Screen-Free and No-Cost activities for Kids

Most parents want and try to offer their children more than what they received from their own parents. While children love to receive new toys, the novelty of those toys tend to wear off fairly quickly. Children tend to spend more time with items or playing games that promote their imagination and help expel excess energy; which often times involves you, the parent. Although it might be challenging to unwind and fully engage in play, consider this time with your child as an exciting adventure. Not only are you encouraging the numerous benefits of play, but you’re also deepening your understanding of your child and enhancing your parent-child connection. So, let’s take a look at some free, off-screen activities that can engage, entertain and burn off some of that energy that children seem to have so much of. 

 

Screen-Free Activities

 

Duck, Duck, Goose

Everyone forms a circle. One child is designated as “It” and moves around the circle, gently tapping each person on the head while saying, “Duck.” At their discretion, this child can tap someone and shout “Goose.” The tapped child must then jump up and chase the child who is “It” around the circle. If the child who is “It” successfully makes it around the circle and sits down, they are considered “safe.” However, if they are tagged by the “Goose,” they are out. In either case, the “Goose” then becomes “It,” and the game continues. Eventually, only two children remain, and the last one standing without being tagged is declared the winner.

 

London Bridge

Two children create a bridge by holding hands from opposite sides. As the group sings the nursery rhyme, all the children take turns passing beneath the raised arms. When the song concludes, the arms lower around the child currently passing through. The tune then shifts to, “Take the key and lock them up.” The children holding hands can begin to sway their arms back and forth. Preschoolers find joy in being “locked up” and gently rocked side to side.

 

Limbo

Take a broomstick outside and have two older children or adults hold each end. The goal is for the children to pass underneath the stick without touching it. If a child makes contact with the stick, they are out of the game. Once everyone has had a turn, you can gradually lower the stick in small increments. This activity can also be accompanied by music, if available.

 

Egg Race

Prepare some hard-boiled eggs and take them outside along with a few tablespoons. Enjoy guiding your preschooler through various movements—such as walking, running, or jumping—while they balance an egg on the spoon. This activity encourages balance and enhances dexterity.

 

Simon Says

This game is a favorite among young children, promoting good listening skills and concentration. You take on the role of Simon. Face your children and issue commands like, “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says do a jumping jack.” The children must mimic your actions only if you precede them with “Simon says.” If you simply say, “Do this,” anyone who follows your action is out. The last child remaining is declared the winner.

 

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

You set the melody and dictate the tempo. As you name each body part, the children must touch it immediately. You can increase the speed of the tune, prompting your child to move more quickly to keep pace. It often leads to amusing moments as everyone races to touch their knees and toes as swiftly as they can.

 

Freeze Dance

In this activity, everyone will dance while the music is playing. When the music stops, each participant must freeze instantly and maintain that position until the music resumes. Whoever doesn’t remain frozen is out

 

Follow The Leader

Move around and engage in various activities. Everyone should follow your lead. It’s simple, enjoyable, and a lot of fun!

 

Red Rover

One team calls out a player from the opposing side to run and attempt to break through their line. If the player successfully breaks the line, they return to their own team, and the calling team gets another chance to break the line. However, if the player fails to break through, they join the calling team.

 

Tag

In this game, one or more players pursue others with the goal of “tagging” them, thereby marking them out of play, usually by making contact with a hand. There are numerous variations of this game; most versions do not involve teams, scores, or any equipment. Typically, when a player is tagged, the tagger will exclaim, “It!” or “Tag, you’re ‘It’!” The last player to be tagged becomes “It” for the subsequent round.

 

Hide and Seek

In this classic game, one player takes on the role of the “hider,” while the rest are the “seekers.” Everyone, apart from the hider, closes their eyes and counts aloud. Once the counting is complete, all seekers disperse and begin searching for the hider. If a seeker discovers the hider, they join them in their hiding spot.

 

Red Light, Green Light

In this game, players aim to reach a finish line while a “caller” alternates between “green light” (which permits movement) and “red light” (which requires players to stop). Any players who continue moving after “red light” are sent back to the starting line. The first player to tag the caller emerges as the winner.