120 Creative Boredom Buster Screen-Free Activities for Kids
- Whole Child Counseling
- Mar 14, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
When stress levels rise or routines are disrupted, one of the best things we can offer our children is structure and predictability. While screens can be a helpful tool for learning or entertainment, it’s also important to carve out intentional screen-free time during the day. That’s where this Screen-Free Activity Jar comes in.
I created this printable resource as a fun, low-prep way to keep kids busy, creative, and active without needing a tablet or TV. These activities are designed to encourage imagination, movement, mindfulness, and independent play using minimal or no materials—just a little curiosity.
And the best part? You can download it for free by subscribing to my Free Resource Library.
What Is the Screen-Free Activity Jar?
The Screen-Free Activity Jar is a printable set of activity cards you can cut out and place in a bag, cup, or jar. When your child says “I’m bored” or you want to take a break from digital learning or passive entertainment, they can pull out a card and complete a creative, engaging task.
This resource includes:
20 pages of pre-written screen-free activities
Printable labels for decorating your jar, bag, or container
Blank cards to add your own custom activities
Creative prompts that use little to no supplies
You can print the pages, cut out the cards, and invite your kids to help decorate the label. Let them glue or tape the label onto a paper bag, a clean cup, or a recycled jar. You can even let them decorate the outside with stickers or drawings to make it feel special.
How to Use the Activity Jar
There are lots of ways to incorporate this tool into your day, whether you’re at home with your children full-time, using it in a classroom calm corner, or offering it to caregivers as a break-time strategy. Here are a few easy ways to get started:
Create a daily screen-free block of time and let your child pick one or two cards to complete.
Use it as a “boredom buster.” If your child says, “I’m bored,” direct them to the jar to pick an activity.
Encourage independence. Post the jar in a central spot where children can access it on their own.
Use the blank cards to personalize the jar with ideas that reflect your child’s interests or your space.
Rotate the cards weekly to keep it feeling fresh and fun.
Before using the jar, I recommend reading through the cards to make sure the activities are a good fit for your space and your child’s needs. Most require little or no setup, but you might find opportunities to swap or add alternatives.
Why Screen-Free Time Matters
Incorporating screen-free activities into your daily routine helps children build focus, independence, and creativity. It gives their eyes a break from screens, helps regulate emotions through movement and play, and allows for quiet, self-directed learning. When structured in a positive way, screen-free time can become one of the most cherished parts of the day.
Here is a sample of some of the screen-free activity cards included in the free set of 120 card set!
Screen Free Creative and Artistic Activities for Kids
Draw a picture of one of your favorite places. Close your eyes and imagine you are there. Use your senses to imagine the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes.
Trace a plate on a piece of paper and then decorate inside the circle in any way you like.
Pick at least two different shapes to draw and recreate them in a pattern on the paper.
Cover an entire sheet of paper with bright crayons. Then, cover it with black crayon and scratch a design into it using a penny to reveal the colors underneath.
Make a bunch of dots on a piece of paper and then connect them with lines.
Draw or color with your opposite hand.
Draw and label a map of your room, house, school, or neighborhood.
Draw a picture of your dream vacation or dream house.
Draw or make a list of your favorite things to think about.
Draw a picture of yourself as an animal.
Divide a paper into four sections and draw a picture for each season. Write a short poem for each.
Draw a picture of your favorite holiday and write about what makes it special.
Cut strips of paper and practice weaving them together into another piece of paper that has slits cut into it.
Try drawing while listening to music with your eyes closed.
Writing & Storytelling Activities
Write a letter to yourself in the future.
Write a poem that starts with “I wish…”
Try to write a silly song.
Write a story about a superhero version of yourself.
Create your own board game using paper, cardboard, or recycled materials. Include instructions.
Make up a scavenger hunt for someone in your family. Leave clues!
Mindfulness & Self-Awareness
Lay down and place a stuffed animal or small object on your belly. Practice slow breathing and watch it rise and fall.
Practice drawing or writing with your non-dominant hand.
Pretend you are moving through thick jello. Try crawling or tiptoeing slowly across the room.
Ask a family member to help you create a family tree. Listen for any cool stories they share.
Ask someone in your family how you got your name. Then try writing or drawing about it.
Movement & Physical Play
Measure how many steps, jumps, or skips it takes to cross a room.
Sculpt your body into the shape of every letter of the alphabet.
Make up a dance using movements that “open” and “close” your body. Repeat the pattern: open, close, open, close.
Practice skipping.
Try building a mini obstacle course using pillows, chairs, or floor markers.
Use your body to act out emotions like happy, tired, frustrated, and excited (without using words.)
Kindness & Connection
Find a toy or book you don’t use anymore and donate it to another child.
Make a card for someone in your family or neighborhood. Drop it off or mail it.
Write three nice things about someone you live with and give it to them as a surprise.
Interview someone in your family about a memory or story from their childhood.
Games & Problem-Solving
Play a board game or card game with someone in your home.
Create a scavenger hunt for your family or sibling.
Invent your own game using household items.
Use recycled materials to build a tower or fort.
Open-Ended Prompts & Custom Cards
Use the blank cards in the printable to create your own screen-free ideas based on what your child loves. Examples:
"Build a blanket fort."
"Do 10 jumping jacks every time someone says your name."
"Make up your own silly holiday and celebrate it."
Summer Break Schedule Example and Tips
During breaks from school, creating a simple, consistent routine can help children feel grounded and secure. Here's a look at the schedule I’ve been using with my own kids, along with a few ideas to help you build one that works for your family.
Daily Structure Tip:
Break the day into flexible blocks (morning, midday, afternoon)
Alternate between high-energy and calm activities
Include time for movement, creativity, reading, and rest
Make screen-free time predictable and inviting
Use visual schedules or timers for transitions
How to Get Your Free Printable
You can download the full Screen-Free Activity Jar resource by subscribing to my Free Resource Library. You’ll get access to this 20-page printable set, plus dozens of other resources to support social-emotional learning, creativity, and connection at home or in the classroom.
Share the Joy
If your children or students try these activities, I would love to see what they come up with. Please tag @wholechildcounseling on social media so I can celebrate their creativity with you.
Let’s spread the word about screen-free fun that doesn’t cost a thing and nurtures the whole child.
