Help them forget about the smartphone with these fun, screen-free activities!

It’s like negotiating a peace treaty these days to try to pry a tablet out of a grandkid’s hands. Given their extensive use of video games, YouTube marathons, and screens that could light up Times Square, it’s easy to question whether they even remember how to play without a glowing rectangle.

We understand that for the little ones, this routine is something we didn’t have when we were young, but spending all day connected to the internet is unhealthy for their minds. If you aim to convince your grandkids to spend more time with you doing fun things, this list will be your friend in need.

When we discuss old-fashioned fun, we mean no apps, no passwords, just good times and maybe some glitter on your carpet. These screen-free activities will engage your grandchildren in learning, laughing, and—gasp!—putting down their gadgets, ranging from backyard adventures to kitchen crafts and everything in between.

Prepare for a day filled with genuine connection by gathering your puzzle pieces and putting on your gloves. After all, spending time with one another creates memories, not swiping.

Encourage them to draw their cartoons

Do your grandkids love to draw? If so, one of the first screen-free activities that will help them forget about the internet is to let them draw everything that crosses their minds. Encourage your grandkids to create their cartoons rather than watching them. Ask them to draw you a hero and a villain using crayons and a piece of paper. Allow them to return and share their hero’s tale with you after they’re finished.

Do you also have drawing skills? Then start a fun game. Each of you has an hour to fill out a piece of blank paper while standing back to back. Show each other the finished product at the end of the hour.

Listen to an audiobook

Because I am old, I prefer reading from a physical book. But we’re living in modern times, and both Kindle and audiobooks have become super popular in the past years. And for kids, audiobooks are more engaging, and it’s a fun activity you can do together. Opt for those that are easy to understand, especially if the kids are young. Fantasy books work wonders and test their imagination, too.

Thereafter, ask the juniors to draw everything from their imagination, and don’t forget to encourage them afterwards.

…Or try the classical reading trick

Your grandkids may find that children’s books provide the necessary escape. Reading to kids or letting them read on their own has advantages. It helps them develop their mental images and improves their imagination. If you’re looking for a way to encourage curiosity and promote brain development, books are perfect for all kids. Young children often enjoy books that rhyme, have rhythm, or repeat. It’s one of the screen-free activities that will stimulate the creativity of your grandkids.

Pressed flower bookmarks

Do you remember that, back in the day, this used to be summer homework? We all went out in the town, in parks, and such to collect beautiful flowers and press them. Encourage your grandkids to make crafts inspired by nature by gathering flowers from a stroll and pressing them in books.

You could also try teaching them some facts about the flowers to make this an educational exercise. They will be super engaged! Additionally, it’s an enjoyable activity that will distract their attention from their smartphones for a few hours.

Create a game box

Place coloring books, playing cards, and simple puzzles in a box that your child can play with by themselves. To give them something to look forward to the following day, you could also have your child assist with assembling the box the day before!

Offer them creative toys

A child will be occupied for a long time with any toy that allows them to create. Invest in Play-Dough, Kinetic Sand, Legos, and puzzles. Your child will develop their spatial reasoning skills in addition to having hours of fun playing with them.

Children without technology are entertained by well-designed puzzles. While difficult puzzles keep older children occupied for hours, beginner puzzles keep toddlers occupied and give both parents and grandparents some quiet time. Of course, you can help them do the puzzles if you want. It’s a great activity that you can do on a Sunday evening.

psst! Looking for a fun puzzle for small kids (4-6 years) that’s also educational? This 70-piece United States Puzzle might be the best choice! It’s available on Amazon at the price of $14.34. 

Encourage outdoor time as much as possible

Remember how busy our parents were! If you have a backyard, let your grandchild run around with a ball and a stick. Trust me, they won’t get bored! If you’re concerned about their safety, please ensure they remain within your view. Walking, biking, collecting rocks, and even running are all nice outdoor activities, and you can take advantage of this and do some light cardio too.

Fun is guaranteed, and both of you will be exhausted at the end of the day, so you will forget even turning on the smartphone.

Grow a garden

Assign your youngster a little plant to look after. On the windowsill, they might be able to grow some flowers or a herb garden. First, give them a tiny guide on how to take care of the plant. You can put a sticky note with the instruction on the pot.

Treasure hunt

Give them a list of small objects to find around the house or, if you have a garden or other common space where they can play, outside to get them moving for a while. Pick something soft, something red, or something with a lovely scent! Let’s see how many fun items you can gather in just 20 minutes. Have a blast!

Build a fort inside the living room

Getting extra cardboard boxes, blankets, and pillows so the juniors can construct forts is a fun project to do at home. Ask them to use the cardboard boxes to make a kid-friendly obstacle course. Watch their inner builder and architect come to life as they let their imagination run wild.

Do some crafts together

Among the best screen-free activities for juniors are painting and coloring. Provide them with their preferred coloring books or paint colors to unleash their imaginations. For infants and toddlers, sensory art is a fantastic first activity. Let them experiment with textures and color changes by combining various colors in zip-lock bags.

If the kids are curious, encourage them to explore further by teaching them how to sew, glue, and create other crafts. Arts and crafts develop the creative part of the brain and contribute to their happiness.

You can take advantage of this activity to create seasonal gifts together. You can create gifts for occasions such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even the 4th of July.

Ask them to help you with the chores

Although it’s not a common choice, this might be beneficial to them. Have your kids clean their rooms if you’re going to clean the kitchen. In addition to giving you more time to do your job, your grandkids will understand that they, too, have a part to play in keeping the house tidy.

How do you keep your grandkids away from screens? Do you have any special tricks that you would like to share with other readers, maybe? Please let us know in the comments.

You may also like: 6 Easy DIY Projects to Upgrade Your Backyard.