101 fun screen-free activities to keep kids entertained

3 quick facts about screen time and children 

Social media, streaming services, games consoles. They're all built-in parts of children’s lives today. Using smart tech and screens can be useful for children to watch educational videos, read books, find a sense of community or explore their creativity.  

According to the CHILDWISE Monitor Report: 

1. Children between the ages of 7 and 18 spend 3.3 hours a day online. 
2. Girls spend 2.9 hours a day online. 
3. Girls watch 2.8 hours of video content a day.  

3 things that might help 

1. Do what feels right for you and your family. Screens are often a big part of completing homework or after-school activities, so don’t worry about removing all traces of screentime.
2. Keep it balanced by making children aware of the pros and cons of being online.
3. Encourage more screen-free activities where you can. Try joining clubs like Girlguiding, which get girls trying new things and meeting new people in a safe environment. 

101 fun screen-free activities

Non-screen activities for toddlers and 4-7 year olds

1. Go on a bite-sized adventure

It could be to whizz around a playpark, a trip to explore a rock pool or an outing to the sea to catch a crab. No nature nearby? Trips to the supermarket or a local landmark are just as fun, especially if you create a special list of things to find along the way.

2. A-Z nature hunt

List one thing from nature for every letter of the alphabet. For example, A for archway and B for bugs. Now, go on a walk and use your list as a bingo board to spot as many from A to Z as you can.

3. Make bubble art

Mix a child-safe, water-based paint with washing up liquid in a bowl. Dip a paper straw in the bowl and blow on a paper plate to create your own bubble art.

4. Make a recycling superhero

Remember when we hosted a competition to create your own recycling superhero? You loved it! Try making a recycling warrior from clean toilet rolls, cardboard boxes or old clothes and toys.

5. Play bug bingo

On a piece of card, draw a table of 4 by 4 squares. Draw (or write the name!) of a different bug in each box. Now, go outside and try to find them. The first one who gets a row or a line wins!

6. Head to a local pet shop

As a brilliant low-cost option to the zoo, head to your local pet shop or aquarium to visit the bugs, fish, rabbits or guinea pigs.

7. Unleash your inner artist with land art

Forage for sticks, stones, leaves and flowers to create your own artistic landscape on paper or canvas.

8. Create your own currency

Together with HSBC, we’re working to empower girls and women to feel more confident in their money skills. There are 4 fun and free activities you can try, including getting girls to create their own currency! Check out the money confidence activities for children aged 4-7.

9. Create pantry cupboard jewelry

Use pasta, pretzels or cereal to make your own jewelry from what you have at home. Use string to tie it all together!

10. Make themed sensory play boxes

For the little ones in your life, try filling big plastic tubs with different objects to create a sensory play box. You could have soil, plastic bones and spoons to create a dinosaur excavation! Or water with rubber frogs, fish and ducks to create a pond.

11. Practise spelling with water pistols

Encouraging littles one to practise their spelling can be tricky. Bring the fun by introducing water pistols and spell out words with the water!

12. Play car boot bingo

Pick 3 unusual things to find at a car boot. The first one to find them all wins!

13. Paddle in open water

Get paddling in nature and feel the water on your toes. If don’t have any open water nearby, grab an inflatable pool and head to your garden or the park!

14. Build a play-dough or Lego city

Design your dream city with play-dough or Lego building blocks. What buildings will people have? How will people travel around?

15. Draw a chalk mural

Chalk murals are a great activity to do outside in your garden or on private patios and they can be easily washed off. Play hopscotch, draw portraits or come together to make a big mural. Check the regulations in your area.

16. Fly a kite, throw paper aeroplanes or make a frisbee

Inspired by our height badge, adventure doesn’t always need to be high adrenaline. Explore the skies closer to home by making things that fly!

17. Make a mud creation

Mud kitchens, mud pies, mud art. Get messy with mud outdoors to see what you can create. Let your imagination run wild!

18. Go welly wandering

Wander in your wellies! Splash in puddles and make footprints in the mud.

19. Interview your relatives or map your family tree

Inspired by our family tree badge, talk to your relatives about their history and try to map your family tree on a poster.

20. Get knotty with it

Follow our activity tied up in knots to get girls aged 4-7 perfecting their bow-tying skills.

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Non-screen activities for 7 to 10 year olds

21. Map a treasure hunt for somebody

Make your own scavenger hunt for someone. Plot where you’ll plant the treasures and create a map with riddles to help them get there!

22. Make a bird feeder

Poke 2 holes in the top of a clean plastic bottle and thread string through the middle so it hangs. Poke more holes in the bottom for birds to feed from. Fill the bottle with bird feed and watch them flock for a snack!

