Screen-free fun: Entertain a toddler without devices

May 9, 2023  |  Photo: Ksenia Chernaya

We made a starter list of activities and games that parents can do with their toddlers without the use of device screens. The activities include reading time, arts and crafts, outdoor play, pretend play, music time, cooking projects, educational games, and building projects. We've provided suggestions for each category, and encourage parents to engage with their children through interactive and stimulating activities.

• Scheduled story time: Set aside time each day for reading together, and let your toddler choose which book to read next. Make reading together a daily habit.
• Make your own script: Make up stories and write them down as you go along. This is a great way for your child to develop their imagination, and may help with writing skills when they are ready. 

• Medium explorer: Different materials can provide a fun and educational outlet for their creativity. Try playdough, finger painting, and coloring books. 
• Create a collage: Use different materials such as construction paper, tissue paper, buttons, beads, and stickers.
• Sensory Bin: Fill a large container with different materials that engage your toddler's senses–items like rice, beans, sand, etc. Add small toys, scoops, cups, and play dough for your little one to play with to engage their senses.

• Drama club: Act out stories, create one of your own, dress up in costumes, use props–have fun and let loose!
• Structured play: If you're looking for something more structured, try a game like "Simon Says." The goal is for everyone involved to follow directions exactly when they are given by Simon (or whoever is playing). If someone doesn't follow directions correctly, they get eliminated from the game until there's only one winner left! 

• Sing-a-Long Songs: Introduce your toddler to children's sing-a-long songs so they can learn them, and you can sing and dance together.
• Play instruments: Introduce your toddler to simple musical instruments like drums, tambourines, or ukuleles. Start by demonstrating how to play the instrument and then let your toddler have a turn.
• Create DIY Instruments: You can even create your own instruments. There are tons of DIY craft ideas out there.

• Counting: This is a great way to help your toddler learn their numbers and get them excited about counting. You can count together, or have them count on their own.
• Letters: Learning letters is important for any age, but it's especially helpful when your child is learning how to read. You can play games with flashcards or make up fun stories where each letter represents something else (like A could stand for apple).
• Shapes: Shape recognition is another skill that will come in handy later on when learning how to identify different shapes in books or on toys--and who doesn't want their kids to be able to do that? 

• Make fruit kabobs: Cut up a variety of fruits such as strawberries, bananas, and grapes into bite-size pieces. Then, help your toddler thread the fruit onto skewers to make colorful and healthy fruit kabobs.
• Bake mini pizzas: Use English muffins or pita bread as the base and let your toddler spread tomato sauce and sprinkle cheese on top, and add their favorite toppings!
• Decorate sugar cookies: Bake a batch of sugar cookies, and then let your toddler spread the frosting onto the cookies. Provide a variety of sprinkles, candy pieces, and other decorations so they can have fun with their decorating project.

• Build a fort: Use blankets, pillows, and chairs to create a cozy fort. Encourage your toddler to help you build it and let them decorate it with their favorite toys and books (or tear it down!).
• Create a tower: Use building blocks, magnet tiles, or even empty cardboard boxes to create a structure.
• Make a zoo: Use construction paper or cardboard to create cutouts of different animals. Then, you can visit the zoo together and talk about the all the animals!

• Nature walk: Plan a leisurely stroll through a local park, nature reserve, or even your own backyard. Encourage your toddler to engage their senses–observing the smells, sounds, and textures. 
• Gardening together: Guide your toddler in planting flowers, herbs, or small vegetables. This hands-on activity can teach your toddler about responsibility and patience.
• Kite flying or paper airplanes: Both of these activities encourage motor skill development and introduce very basic principles of aerodynamics in a fun and engaging way.

Engaging your toddler in a variety of activities can be both fun and educational. These activities not only help develop your toddler's cognitive, motor, and social skills, but also foster their creativity and imagination. By incorporating these ideas into your daily routine, you can create a nurturing environment that allows your toddler to explore, learn, and grow–all while keeping them away from the screen.