50+ Frugal Screen-Free Activities for Kids and more...

Looking for fun, screen-free, and budget-friendly activities to keep your kids engaged and entertained? This list will give you ideas to spark your kids' imagination, encourage movement, and promote meaningful family time! It can feel like screens are ... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  View Online Here's what's new: 50+ Frugal Screen-Free Activities for Kids Brigette’s $126 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6! 50+ Frugal Screen-Free Activities for Kids Looking for fun, screen-free, and budget-friendly activities to keep your kids engaged and entertained? This list will give you ideas to spark your kids’ imagination, encourage movement, and promote meaningful family time! It can feel like screens are everywhere, from tablets and phones to video games and TVs. While technology certainly has its place, it’s more important than ever to give kids time off screens to explore, create, and engage with the world around them. Not only does screen-free time benefit their mental and physical health, but it also encourages imagination, builds social skills, and fosters real-world learning. That said, many parents face challenges like busy schedules, tight budgets, or kids who simply don’t want to put the device down. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to go screen-free all at once. Start small. Add in one extra hour of outdoor time a week, or swap one show for a hands-on activity. Over time, those small changes add up, and they make a big difference. Kid’s Screen-Free Activities on a Budget To help you get started, here are 50 frugal and screen-free activities for kids that are fun, easy, and perfect for all ages. And be sure to check out our FREE Summer Bucket List with even more ideas! 1. Teach them a skill (gardening, mowing, cooking, etc.) Passing on a life skill builds confidence and gives kids a sense of responsibility… and you may even get help around the house! 2. Play board games or do a puzzle Dust off those family classics or grab a puzzle from the thrift store. They’re especially great for rainy days! This post has some of our favorite board games under $30 and you can play them over and over again! 3. Take a walk or ride bikes Movement + nature = a win-win. It’s also a great time to talk, observe wildlife, and explore new areas. 4. Workout together Turn on a kid-friendly workout video, stretch, or do yoga. You’ll boost moods and get some energy out. If you don’t know where to start, Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube is lots of fun! 5. Go berry picking Many local farms offer affordable pick-your-own options. It’s fun, educational, and delicious. 6. Attend a craft time at Hobby Lobby or Michaels These stores often offer free or low-cost craft classes for kids. Just check the schedule online. (We also post all the latest free kids activities when they pop up!) 7. Eat one meal outside every day Whether it’s breakfast on the porch or dinner at the park, eating outside makes mealtime more memorable and it’s easier to avoid the temptation of screens. 8. Try crochet or knitting kits These beginner kits are usually affordable and a great way to keep little hands busy. 9. Make homemade play dough You only need a few simple ingredients to make homemade play dough and doing it together is a fun activity in itself (plus, a low-stress way to teach your kids cooking skills!). 10. Volunteer at a local food bank or animal shelter If your kids would like to get involved in the community, this can help teach empathy and teamwork while helping others. Call ahead to ask about age requirements. 11. Go thrift store shopping Give your kids a small budget and see what treasures they can find—books, clothes, puzzles, and more. They’ll love getting to shop and will come home with a new activity! 12. Go geocaching as a family Use a free app to hunt for hidden “treasures” nearby. It’s like a modern-day scavenger hunt! 13. Paint rocks and hide them around the neighborhood Add a little cheer to your community with painted kindness rocks. 14. Go to local museums Many museums have free days or discounted admission for kids, which makes for a perfect for a summer outing. 15. Scrapbook their summer Collect photos, drawings, ticket stubs, and memories to make a scrapbook or journal. 16. Make friendship bracelets or slime These timeless crafts are cheap and keep hands busy for hours. We love this beaded friendship bracelet kit and this slime recipe is one of our favorites! 17. Sidewalk chalk art Turn your driveway into an art gallery, obstacle course, or hopscotch heaven. 18. Have a yard campout Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, tell stories, and stargaze right from your own backyard. 19. Go to the theater on discount day Local cinemas often have $1–$2 movie days during summer breaks. Check listings for family-friendly films. Even though this activity does involve screens, it’s worth it to have a fun family experience and you can talk about the movie together afterwards! 