23. Build it with food

Inspired by our activity called edible architecture, build a food tower with anything you have. It could be fruit and veg or sweets from the cupboard.

24. Design your own map

Draw a map of your home. Or take a little adventure out and map where you go. Take it one step further and create a fantasy map of a made-up place! You could do this by pouring some rice on a big bit of paper and carefully drawing around each grain.

25. Become a codebreaker

Thanks to our activity called crack the code, you can transform yourself into a detective and solve a mystery. Write a new symbol for every letter or the alphabet, create a secret message and get someone to crack the code!

26. Write a bucket list bingo list and tick it off

Bucket list bingo is a big list of things you want to do. Lots of people do it over half term or summer holidays. But you can do it during term time too! How many things can you tick off?

27. Create your own camera

Try this activity from National Geographic to create your own pinhole camera.

28. Play torch tag

The perfect game to play at twilight or in dark months. Choose who wants to be ‘it’ and give them a torch. They count to 10, wait for others to hide then look for people. With torch tag, the person has to shine the light on the culprit and shout their name to tag them!

29. Try glow-in-the-dark bowling

Get some plastic bottles and put a glow stick in each one. Line up the bottles on a flat surface and use a ball to try to knock them down. Players get points for each bottle knocked down.

30. Plant your own paradise

Inspired by our grow your own badge for Brownies, get your green fingers at the ready. Head to a local garden centre for inspiration or design your dream garden. Then try and make it a reality! If you don’t have access to outside space, you can plant your own paradise using lego bricks or crafts.

31. Organise an at-home sports day

Host your own sports day with egg and spoon races, bean bag toss and hula hoops. If you don’t have a piece of equipment, you can swap it out for something at home. (Like bags of rice instead of bean bags.) Invite people over and get the competition going!

32. Play pick-up sticks

Pick-up sticks is a game where a bunch of long, wooden sticks are dropped on the floor and you have to pick them up one by one. Like Jenga, you have to try and remove a stick without disturbing others. Each stick is a different colour and worth a different number of points. The person with the most points at the end wins! You can even forage for your own sticks and paint them!

33. Blow up balloons with baking soda and vinegar

For an easy at-home science experiment, create your own chemical reaction with baking soda, vinegar and a balloon.

Stretch out the balloon and funnel a teaspoon of baking soda inside. Fill an empty drink bottle half with vinegar and attach the seal of the balloon to the top. When you’re ready, lift the balloon up to dump the baking soda inside and watch the magic happen!

34. Put together a time capsule

Build a time capsule of all your favourite things. What will be in it? Who do you want to open it? Where will it be hidden?

35. Learn about space with a 3D solar system

Inspired by our space badge, why not build a 3D solar system and learn about the planets? You could even draw your own constellation!

36. Design your own app on paper

A lot of digital design starts on paper. If your child loves tech, challenge them to design their own app on paper.

37. Build a phone out of scrap materials

For those who love smart phones and tablets, what would it look like if you could make your own? Take time away from your screen to build it out of scrap materials.

38. Play a board game or create your own

What makes a good board game? Play one yourself to find out then create your own.

39. Create a charade jar

Write different charade ideas and pop them in a reusable jar. It’s a quick go-to game and 5-minute filler!

40. Invent something for a pet or an animal

What’s a gadget that would improve an animal’s life? It could be for your pet or your favourite animal. Design it and make it!

41. Draw and write a comic strip

What will your comic strip be about? Using bright colours and patterns, storyboard an idea from start to finish.

42. Write a rainbow poem

Can you write a poem using every colour of the rainbow? Give it a go!

43. Create a calming sensory bottle or lava lamp

Fill up a clean plastic bottle about one quarter full with water. Pour vegetable oil in until it’s almost full. Add a few drops of food colouring. You should start to see the lava lamp come to life. Break up a fizzy tablet and drop it into the bottle to watch the blobs dance around!

44. Build a leaf boat

Can you make a boat out of leaves? Go for a walk and try and pick the leaves you think will be the strongest. Using sticks and string, can you get your creation to float in a bucket of water?

45. Write a bucket list bingo list and tick it off

Bucket list bingo is a big list of things you want to do. Lots of people do it over half term or summer holidays. But you can do it during term time too! How many things can you tick off?

46. Book a trip with PGL

For 10 years, Girlguiding and PGL have been working together to bring unforgettable adventures to young people across the UK. Check out what you can do with PGL as a member with us.

47. Go on an international camp without going abroad

International camps in the UK are a chance to immerse yourself in adventure and get an amazing international experience without needing to travel.

Check out what’s coming up with Girlguiding.

