It’s no secret that screen time is an integral part of how we live our lives today. However, the constant presence of screens in and out of our homes presents a unique set of parenting challenges.
I believe parents rely too heavily on screens to entertain their kids. Don’t get me wrong: I am not anti-screen time and have used an iPad as a babysitter on more than one occasion. My main issue is that screens can be found in the most ludicrous places: the zoo, the park, or a kid’s birthday party. I’ve literally seen a toddler being pushed in a stroller holding a tablet at Disney World. The problem is serious.
Of course there are cases where kids need entertainment for both their sanity and yours. The top situations for me are long-distance travel, events that are not kid-centric (think dinner at your grandma’s house where all there is to do is break antique vases), and going out to eat. I’ve compiled a list of the best take-along activities to stave off boredom and keep their eyes averted from screens:
Educational Activities
- Leap Frog LeapStart System
- “New to you” books – hit up your local library or garage sales to grab a few books they haven’t read before.
- Listen to a podcast
- My Fabulous Storyteller
- Activity books for age-related school skills
Crafty Activities
- Bead Kits
- Crayola Color Wonder
- Make your own art pack with paper, crayons, stickers, a coloring book, etc.
- Playdoh or modeling clay
- Reusable sticker pads
- Friendship bracelet kit
- Wikki Stix
- Travel Spirograph
Classic Fun Activities
- Magnadoodle
- Melissa & Doug Water Wow
- Aquadoodle
- Etch-a-sketch
- I-Spy books
- Rubik’s Cube
- Lacing kits
- Mad Libs
- Legos
Travel Activities
Pro tip: Make a stop at your local Target Dollar Spot or Dollar Store and pick up a handful of low-cost items before your trip. You can surprise your kids with some brand new activities while you’re traveling.
- Car bingo
- Travel journal
- Puzzles
- Follow-along road trip Atlas
- Scavenger hunt cards
- Magnetic games
- Rubber Neckers
- Gel window clings
