These Easy Games for Kids are Screen-Free Lifesavers

It can be hard to keep kids entertained without a screen lighting up the room. But sometimes the simplest kids' games—requiring no apps or controllers—can be the most impactful. These easy, screen-free games aren’t just boredom busters; they help kids grow in ways that matter. They spark creativity, support emotional well-being, and encourage the kind of physical activity kids need to thrive.

Even better, they provide a healthy outlet for stress, letting little ones channel their big feelings while having fun. Whether you need a quick activity or a fun way to bring the family together, these games are a perfect pick for both parents and kids.

How to choose the right easy games for different age groups

From classic board games to scavenger hunts and even hide-and-seek, there are countless options for fun activities without screens. Dr. Tracee Perryman, an educator and co-founder of the Center of Hope Family Services, says to pick games that match your child’s age and developmental stage.

“It is crucial to choose games that match a child’s developmental level to help build their confidence,” says Perryman.

“If the games are too advanced, it can lead to frustration and lower self-esteem, making them dislike certain types of games or activities. On the other hand, if the games are too easy, children may become bored and miss out on valuable opportunities to develop important skills—like cognitive abilities, social-emotional skills, and both gross and fine motor skills—that can boost their confidence at home and in school.”

Consider Safety

When choosing games, prioritize safety along with your child’s age and developmental stage. After all, some board games, like Scrabble and Monopoly, have small pieces that can be choking hazards. And when it comes to dodgeball, if your child isn’t very good at dodging balls yet, it’s better to skip that game.

As you plan which games to play, try to keep different age groups separate. According to Perryman, “For school-age kids, I often give kindergartners their own space since they might not have the stamina or social skills to hang with older kids.”

I usually group children by grades: 2nd and 3rd graders together, then 4th and 5th graders, and finally 6th to 8th graders. Sometimes I even separate 6th graders from 7th and 8th graders if they are still in elementary school while the others are already in junior high. Also, if you mix different ages in a game, make sure there is adult supervision!"

What are some easy indoor games for kids?

Before giving in to video games on a rainy day when your child is throwing a tantrum, consider having some fun indoor games ready. It’s a great way to keep them entertained and avoid screen time. Dr. Brittany Nardone, PT, DPT, CPRCS, a physical therapist, explains that indoor games help children engage their bodies and imaginations.

"These activities promote important skills such as gross and fine motor development, sensory integration, and social interaction," Nardone says. Easy indoor games also create a fun yet structured environment for active play, which reduces the need for passive screen time."

Simon Says

If you’re looking for simple indoor games for your children, Nardone recommends the classic game of Simon Says. This game is beneficial because it helps kids develop important skills. According to Nardone, it enhances listening skills, impulse control, and the ability to follow multi-step directions.

"From a physical standpoint, Simon Says involves different movements that help improve both gross and fine motor skills," Nardone explains. "This means that children learn to coordinate their bodies better and become more aware of their surroundings. Additionally, the game supports sensory processing by engaging children in proprioception (which is their awareness of body position) and vestibular input (which relates to balance)."

Treasure Hunt

Do you have little adventurers at home? You can turn your living room into an exciting scavenger hunt! According to Nardone, “Treasure hunts are a fantastic way for kids to have fun indoors.

They involve movement, critical thinking, sensory exploration, and physical activity. These activities help improve important skills like sequencing, memory, and critical thinking while also encouraging teamwork and spatial awareness.”

To set up a treasure hunt at home, Nardone suggests following these steps:

1. Choose a theme (e.g., animals, shapes, or letters) to tie the activity to an educational or imaginative concept. 2. Hide items or clues around the room, ensuring they are safe, age-appropriate, and aligned with the theme. 3. Give kids a map or simple verbal clues to guide them to each spot. This helps them practice following directions and working through sequences step by step. 4. Incorporate problem-solving elements, such as riddles, puzzles, or matching games, to challenge cognitive skills. 5. Include obstacles for kids to navigate, like crawling under, climbing over, balancing on, or maneuvering around. Use items like pillows, taped-off "lava" paths, or stepping stones to make it fun and challenging. 6. Celebrate the treasure! Include a small prize or a fun activity at the end as a reward for their hard work.

Charades

Charades is a great choice for a lively gathering, and Nardone points out that it’s also a hit with kids. It sparks their creativity, emotional expression, and social skills.

"This game enhances creativity as kids think of inventive ways to depict concepts, while the guessing aspect promotes cognitive flexibility and problem-solving," she explains. "It’s also a great bonding activity for families, encouraging laughter and cooperation."

