100+ Offline Activities to Reduce Screen Time
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Studies indicate that too much screen time can have a negative impact on children, many parents are searching for ways to protect their kids and regulate screen time. When students participate in offline activities they naturally spend less time on their devices and social media and see a variety of mental health benefits. Aside from reducing screen time, offline activities provide students with an opportunity to grow, learn new skills, and collect experiences they can add to their resumes.
Regardless of whether your student is participating in an online or offline activity, it is important to pay attention to their actions, have open dialogue, and step in when needed. We created a list of offline activities that can help students of all ages find new ways to unplug.
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Table of Contents
Building and LEGO
Ages 4+
Construction toys like Legos can foster a wide range of abilities, including motor skills, spatial skills, language skills, divergent problem solving, and non-verbal intelligence (Source: Parenting Science). Whether you’re following a set model of instructions or building things from scratch, Legos are a great way to unplug and have fun. Families can spend time building sets together, engineering machines, or using Legos to act out their favorite stories.
Our recommendations:
- LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box
- LEGO Gadgets
- Free Downloads of Step-by-Step LEGO Instructions
- Free Printable LEGO Challenges
- LEGO Creator Space Shuttle Explorer
- LEGO Architecture New York City
- LEGO Free Printable Activity Sheets
- LEGO Science Ice Excavation Experiment
- KiwiCo
- Snap Circuits Pro Electronics Exploration Kit
Books
Ages 2+
There are numerous benefits to reading at any age. “Reading out loud to younger children can help curb problem behaviors like aggression, hyperactivity and difficulty with attention” (Source: New York Times). “Teens can gain skills from reading outside of the classroom including expanding their vocabularies, handling complex ideas, improving their score on the verbal section of a college admissions test, and helping them see solutions to their own problems” (Source: Family Education). Parents can encourage reading by reading out loud to their children at a young age, showing interest in the books that their kids are reading, or encouraging them to read the book version of their favorite movies. Visit your local public library and sign up for their summer reading program or consult their book club options or recommendations.
Recommended Books For Teens & Young Adults:
- Art, Music & Photography
- Biographies
- Education & Reference
- Historical Fiction
- Hobbies & Games
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Thrillers
- Personal Health
- Religion & Spirituality
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Social Issues
- Sports & Outdoors
Recommended Books For Younger Children
Recommended Books for Older Children:
Puzzles
Ages 1+
Puzzles have the ability to positively impact children by developing or improving hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, problem solving, shape recognition, memory, goal setting, and learning to work with their environment (Source: Child Development Institute). Families can spend time together solving puzzles and coming up with a strategy together such as building out the border first or grouping pieces together based on colors. Consider taking advantage of your puzzle time to have an open dialog with your children.
Our recommendations:
Board Games and Card Games
Ages 3+
Game night is one of the most tried and true methods for families to spend more time together. Games don’t need to be overly educational to have a positive impact on students (Source: Scholastic). Games can help children master new skills such as number and shape recognition, letter recognition and reading, communicating verbally, sharing, waiting, taking turns, enjoying interactions with others, the ability to focus, and lengthening their attention span. Family card games can teach math, memory, self-confidence, how to face competition in a healthy way, and strategic thinking (Source: The Wall Street Journal). Parents can set a positive example for their children by following the rules of the game while not taking winning or losing too seriously. Games are also a great way for tweens and teens to spend time together offline.
Our recommendations:
- Battleship With Planes Strategy Board Game
- Clue Game
- Ticket to Ride
- Machi Koro
- 12 DIY Board Games
- 10 Classic Card Games To Play With Your Kids
- UNO Card Game
- Set of 4 Classic Children’s Card Games
- Skip-Bo Junior Card Game
- Math Games To Play With A Deck of Cards
Bicycling
Ages 4+
Aside from being good for your health, bicycling also provides a lot of other positive benefits to children. Teaching kids how to ride a bike can build stamina, coordination, balance, and persistence (Source: Child Development Institute). It’s important to remember that riding bikes can be dangerous, so parents need to set clear limitations and teach their children about bike safety before they start riding. Then, parents can help their children find the right bike for their age and skill level. Families can find bike paths to ride together, have friendly speed races, and use biking as a mode of transportation for short trips.
Our recommendations:
- RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle Kids Bike
- Flybar Dual Certified CPSC Multi Sport Kids Helmet
- 10 Ways to Make Driveway Bike Riding More Fun
- Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights
- 20 DIY Ways to Pimp Your Bicycle
Craft Kits
Ages 4+
Many parents put the majority of their focus on their children’s test scores, but fostering their creativity is equally important for mental growth. In fact, arts and crafts can help boost a student’s academic performance in subjects like math and literature (Source: Livestrong.com). Activities such as painting and pottery also teach kids problem-solving and communication skills. Craft kits in particular are great for both children and parents because they offer easy-to-follow guidelines and clean up is a breeze!
