns.

Build a Fort

Provide your child with blankets, pillows, and chairs to create their own fort. This activity encourages creativity and imagination, while also providing a cozy hideaway for your child to relax and read a book.

Explore Nature

Take your child on a nature walk to explore the outdoors. Bring along a notebook and encourage them to draw and write about what they see. This activity encourages curiosity and exploration, while also providing a healthy dose of exercise. An after-lunch hike is also a great way to hit their daily step goal you’ve set on your TickTalk smartwatch!

Make Homemade Playdough

Mix together flour, salt, water, and food coloring to make your own homemade playdough. This activity helps develop fine motor skills and encourages creativity and imagination.

Create a Puppet Show

Help your child create their own puppet show by making puppets out of socks, paper bags, or popsicle sticks. This activity encourages creativity, imagination, and storytelling.

Learn a New Skill

Teach your child a new skill, such as knitting, sewing, or painting. This activity encourages lifelong learning and helps develop patience and perseverance. Set a Reminder through the TickTalk App to create a routine of practicing your newfound skill together!