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Are you ready for another winter weekend here in Westchester? Do you hear “I’m boooored” five minutes into a school break or the weekend? 😅

Yeah, me too.

Or how about during that extended February break? Thanks blizzard... 🫠

We all know the easiest thing to do is hand them a screen, that is usually what they are asking for after all. But what if boredom wasn’t a problem... what if it was actually good for them? Seriously! Boredom gives kids the space to imagine, create, and think for themselves. So instead of fighting it, let’s use it.

These 10 screen-free activities are so much fun, even your big kids will want to do them (without you begging).

Sink or Float?

While you fill up the kitchen sink, bathtub or even a bowl, tell your kids to gather up some toys and other knick knacks from around your house, items that can get wet of course.

Then have them make their hypothesis before they place each item in the water. Were they right?

Scrub a Dub Dub!

Before you drain that water from sink or float, add in some soap! If your kids are anything like mine, chances are they will love washing all of the toys they used, or better yet, making bubbles! Add in a couple of funnels and a baster and let them go to town!

Snow is Your Canvas

Yes it is still cold out in New York, but snow opens up a whole new way to play outside! Something we recently did was use watercolor paints on the snow. After what felt like day 36 of February break, I handed my kids a paintbrush and watercolors and sent them outside.

The results? They were engaged, creative, and not whining at me!

Build a Fort or Tunnel

A cool (no pun intended) hideout or place to play outside! Since Westchester has had more than our fair share of snow this winter we recently did this and it was a hit! What started as a cave became a tunnel and a bridge!

This definitely reminded me of some of my childhood winter memories.

DIY Obstacle Course

Use things from around the house or yard to make an obstacle course! Jump over pillows, crawl under chairs, toss beanbags in a bucket. They’ll use their body and their brain to figure it out.

Think the Floor is Lava, my kids love this kind of challenge!

Tip: Let big kids build it and time each other. Little kids can go slower or help decorate the “course.”

Backyard Photo Challenge

Of course I am all for a photo related challenge!Give your kids a camera or old phone (in airplane mode) and tell them to take 10 cool photos outside. You can give them a theme like “tiny things,” "motion", “shadows,” or “stuff that looks like a face.” This helps them notice little details and be creative.

Flashlight Scavenger Hunt

This idea came to me on Halloween during covid. Since trick or treating in Mount Kisco wasn't normal that year, we decided to make it fun by hidding candy and having the kids search for it with flashlights!

You don't have to use candy, it can be action figures, stuffies, anything!

Tip: This one is best when its dark outside for the full effect.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Even with the snow, there is still plenty to find in the winter. An outdoor scavenger hunt is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors during any season! Here is a link to a made for you nature scavenger hunt.

Ice Cube Excavation Challenge

Freeze small toys or treasures in a big container of water or cupcake trays if you're tighter on time. Once it’s frozen, give kids tools to chip away [like warm water, spoons, or toy hammers] It feels like a treasure hunt and keeps them busy for a long time!Tip: Add food coloring to the water before freezing to make it even cooler!

Spring Vibes Art

Longing for Spring to arrive? Create some art with springtime vibes to display on your walls. Let your kids be creative with this one! Set out a variety of materials. Paper, paint, glue, beads, magazines, yarn, anything! Then display their masterpieces! 🌷

As you can see, we've tried and tested all of these ideas throughout the years! I hope reading 10 Genius Screen-Free Activities Kids Actually Love has given you some solid ideas!

If you're looking for an outdoor nature based program for your kids, check out For the People and KIDS as well as The Rewilding School. Both are located here in Westchester County in the towns of Mount Kisco, North Salem, and Croton-on-Hudson.

Remember, the next time your kid says “I’m bored,” it means their brain is ready to play, imagine, and explore something new and this is exactly how I engage with them during a photo session.

If you’re looking for a Westchester County family photographer, click here to see my portfolio of family images.

Happy weekend everyone!