Screen-free ways to keep kids entertained this spring

Shop screen-free toys and more for spring
Shop screen-free toys and more for spring
Amazon, Adobe
ByBethany Braun-Silva
May 14, 2025, 3:23 PM

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, parents may be looking for ways to get their kids outside and engaged in play, without the constant pull of screens.

While tablets and TVs can be convenient, too much screen time has been linked to sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The AAP recommends that kids over the age of 2 have no more than one hour of high-quality screen time per day, while younger children should have even less. The organization emphasizes the importance of active play, creativity and family interaction to support healthy development.

So, how can parents encourage screen-free entertainment this spring?

Here are some ideas to get kids moving, thinking and playing in the great outdoors:

  • Arts and crafts are a summer favorite. Use the Crayola Inspiration Art Case to set up a designated craft area with supplies like paper, markers, glue and glitter, and let your child's imagination run wild. They can create anything from homemade cards to paper-mache sculptures, providing hours of entertainment and fostering creativity.
  • For a more active option, consider setting up an obstacle course in your backyard. Use household items to create a challenging course for your child to navigate.
  • If you're looking for a quieter activity, consider setting up a reading nook in your home. Fill it with books that cater to your child's interests, and encourage them to spend time reading each day.

Keep reading for more screen-free games, crafts and activities to keep your kids entertained and engaged as the temperatures heat up.

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Turn your backyard or local park into a mini adventure zone.

You can:

  • Create a scavenger hunt with a list of nature-based items (e.g., "Find a rock shaped like a heart").
  • Set up an obstacle course using household items like hula hoops, jump ropes and cones.
  • Go on a "sensory walk" where kids use their senses to describe what they see, hear, smell and feel.

Amazon

Melissa & Doug Let’s Explore Indoor/Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Play Set

This interactive game includes clue cards and game pieces for a fun and educational scavenger hunt experience.
  • $19.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course for Kids

This backyard obstacle course set comes with dozens of pieces that can be used to create a challenging obstacle course for kids to navigate and improve their coordination.
  • $149.98
  • Amazon
Amazon

Dude Perfect The Board Game

A fun new twist on the classic board game that promotes physical activity, perfect for entertaining kids and adults alike.
  • $20.99
  • Amazon

Start a family gardening project

Gardening isn't just a fun way to get kids outside -- it teaches patience, responsibility and an appreciation for the environment. Even if you don't have a yard, container gardening with herbs or flowers on a balcony can be just as engaging.

Ideas to try:

  • Let kids choose their own plants and be responsible for watering them.
  • Encourage them to document their plants' growth in a journal or through drawings.
  • Grow simple veggies like cherry tomatoes or lettuce for a mini farm-to-table experience, or order a starter citrus tree you can care for together.

Walmart

Backyard Waterpark Sprinkler

Water the yard or create your own outdoor waterpark right at home with this easy-to-set-up sprinkler set for kids.
  • $129.99
  • Walmart

Get active as a family

Spring is a great time to move together as a family. If kids see parents prioritizing physical activity, they’ll be more likely to do the same.

Ideas to try:

  • Family bike rides.
  • Weekend hikes with picnic breaks.
  • Parent-kid relay races or sports challenges.
  • Playing a game of soccer, basketball or catch together in the yard or at a local park.

Walmart

Little Tikes TotSports Easy Score Toy Basketball Hoop with Ball

Perfect for outdoor play, this basketball set includes an adjustable hoop and basketball for hours of active fun.
  • $34.88
  • Walmart

Encourage storytelling and creative play

If your child loves storytelling, encourage screen-free creativity by:

  • Acting out favorite books as a play.
  • Creating a storybook together with illustrations.
  • Dressing up as characters and inventing their own adventure.
  • Creating wearable art like a charm bracelet they'll be proud to show off.

45% off
Amazon

Crayola Inspiration Art Case

This comprehensive art set includes a variety of colorful crayons, markers and colored pencils to inspire creativity in children.
  • $26.99
  • $49.92
  • Amazon
46% off
Amazon

LEGO Classic Creative Bricks Set

This LEGO set includes a variety of colorful bricks for kids to build and create their own imaginative creations.
  • $31.99
  • $59.99
  • Amazon
Stapelstein

Stapelstein All In Rainbow

With so many ways to play, balance, sort and more, this fun set is perfect for kids to play with inside and outdoors. Head to the website to download the digital play cards.
  • $369
  • Stapelstein

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