Our recommendations:
- 4M Magnetic Mini Tile Art
- 31 Crafts Kids Can Make At Home
- Klutz Make Clay Charms Craft Kit
- Fun Creative DIY Arts and Crafts Kit
- 15 Fun & Easy Toilet Paper Roll Craft & Projects For Kids
- Annie's Kit Clubs
Writing or Journaling
Ages 4+
Child Researcher Marlene Ritchie, B.S., M.N. suggests keeping a regular written record (journaling or keeping a pocket notebook) of thoughts, feelings, happenings and dreams. The journal is a non-judgmental friend, a therapist, and will be a historical reference to significant events in the writer’s life. Scientific research has identified many physical, psychological and emotional benefits from journaling. Mental health therapists recommend journaling as a means of dealing with traumatic experiences.
Our recommendations:
- Classic Notebook Journal
- Zebra Pen Retractable Ballpoint Pen
- Dual Brush Pen Art Markers
- 75 Free Journal Prompts for Elementary Students
- 77 Free Middle School Writing Prompts
- Writing Prompts for High School Students by The New York Times
- 7 Fun Writing Activities for Reluctant Writers
Drawing & Coloring
Ages 4+
Drawing is one of the earliest forms of artistic activity that children learn how to do. Even adults discover the relaxation and self-expression benefits of drawing, sketching, and coloring (Source: Scholastic). Children have a similar experience, with the added advantage of motor skills development. Kids can practice free-form sketching or coloring in order to boost creativity and improve their ability to focus or to encourage educational learning, whether you’re teaching a child geography, animals, colors, or even numbers. For parents and teachers, these inexpensive activities require limited preparation and are well-suited to travel. Additionally, coloring books and sketch pads can be used by students of all ages which makes it one of the best offline activities.
Our recommendations:
- Sketch Book For Kids
- 101 Free Sidewalk Chalk Activities and Ideas
- The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step
- How to Draw 101
- 100 Silly Drawing Prompts
- Free Printable Drawing Prompt Worksheets for Young Artists
- Jumbo 50-Page Kids’ Coloring Pads Set
- The Anatomy Coloring Book
- Free Crayola Coloring Pages
- Premium Coloring Pencils
Sports
Ages 4+
Playing sports with your child at home gives you the ability to bond with each other and engage in physical activity. Psychology Today points out that organized sports through a school or club league are also beneficial when it comes to learning valuable life lessons. Whether your kid picks up baseball or cheerleading, they will quickly understand the importance of commitment and resilience. Plus, the more time your child spends on sports, the less time they have to participate in unhealthy habits, like underage drinking, playing mind-numbing video games, and eating junk food.
Our recommendations:
- Learn the Rules for Each Sport
- Step2 Kickback Soccer Goal
- Franklin Sports Youth Football Goal Post Set
- Djubi Classic – the Coolest New Twist on the Game of Catch!
- Soccer/Volleyball/Rugby Trainer
Playing an instrument
Ages 3+
According to TIME, music can help develop your child’s brain. However, they have to actively participate in making music to reap the full benefits. Learning a musical instrument improves a child’s neural processing and reading skills, along with their ability to focus. Research has even discovered that students who take music classes are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. If you want your child to stick with this hobby, you should help them find a musical instrument they enjoy. Forcing them to play the trombone when they really love the drums is a recipe for disaster. We’ve linked some of our favorite videos about learning musical instruments below!
Our recommendations:
- The Secret to Learning an Instrument
- 5 Beginner Drumming Techniques You Need To Know
- What Is The Best Musical Instrument For A Toddler
- 16 Resources for Learning an Instrument on Your Own
Gardening
Ages 4+
Gardening is often overlooked when your family is trying to decide on a fun, educational hobby. PBS urges parents to consider getting their hands dirty when teaching children science and math. Measuring out the soil and water gives your kids a better understanding of arithmetic, while learning about the lifecycle of a plant can improve your child’s biology grade. You can also use gardening to encourage healthy eating habits! Grow simple plants–like garlic or spinach–and use the ingredients to cook a nutritious meal. Your kids will be proud to showcase their hard work on the dinner table!
Our recommendations:
Camping
Ages 4+
Camping is an entertaining activity for the entire family. Whether you’re 8 or 80. Camping helps reduce stress and encourages you to connect with your environment (Source: KOA). Your children will especially benefit from this outdoor adventure as they practice problem-solving and survival skills while pitching tents, making a fire, and learning about surrounding plants and wildlife. It will also give you a chance to unplug for a while and strengthen your relationships. Bring a guitar, some marshmallows, and some fun nature games to make your camping experience extra special!