20. Pick up litter at a local park This is a simple way to give back and care for your environment. 21. Have a baking contest Pick a theme, set a timer, and see what delicious creations the kids can whip up. 22. Make origami All you need is paper and YouTube tutorials, so it’s great for building focus and patience. 23. Have a spa day Use items you have at home whether it’s face masks, cucumber slices, or nail polish. This is perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening around the house. 24. Make a collage board using old magazines Let kids cut and glue images that inspire them or represent their dreams. 25. Create an outdoor obstacle course Use cones, chalk, hula hoops, or whatever’s in the garage to build a backyard challenge. 26. Give them a room to redecorate Whether it’s their bedroom or a corner of the house, let them rearrange, clean, and decorate. 27. Visit all the local parks Make it a goal to explore every park in your town. Each one has something unique to offer. 28. Make a time capsule This can be super fun for kids! Fill a container with current favorites, letters, and drawings to open in a year (or five!). 29. Do a toy swap with friends Kids love “new” toys. Organize a swap and refresh your toy box without spending a dime. 30. Play card games Teach them Dutch Blitz or classics like Go Fish, War, or Crazy Eights, or let them make up their own rules. 31. Create a backyard scavenger hunt Hide objects around the yard and make a checklist to find them all. 32. Write letters to family members Bring back snail mail! Kids can draw pictures or write notes to grandparents and cousins. 33. Learn to juggle or hula hoop It’s silly, active, and helps build coordination and perseverance. 34. Build a blanket fort A classic rainy-day activity—perfect for reading, snacks, and make-believe adventures. 35. Do a science experiment Make a volcano, grow crystals, or build a DIY lava lamp using supplies you already have. 36. Set up a lemonade stand or yard sale Let kids practice math, creativity, and entrepreneurship with a homemade drink stand or yard sale. 37. Chore treasure hunt Hide small prizes or coins around the house and have your kids complete a small task at each spot to move forward. 38. Go on a nature walk with a theme Try “find something red,” “count the birds,” or “collect interesting rocks.” 39. Create your own board game Use cardboard, markers, and dice to invent a new family game from scratch. 40. Collect leaves or flowers and press them Make a nature journal or framed artwork with your pressed finds. 41. Watch the sunset together This is a beautiful way to wind down the day and talk about what went well. 42. Play hide and seek Indoors or out, this never gets old—especially with little ones. 43. Build paper airplanes and test them See whose airplane flies the farthest or fastest. Bonus points for decorating! 44. Read a book One of the best screen free activities for kids is, of course, reading! Start a family read-aloud, join a library reading challenge, use our printable reading challenge, or let kids choose their own adventure. 45. Do a “zero-dollar” fashion show Let kids dress up in costumes or old clothes and strut their stuff on a DIY runway. 46. Make puppets and put on a show Use socks, paper bags, or spoons. Then perform for the family. 47. Do a photo challenge Give kids a phone or camera and a photo checklist: something blue, something shiny, something funny. Or, just take selfies together. You’ll treasure those photos forever! 48. Create a comic book Let your kids illustrate and write their own superhero or silly story. 49. Learn to create art together Learn it online and make it offline! Craftsy and Artist’s Academy are great for learning new art skills. (Bonus: Each site’s membership is under $2 right now!) Use these sites to gather inspiration and explore techniques. Then, put the device down and watch your kids spend hours off-screen creating with their new skills! 50. Play “restaurant” or “store” Set up menus, money, and roles. Kids love pretending to take your order or ring up groceries. 51. Create a “yes” day Within reason, say “yes” to all the kids’ frugal requests for a day. You’ll be surprised by their creativity. Encouraging kids to explore other ways to spend their time than on screens opens the door to deeper creativity, stronger relationships, and valuable life skills. And remember: Start small. Pick one or two activities per day — or even per week. And most importantly, have fun making memories that matter. More Screen-Free Inspiration You Might Enjoy: Why You Should Read Aloud to Your Kids (with Jennifer Pepito) Listening to Audiobooks with Kids 101 15 Appropriate Chores for 4 Year Olds The Hard Truths We’ve Learned From a Month of Using the Opal App My Word of the Year for 2025: Unplugged Frugal Summer Activities for Kids Just $1 and Under! What other screen free activities for kids would you add to this list? Let us know! FREE Summer Bucket List!! 100 Creative Ideas for Frugal Fun with Kids!       