48. Organise a penny fair

Hook a duck, can toss, lucky dips and arts and crafts booths. All of these things can make a penny fair! Organise one and invite your friends for fun.

49. Open up a makeshift shop

What will you sell? Clothes? Baked goods? Homemade lemonade? Open up a makeshift shop to spread some joy.

50. Toast marshmallows, s’mores or make camp toast

Toasting marshmallows is a traditional activity in Girlguiding – so much so that we have a badge for it! If you don’t have a campfire, try toasting treats over tealights.

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Non-screen activities for tweens and teens

51. Create your own TikTok treat

The perfect activity to stop doomscrolling on social media. Whether it’s whipped coffee, edible cookie dough or strawberries and melted chocolate in a plastic cup, find a recipe and give it a go. It’s one of our favourite non-screen activities for tweens.

52. Around the world cooking

Get inspired by different cultures and cook food from around the world. Check out our activity in collaboration with The Black Curriculum to get started.

53. Be ‘zine’ to do something great

A zine is like a mini magazine. They’re created for people to express their thoughts, artistic vision or things they care about. Pick a topic and create your own using craft materials.

54. Storyboard your own YouTube video

Need another activity idea inspired by social media? Create a storyboard for a new YouTube video. It could be a GRWM (get ready with me) or an educational video showing people how to take up a skill you have.

55. Revamp or upcycle something in your wardrobe

Inspired by our upcycling and costume badges, why not try giving something in your wardrobe a new lease of life? Another great non-screen activity idea for tweens, turn something old into something worthy of trending!

56. Do something for charity

Donate your old things, lend someone a hand or volunteer with an organisation like Girlguiding.

57. Protest for something you care about

Inspired by our protesting badge, there are lots of ways to protest safely – some without even leaving your own home.

58. Design a moodboard of your personal style

Take a page from the 90s and create your own moodboard with cuttings from books, magazines and newspapers.

59. Practise your digital-free photography

Can you master the art of photography without a digital camera or smart phone? Using a disposable camera or polaroid, recreate a photo you have in your album.

60. Plan a special day trip or residential

With Girlguiding, girls get to plan their own adventures with our lead away permit. Hear from Aoife and Iona about their experience planning a residential.

61. Plan an at-home festival

Not going to a festival this year? Make your own with friends. There could be tents, flower crown station, glitter booths and a customised playlist. Could you earn your festival goer badge?

62. Book a free kit talk with GO Outdoors

Our partners at GO Outdoors offer the option for you to book a free kit talk at a local store so you can get prepared for an upcoming expedition.

63. Wake up early and make pancakes

There are hundreds of pancake recipes you can make. Some with only 3 ingredients like banana, oat flour and milk.

64. Explore a new mode of transport

Is there a mode of public transport you’ve not tried before? Spend a few hours navigating your local transport links – like buses, trains or trams. Keep the destination a mystery and just try to enjoy the journey.

65. Make your own mocktails

Inspired by our mixology badge, run your own taste test and create your own signature mocktail (a non-alcoholic cocktail).

66. Design a lifestyle blog on paper

Blogging and vlogging are great ways to share your personal style, life hacks, passions or skills with others. Before you dive into doing it online, why not plan your own blog on paper first?

67. Become a media critic

Go somewhere you haven’t been before or try something new then record your thoughts! It could be in the form of a newspaper review, scrapbook or speech.

68. Forage for a natural remedy

Inspired by our natural remedies badge, forage for ingredients at home or around your local area to create your own skin or health product.

69. List your goals and mini milestones

Do you have a goal you’d like to work towards? It helps to set yourself some mini milestones. Grab a notebook and map how you'll reach your goal.

70. Volunteer for something that matters to you

Volunteering boosts your mental wellbeing and makes a real difference in other people’s lives. Could you volunteer at a local foodbank or care home? Or if you’re 13-18 years old, you can register your interest to become a young volunteer for Girlguiding? If you’re already a member, talk to your leader about taking on a volunteer role.

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Non-screen activities for kids of all ages

71. Try a Saturday morning parkrun

Parkrun is a free community event where you can walk, run or jog 5K. Give it a go by yourself or with your family and friends! There are also junior parkruns available across the country for children aged 4-14.

72. Letter writing for the future

Writing letters isn’t as old-fashioned as you might think. Write a handwritten letter to a pen pal, friend or family member, your future self or your local MP about something that matters strongly to you.

73. Visit your local library

Your local library is free and often hosts lots of fun events and activities. If you can, make a day of it by walking or navigating by public transport.

74. Check out a landmark near you

Inspired by our local history interest badge for Brownies, why not discover a local landmark near you? It could be a building, statue or even something simple like a community garden.

