100+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids Ages 5–12 (perfect for summer and weekends when your kids say “I’m bored”)

If you’ve ever heard “I’m bored!” five minutes into the weekend—or summer break—you’re not alone.
But here’s something we sometimes forget as parents: boredom isn’t bad. In fact, boredom is the spark that often lights the fire of creativity.

When we hand kids a screen the moment they’re bored, we’re actually robbing them of a powerful opportunity to imagine, create, build, move, or explore. Sure, screens are convenient, but kids need time away from digital devices to grow into well-rounded, resilient humans.

100+ Offline Activities for Kids: Because Boredom is Where the Magic Happens

That’s where our new free printout comes in!

It’s packed with creative, screen-free ideas that give your child something to do without needing an app, a tablet or even a Wi-Fi connection.

These ideas are perfect for:

• Lazy summer afternoons

• Long weekends

• Sick days or rainy days

• Any time your family wants to unplug and reset

Whether your child is crafty, active, curious or silly, you’ll find something in this list that fits their personality—and encourages independence, imagination, and fun. And if they look at the list and still aren’t inspired, ask them to write 10 more ideas at the bottom that they like better.

So the next time your child says “There’s nothing to do,” reach for this handout instead of the remote. You might be surprised what they come up with when given just enough space to be bored.