20 Cheap Screen Free Activities for Children with items around your house

Why Screen-Free Time Matters During Developmental Years

In today’s world, screens are everywhere—from tablets and TVs to phones and even toys with built-in apps. While technology has its place, young children’s brains grow best through real-life play and exploration. During the developmental years, screen-free time gives kids the chance to strengthen their motor skills, build problem-solving abilities, and develop creativity through hands-on experiences.

Screen-free activities also help kids practice focus, imagination, and social interaction—the very skills that lay the foundation for strong literacy, emotional growth, and school readiness. The best part? You don’t need expensive gadgets or special materials to support your child’s development. Everyday items around the house can spark big learning moments.

That’s why we’ve put together 20 simple, low-cost activities families can do together—using things you likely already have at home. From building forts with blankets to creating art with recyclables, these ideas are fun, affordable, and designed to support your child’s growth in meaningful ways.

• Pick up cotton balls with clothespins

• String dry pasta onto yarn

• Use sponges to transfer water

• Sort coins into containers

• Dig for toys in a rice bin

• Paint dots with Q-tips

• Tear and glue colored paper

• Drop buttons into a jar

• Lace yarn through cardboard holes

• Pop bubble wrap

• Trace chalk shapes outside with toy cars

• Balance pom-poms on a spoon

• Roll playdough into letters

• “Paint” the sidewalk with water

• Keep a balloon in the air with hands

• Match socks from the laundry

• Hunt for pictures of “A” words in the grocery store

• Stack and unstack cups

• Create sticker paths on paper

• Pull pom-poms out of a whisk