14 Simple Ways to Get Your Kids Offline

It's not new news, it can be challenging to encourage our tweens and teens to unplug and engage in other activities. The struggle is real. However, I still believe there are plenty of fun and simple ways to get them offline and involved in other hands-on, interactive experiences once in a while. I've come up with 14 quick and easy ideas that can help you reduce some of that screen time and just maybe open their eyes to some other interests. 

1. Outdoor Adventures

• If the outdoors is something available, have them research and plan hikes with family or friends, go on bike rides, or something else like scooter or skateboard, just to get outside a bit.

2. Creative Arts and Crafts

• Let them set up a dedicated space (or portable if space is limited) for arts and crafts projects like painting, drawing, or making DIY crafts (even if they follow a YouTube tutorial).

3. Cooking

• Get them involved in meal planning and prep, and if they are old enough, give them a night a week to make it! 

4. Board Games and Puzzles

• Have family game nights with board games. This is always a favorite in our home.

5. Sports and Physical Activities

• Encourage participation in physical activity, whether it's with a local team, a local rec center, a casual game in the backyard, or even something at the park.

6. Gardening

• If there's space, let them start an indoor or outdoor garden. They kinda get excited when they see something grow that they've planted.

7. Reading Time

• Give them the space and resources to create a reading nook somewhere.

8. Science Experiments

• Let them conduct science experiments using household items. Many can be found on YouTube!

9. Music and Dance

• Let them have a dance party with friends or learn to play a musical instrument.

10. Volunteering

• Maybe they can get involved in community service or volunteer for local organizations. 

11. DIY Projects

• Let them tackle DIY projects around the house. You might be surprised in what they're capable of doing!

12. Outdoor Games

• Suggest traditional outdoor games like tag, hide and seek, or frisbee if space allows.

13. Visiting Local Attractions

• Perhaps they can visit local museums, parks, or historical sites with friends or family. 

14. Pet Care

• Are they helping to take care of the family pets? Maybe now is the time! 

Finding ways to get our kids offline isn't easy. Maybe, with these 14 ideas, you can at least help them find some experiences to reduce their screen time. It's all about making small, intentional changes that add up to a more balanced lifestyle.

Which of these offline activities are you excited to try with your kids first? Let me know on Instagram @techhealthyfamilies!

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