Brigette’s $126 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6! My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family! Aldi 1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $3.19 1 gallon Milk – $2.99 1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $2.65 1 bag Onions – $2.19 1 bunch Bananas – $1.28 1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $3.39 1 pkg Baby Carrots – $0.89 2 3-ct bag Multi-Colored Peppers – $5.48 2 pkgs fresh Broccoli Crowns – $5.03 1 3-lb bag Pink Lady Apples – $2.69 1 large bag Frozen Berry Medley – $5.79 1 bag Cilantro – $0.79 1 bag Green Onions – $0.95 1 Cauliflower – $2.95 1 bag Radishes – $1.29 1 10-lb bag Potatoes – $4.99 1 pkg Boneless Chicken Breasts – $12.10 1 pkg Bacon – $3.79 1 box Cinnamon Crunch Squares – $2.79 1 box Crunchy Rasin Bran Granola – $2.69 1 box Crispy Rice – $1.79 1 16-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $3.59 1-lb bag Spaghetti – $1.89 2 bags Tortilla Chips – $3.78 1 bag Potato Chips – $1.89 1 box Butter Quarters – $3.59 1 33-oz jar Ketchup – $1.69 1 3-head ct pkg Garlic – $1.25 2 8-oz pkgs Deli Sliced Cheese – $3.70 1 pkg Deli Meat – $2.79 1 bag Chocolate Chips – $3.39 2 bag Burger Buns – $2.30 1 5-lb bag Flour – $2.29 1 32-oz box Macaroni Noodles – $1.85 1 can Parmesan Cheese – $2.95 1 4-lb bag Sugar – $2.65 2 loaves Sandwich Bread – $1.98 Total: $111.28 Publix 2 Kinder Bars – $3.58, received 3,580 points from Fetch ($3.58) – FREE after rebate 2 Klondike Bars – $5.60, received 2,000 points from Fetch ($2) – $3.60 3 boxes General Mills Cereal – $8.24, used $1/1 General Mills Publix Digital Coupon, plus received (2) $0.50/1 General Mills Ibotta rebates and 1,100 points from Fetch ($1.10) – $5.14 for 3 after coupons and rebates 4 boxes Bubly – $11.58, used $3/$10 Pepsi Products Publix Digital Coupon, plus received 1,500 points from Fetch ($1.50), plus received $3 back from Checkout51 – $4.08 for 3 after coupons and rebates 3 boxes Maison Perrier – $11.99, plus received (3) $2/1 Maison Perrier Ibotta rebates – $5.99 after rebates Total after Coupons and Rebates – $18.81 Publix (Trip #2) 4 Old Spice Deodorant – $18.96, automatically took off $10 (for buying 4), plus used $3/2 Old Spice Publix Digital Coupon, and $5/$15 Old Spice Publix Digital Coupon, plus received (4) $2/1 Old Spice Ibotta rebates – $7.04 Money Maker after coupons and rebates! 3 Old El Paso Tortillas – $4.48, used $1/2 Old El Paso Publix Digital Coupon, plus received (3) $0.50/1 Old El Paso Ibotta rebates and 200 points from Fetch ($0.20) – $1.78 for 3 after coupon and rebates 3 boxes Dave’s Killer Bread Snack Bars – $8.37, used $1.50/2 Dave’s Snack Bars Publix Digital Coupon, plus received (3) $1/1 Daves Ibotta rebates and 1800 points from Fetch ($1.80) – $2.07 for 3 after coupon and rebates Total after Coupons and Rebates: $3.19 Money Maker! Grocery Total for the Week: $126.90  Weekly Menu Plan Breakfasts Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast, Smoothies, Fruit, Easy Whole Wheat Muffins Lunches Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Chips, Raw Veggies with Dip, Fruit x 3 Cheese Quesadillas, Chips, Bananas, Peppers Leftovers x 3 Dinners Grilled Chicken Breasts, Broccoli, Stove Top Mac and Cheese Chicken Gravy over Rice, Green Beans, Oranges Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Baked Potatoes, Steamed Cauliflower Build-Your-Own-Taco Salad/Burritos (Seasoned Ground Venison, Rice, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Chopped Romaine, Chips, Salsa, Flour Tortillas) Hot Dogs, Green Beans, Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes Spaghetti, Tossed Salad, Easy Italian Breadsticks in the Bread Machine Pancakes, Bacon, Oranges FREE One Week Menu Plan! Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!       Latest finds on Pinterest Here are 10+ tips for teens to go to college without debt! These are practical things you can do to help your child go to college without loans or go for much cheaper!! Are you a student who is looking to graduate debt-free? Looking to learn how to successfully avoid student loan debt while in college? These best hacks to graduate college debt-free are important for every student who wants to gain financial freedom while in college. Sail through college debt-free and embrace financial freedom! Looking for fun and educational ways to keep your kids engaged this summer? Check out this Free Online Life Skills Summer Camp for Kids! It’s the perfect addition to your Summer Bucket List 2025 Kids edition. With hands-on lessons and simple challenges, this camp adds meaningful structure to your summer structure for kids — all without leaving the house! Packed with summertime kids activities that teach real-life skills, it’s one of the best free things to do this summer. Add it to your summertime bucket list or create a summer fun list for kids that includes these simple summer activities for kids they'll actually love! Feeding Teenagers Without Breaking Your Budget (100+ Ideas!) Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy Email subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz® • 650 E. Palisade Avenue Ste 2, PO Box 173 • Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632