75. Learn tennis skills

These easy, pick-up-and-go activities are designed to help build girls’ confidence in taking part in tennis and sports. There’s one for every section (which are what we call the different age groups in Girlguiding) and they’re all free to download.

Check out tennis activities.

76. Grow along with Knorr

We’re teaming up with our partners at Knorr® and encouraging girls to give flavour a grow. Growing herbs from seeds is not only easy and rewarding. It’s also a fantastic way to give you plenty more flavours to experiment with in your kitchen.

Join the grow along – it’s free and you can do it from anywhere!

77. Get puzzling

Pick up a jiqsaw puzzle from a charity shop and have a peaceful day of puzzling. Or you could even have a crack at writing your own crossword for someone.

78. Start a scrapbook

Using craft or recycled materials, start your own scrapbook! Have you done something special you’d like to remember forever? Or maybe you have some photographs you’d like to share? Now’s the perfect time to get scrappy!

79. Host an indoor camp-over

If you have enough room, why not put up tents inside, grab your sleeping bags and snacks and have an indoor camp-over? You could also bring the outdoors in by adding nature-inspired decorations to your space.

80. Go for a penny hike

A penny hike is when you let a flip of a coin choose your direction. For example, heads is left and tails is right, or vice versa. At every turning, flip a coin to see where you’ll go!

81. Discover more about Black history

Buy a book about Black history or borrow one from the library. Check out these beautiful, illustrated children’s books by The Black Curriculum.

82. Organise a jumble sale

Set up a stall at a car boot, school fete or outside your home to sell your unwanted treasures.

83. Challenge yourself to complete a read-a-thon

How many books can you read in 24 hours? Write a list, set a timer and see how many you can tick off!

84. Play a board game or create your own

What makes a good board game? Play one yourself to find out then create your own.

85. Make your own friendship bracelets

Using only thread, beads and cardboard, check out this fun and free friendship bracelet tutorial.

86. Declutter a space

Tidy space, tidy mind! There’s nothing more satisfying than decluttering. It could be a cupboard, your wardrobe or make up bag.

87. Find a creative way to display your Girlguiding badge or special trinkets

Do you have Girlguiding badges laying around? Use this time to find something cool to do with them! Here’s some inspiration on how to get creative with your badges.

88. Make your own Pride flag

Why not get crafty and colourful to create your own version of the rainbow flag? Pour out your paint (in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple) in stripes on a piece of paper. Leave a bit of white space between each colour. Next, grab a straw and start blowing! Direct your breath to spread the paint and shape your rainbow flag.

89. Have a stargazing session

Grab a pair of binoculars and go stargazing somewhere near you. See if you can chart the stars on paper!

90. Cook a delicious meal with only leftovers

Tackle food waste by challenging yourself to create a delicious meal using only leftovers.

91. Go litter-picking

Pick up litter in your local area. Keep Britain Tidy has some great resources for you to get started.

92. Run your own swap shop

Badges, clothes or books. Gather a group of people and host a swap shop! You could even do it for the local community.

93. Host your own escape room at home

Here are some escape room ideas girls do in Girlguiding. But you can adapt them to do at home too!

94. Try your hand at an international sport

Research a sport that originated in a different country and give it a go! It might be futsal which was founded in Portugal or taekwondo which is a traditional Korean martial art.

95. Explore a cave

There are different types of caves. Some are made of limestone, volcanic rock or even ice. Can you explore the outdoors to find a cave near you? Or you could make your own at home using blankets, chairs and cushions!

96. Create a wild crown

Go on an adventure to collect things from the wilderness. Flowers, petals, buds and blooms! Then see if you can create a flower crown by sticking them to an old headband.

97. Start a journal or nature diary

What do you see? What do you feel? Journalling is a mindfulness practice that can help you focus on your senses and take a break from the business of our screens.

98. Attend a sports event

Are there any local sports events happening near you? We’re used to watching them on-screens. Try to find one you can watch in-person and feel the thrill of sportsmanship in real life!

99. Try outdoor yoga

Find a moment of peace by stretching outside. The yoga moves don’t need to be perfect. Instead, take a moment to focus on your breathing and your senses.

100. Design your own Girlguiding badge

Use this free activity sheet to design your own Girlguiding badge. Write down what it means and what challenges you’d need to complete to earn it!

101. Make a musical shaker

Recycle a clean plastic bottle and fill it with pebbles, rice or beans to make a musical shaker. What other instruments can you create from things around the house?

That’s a wrap! Will you try any of these screen-free activities at home? Thanks to the amazing volunteers who lead units across the UK, girls get to do these things all the time with Girlguiding.

Find out why guiding is great for girls.