Our recommendations:
- 25 Backyard Camping Ideas
- Outdoor Explorer Kit
- Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt Card Game for Families
- 24 of the Most Scenic Places to Camp in the United States
Cooking and Baking
Ages 4+
Helping in the kitchen can boost your child’s math skills, language skills, and even their emotional development. Since baking and cooking require waiting, it can help your children learn the value of patience. Start early enough and your teenager may be willing to take over the kitchen once or twice a week. Learning how to cook is especially beneficial for picky or unhealthy eaters. Making a dish from scratch can help your child develop a more sophisticated palate and it will give them a sense of pride once the food is finally served. In the beginning, kids can start out slow by helping you mix a few ingredients or reading off the instructions. As they get older and gain more kitchen confidence, challenge your child to double or half their favorite recipe which will help develop their math skills.
Our recommendations:
- Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)
- MasterChef Junior Cooking Essentials
- American Girl Baking: Recipes for Cookies, Cupcakes & More
- Raddish
- 26 Easy Recipes Your Kids Can Make All By Themselves
- 21 Fun And Delicious Recipes You Can Make With Your Kids
- Baking Class: 50 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Bake!
- Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Metal Measuring Spoons
- Digital Kitchen Timer
Blanket Forts
Ages 2+
According to the Waldorf School educational and environmental psychologists, along with educators in the field, have taken a keen interest in fort building. It’s a constant presence in early and middle childhood, the creation of secret places, often in plain sight, and the experts agree that den, fort, or secret space creation offers a host of cognitive and psychological benefits for the developing child. Building forts helps children create a rule structure of their own and provides a sense of control. Encourage your children to build blanket forts while setting expectations. Outline which materials (e.g. blankets, sheets, couches) they can use and how they should deconstruct their forts when finished.
Our recommendations:
- Super Soft Shaggy Longfur Throw Blanket
- Crazy Forts
- 18 Indoor DIY Forts to Build with Your Kids
- Plastic Quilt Hanging Clamps
- 5 Kid-Friendly DIY Forts by Bob Vila
Paper Airplanes
Ages 4+
Being fascinated with airplanes can be a great gateway to STEM learning for younger children. Making and playing with paper planes can lead to discussions about aerodynamics (the forces that impact plane flight): thrust, lift, drag, and gravity/weight (Source: Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences). Older children can also learn about plane movements like roll, yaw, and pitch. “The most amazing thing about a paper airplane is all you need to make one is a sheet of paper—nothing more. You don’t need scissors, glue, tape, or paper clips. A few folds, a couple of adjustments, and you have a superb paper flyer. The properties of paper give the airplane all the attributes it needs.” (Doherty n.d.).
Our recommendations:
- The New World Champion Paper Airplane Book
- The Ultimate Guide to Paper Airplanes
- HP Printer Paper
- Paper Airplane Database with Free Folding Instructions
Robotics/Drones/Remote Control
Ages 4+
Robotics is often used in clubs, after-school activities, and competitions to expose K-12 students to technology, engineering, math, and science (Source: NYU Tandon School of Engineering). Students with a natural interest in STEM will gravitate towards these offline activities but robotics, drones, and remote control toys can be beneficial for students of all ages. Younger students can learn about basic mechanics, while older students can get more in-depth knowledge on building and engineering machines..
Our recommendations:
Volunteering
Ages 14+
Aside from impressing college admissions officers and future employers, volunteering offers students a lot of benefits including helping others, developing time management skills, networking opportunities, and building soft skills. Scholarships.com recommends that high school students who already know what their intended field of study will be once they’re in college should try finding volunteer opportunities in those areas. For example, if you like the idea of becoming a lawyer, find a legal aid clinic to volunteer or work for.
Sewing
Ages 6+
Aside from being a valuable life skill, sewing offers a lot of benefits to students. Montessori Services suggests that sewing, weaving, and knitting activities help young children develop manual dexterity and manipulative skills. By using their hands, children more fully integrate learning experiences. Weaving, sewing, and other kinds of handwork extend the benefits of Practical Life work for the older child. Children will continue to develop fine motor skills and concentration, while building self-confidence with successful experiences.
Our recommendations:
- Mini Sewing kit for DIY, Beginners, and Kids
- Free Sewing Patterns
- Sewing School®: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make
- Muslin
Science Experiments
Ages 2+
It’s easy to expose your students to science concepts at home. Children are naturally curious and love experimenting. At-home science experiments can inspire the whole family. Learn interesting science and technology lessons by testing out different materials and creating new things together.
Our recommendations:
- 63 Easy Science Experiments for Kids Using Household Stuff
- Science Kit for Kids
- PBS Science Projects for Kids Ages 2 to 8
More resources for parents, students, & educators
100+ Online Educational Activities For Students
360+ Teen Slang, Emojis, & Hashtags Parents Need to Know (The Ultimate List)
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation
Conclusion
Offline activities are great ways for students to learn new talents and broaden their skillset. The more interested students are in offline activities the less amount of time they will spend on screens. It is important to dialogue and set parameters with your students to ensure they have a good balance between online and offline activities.
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