Affordable Screen-Free Activities to Keep your Child Occupied

Finding a balance between screen time and other stimulating activities can be a challenge. Technology today has so much to offer on the entertainment level that it can be difficult to find a balance. However, some of these ideas may help you attack the screen monster head-on without costing a fortune.

7 Screen-Free Ideas for Children

1. A family Games Evening
   Playing games as a family has a great impact on everyone. It is sociable and board games, for example, encourage counting, using money or cards, taking turns and many other skills.
    
2. Scavenger or Treasure Hunt
   Treasure hunts can take place indoors or outdoors.  Make up some clues and have some treasure to hide and away your kids will go.  A scavenger hunt is a little different because you are required to find different objects and bring them back to the starting point of the hunt.  Both these games can be played in teams or pairs or singly.
    
3. Baking and decorating biscuits
   Baking is a great deal of fun for children. Older children can bake the biscuits from scratch. Younger children enjoy decorating ready-made biscuits.  Buy a packet of plain biscuits, icing sugar, sprinkles and any other decorating items. Have fun decorating and serving the biscuits for tea.
    
4. Put on a Magic Show or a Play
   Children love to entertain and spend time practising something to show their parents.  Have some dress-up clothes available or make-up for a drama show. 
    
5. Pack up a picnic and take a friend along
   Here is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon out. Make packing the picnic part of the fun and let your child get everything ready.  Invite a friend to join in too.
    
6. Play musical games
   Play musical games like musical statues, pass the parcel and musical bumps.
   Musical games are good fun to join in.  They encourage listening skills and gross motor exercises. The musical game is both entertaining and good for coordination.
    
7. Look for free shows or exhibits in museums and libraries in your area
   Check your local museums and libraries for any free holiday educational shows.  There may be something on that will interest your children.  These events are sure to be well organised and of great educational benefit.

Practice makes perfect -  Even if you get some resistance from your children don’t give up.  Getting away from screen time is healthy and rewarding.