It can be hard to come up with fresh, kid-friendly ideas that don't involve technology especially if it feels like your child's life pretty much revolves around it. While parents often suggest that kids play outdoors or try entertaining themselves, little ones still manage to find a way to incorporate their beloved smartphones and tablets into these instructions (ahem, Pokémon Go). Whether you're hoping to find inspiration for screen-free playdates or are looking to encourage more unplugged family time, these 21 fresh ideas will actually keep kids entertained, engaged, and away from their gadgets!
Set the tone for an epic dance party or hide-and-seek in the dark by first making glow stick balloons that will keep shining bright for hours.
Not only does this simple DIY project teach kids about terrarium gardens but it's also a great use of mason jars.
Take your children to your your local farmers market to find the freshest ingredients of the season, and then have your kids help whip up a tasty dish with them!
It's amazing what they can learn about science without needing any technology — just a few simple things you most likely already have around the house.
Not only will your kiddos love every second of this unique project but you'll be thrilled with the frameable end result.
This Minecraft creeper milk container bird feeder is a great way to use their love of the game to get them involved in nature.
Board games are a lot more fun when you can actually jump into them. The 36th Avenue converted their deck into a game board with a giant pair of dice.
Toast marshmallows to perfection, stack 'em with your favorite chocolate and cookie combo, and tell scary — or not so scary — campfire stories while you eat your s’mores.
Let them play with their food — just this once — for a special experiment and you won't regret it when you see their thoughtful observations and engaged conversations.
Not only does this DIY project play to your child's creative side but it also gets him or her to be more observant of their environment.
We're big fans of getting creative with pancakes, so whip up some batter, grab some food coloring, and let your kids go crazy (with some adult oven supervision, of course).
You don't need a candy thermometer to make these jasmine treats. You'll be surprised that they turn out just as delicious as they are pretty!
Put that old salad spinner to use for this fun activity that every age group will enjoy.
While you probably want to mount the herbs with the help of another adult, your kids will love getting their hands dirty to help you plant herbs in mason jars. It's a great way to add fresh flavors to your family dishes all year round!
Rock crayons are the gift that keep on giving because once your child has enjoyed the fun of making these rainbow creations, they can enjoy coloring with them during future projects.
Get out the spray bottles: this spray-paint craft will have your child spritzing away!
For less than $10, your kids can create a backyard race track that will keep them entertained all afternoon. These soap boat races are not only fun for kids, adults will love competing too!
Turn on the sprinklers, crank up the hose, and fill up those water balloons; it's time for a water fight! The perfect activity on a hot day, water fights are a great substitute for the pool and a fun way for the kids to keep cool. Just be sure to have the towels handy.
Since the sun is out, why not eat your meal beneath it? Just lay out a blanket in the backyard, or take a trip to the local park.
Like regular tag, someone is "it" and everyone runs around trying to evade who's "it." Players are eliminated when the flashlight's beam hits them.