Favorite Screen Free Activities

Screen Free Activities

Sharing our favorite ways to keep your little ones entertained!

Sensory, Sensory, Sensory!

We could go on about the benefits of sensory play forever. It’s calming, it supports brain development, and it keeps little ones entertained for long periods of time.

Sensory play can be adapted to work for almost any age…even babies! (You can place sensory materials in a plastic bag and tape it on the floor or highchair). For older children, we recommend designating a sensory bin, that can even be placed on a shower curtain or in a baby pool to contain the mess. Add measuring cups, paper/plastic cups, spoons, and bowls and watch your little get creative.

Our favorite right now is “Rainbow Rice.” Rice mixed with food coloring…inexpensive and easy! Simply take some uncooked white rice, place it in a plastic bag with a few drops of food coloring, and shake. Spread the rice out on a cookie sheet to dry for a few hours before playing!

We could write an entire blog post on sensory play (and we probably will!), but, some of our other favorite simple sensory ideas include:

• Water play (especially this play sink)
• Play dough
• Cereal (add a few cups, bowls, or kitchen tools and let your little one get creative!)

Coloring Books and Stickers

We love the jumbo crayons and a good coloring book to keep our little ones entertained. Sharing some of our favorites here!

Coloring Books

• For Toddlers:
  • Keep pages simple, with large images like the ones in this coloring book, and this one.
• For Preschoolers:
  • Preschoolers will stay busy with some fun and simple activity books like this pre-K workbook, and this fun connect the dot book.
• For Older Children:
  • Older children will enjoy this large coloring book, jumbo coloring pages, and this learn how to draw activity book!

Sticker Books

• For Toddlers and Preschoolers:
  • Our favorites are linked here, here, here, and here.
• For Older Children:
  • We love this sticker book, and this one!

Pretend Play Activity Sets

These are great for kids as young as age 2 (just watch for small parts that are included with some sets). If you don’t want to purchase a set, use some objects around the house. Currently, we are playing non-stop with an old Keurig that no longer works, a reusable coffee pod, and some paper cups!

• Play Veterinarian Set
• Ice Cream Counter
• Deli Counter/Make Your Own Sandwich
• Pretend Pasta Set
• Pizza Counter
• Taco Set
• Salad Making Set (one of our top favorites!)

Cook, Bake, or Play in the Kitchen

Engaging with your child in the kitchen is not only fun, but provides so many opportunities for learning and bonding with your little. Our favorite right now is make your own trail mix…no cooking or baking required! Choose some age-appropriate foods, and let your child create their own snack.

Go Outside!

Hot or cold. Rain or shine. This is our favorite screen-free activity. Nature is the most healing place for children, and provides for endless opportunities for creative play.

Music

Play music or make your own music! We love the way music can impact a child’s mood. Dance and sing!

We hope you have as much fun with these as we do!

Dr. Allie and Miss Barbara

Note: You may wish to use these activities to keep your child busy while you do other things, but keep your little close by, always supervise around small objects, water, and anything that might be deemed unsafe for your child.