21 Unplugged Kid Activities For Screen-Free Fun

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!

01
Glow Stick Balloons
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Glow Stick Balloons

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.

02
Mason Jar Terrariums
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Mason Jar Terrariums

Not only does this simple DIY project teach kids about terrarium gardens but it's also a great use of mason jars.

03
Farmers Market Finds
Flickr user Liz

Farmers Market Finds

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!

04
A Volcano Science Experiment for Kids
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A Volcano Science Experiment for Kids

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.

05
Milk Art Creations
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Milk Art Creations

Not only will your kiddos love every second of this unique project but you'll be thrilled with the frameable end result.

06
Minecraft Milk Container Bird Feeder
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Minecraft Milk Container Bird Feeder

This Minecraft creeper milk container bird feeder is a great way to use their love of the game to get them involved in nature.

07
Massive Deck Game Board
The 36th Avenue

Massive Deck Game Board

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.

08
Backyard S'mores

Backyard S'mores

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.

09
Cotton Candy Experiment
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Cotton Candy Experiment

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.

10
Rocket Bird Feeder
Lolly Jane

Rocket Bird Feeder

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.

11
Crayon Art
Whatever

Crayon Art

This artwork might look complicated, but it really just involves a canvas, some hot-glued crayons, and a hair dryer. Get the full how-to here. It's easy, quick, and pretty mess-free — though we'd avoid carpeted rooms.

12
Pancake Art
Jim's Pancakes

Pancake Art

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).

13
Edible Flower Lollipops
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Edible Flower Lollipops

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!

15
DIY Herb Garden
Not Just a Housewife

DIY Herb Garden

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!

16
Rock Crayons
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Rock Crayons

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.

17
Spray-Paint Crafts
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Spray-Paint Crafts

Get out the spray bottles: this spray-paint craft will have your child spritzing away!

18
Soap Boat Racing
I Heart Naptime

Soap Boat Racing

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!

19
Water Fights
Wendy Updegraff Photography

Water Fights

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.

20
Alfresco Dining

Alfresco Dining

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.

21
Flashlight Tag
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Flashlight Tag

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.