Indoor Bowling

If you want to encourage kids to be more active, Nardone suggests trying indoor bowling as a fun activity. She explains that it helps improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and strength.  She continues, "Additionally, it teaches kids about taking turns and being good sports. Bowling can also be a creative way to practice math since kids can keep score, which helps them with basic counting skills."

To set up your own indoor bowling game, Nardone recommends these easy steps:

1. Use lightweight, child-friendly pins or improvise with empty plastic bottles filled with a bit of rice or beans for stability. 2. Create a "lane" using tape to mark boundaries. 3. Use a soft ball, such as a foam ball or rolled-up socks, to prevent injury or damage. 4. Adjust the difficulty by changing the distance or adding obstacles.

How to organize easy outdoor games for kids

Outdoor games can help children improve their thinking skills while also providing exercise. Christopher Mannino, a parenting coach and author, suggests that “Outdoor activities require kids to move and be active.

They engage their entire bodies and often provide cardiovascular exercise. When children sit with screens, they aren’t using their muscles. Over time, this leads to poor habits that can contribute to childhood obesity."

Outdoor games are also great for building teamwork and developing social skills. According to Marino, “In a structured game like flag football, the group must work together, interact, and communicate. Collaborating to achieve a goal, such as winning the game, can strengthen connections and friendships. Additionally, unstructured outdoor activities provide excellent opportunities for collaboration in creative scenarios where everyone contributes.

If you’re looking for simple outdoor game ideas, Marino recommends games like capture the flag, hide and seek, touch football, and tag. These games are fun and suitable for all ages. Tag is particularly easy to start; you just tap someone and say “You’re it.”

However, Marino also emphasizes that creativity can lead to even more engaging outdoor activities. He encourages using your imagination to interact with the environment. "This imaginative approach is what makes shows like 'Bluey' so popular," he explains.

No matter which game you choose, Marino emphasizes the importance of creating a safe outdoor play area. "It’s important to identify any safety hazards in the area, such as nearby ponds or busy roads," he says. "Additionally, having another adult stationed at the far end of the play zone can help keep an eye on everything."

How to incorporate recycled materials into easy games

To make screen-free games more enjoyable, try adding a DIY element using recycled materials. Elizabeth Fraley, M.Ed., Founder and CEO of Kinder Ready, an early childhood education company in California, suggests that parents can easily use household items they already have at home for this.

There are a plethora of ways to use recycled materials to make game pieces," Fraley says. "One of the easiest ways to make a game piece is by using small blocks or wooden cubes. Children can also use pasta noodles, bottle caps, chess pieces, old checkers, etc. Children can design a spinning wheel for games, then place a fidget spinner on top to create a no-nonsense, easy-to-use game piece."

Incorporating recycled materials into simple games offers additional advantages. Fraley explains, "These include teaching children resourcefulness and inspires them to stretch their creative thinking. By utilizing items with your home, parents can save thousands of dollars annually on toy expenses."

What are some easy learning games for kids?

Learning games don't have to be boring, and these suggestions are here to prove it! From concentration-boosting memory games to family-friendly card games, dive into these entertaining options that make education enjoyable.

Alphabet Games

When it comes to games that mix fun with education, alphabet games take the cake. Danielle Lindner, an expert in early childhood development and founder of The London Day School, believes these playful tools are a great way to combine academic learning with social-emotional skills.

“Kids aged four to six will thrive on more than just flashcards,” she says. “Seek out games that let them pull letters from a box or fish them out of water—imagination is key! For little learners in grades K-2, I highly recommend Secret Site Words!”

Card Games

Card games are another fantastic way to keep kids engaged. according to Perryman, some classic, easy card games for kids include Uno and Connect Four.

"Uno teaches colours, numbers, and counting, as does Connect Four," she says. "Legos are also very helpful in promoting STEM learning as well. Monopoly fosters both math and decision-making skills."

Memory Games

Remember those delightful memory games from your childhood? Well, according to Lindner, they’re still a hit with kids today.  She points out that these games help little ones focus and concentrate, which can boost their performance in school.

“Memory games help build cognitive skills,” she says. Plus, they’re simple enough for kids of all ages to join in and feel proud of their achievements, giving their self-esteem a nice little lift."

Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

Lindner recommends trying alphabet scavenger hunts. "These hunts are perfect for getting kids comfortable with letters and enhancing their sight word recognition,” she notes. “Just whip up some alphabet cards with the letter and an image of the word, and voilà—kids of all ages can join in on the fun!”

Math Bingo

"Creating math bingo games are also great learning games for kids, as they teach basic math concepts, and are easily customizable based on the age and academic level of the child," says Lindner."

To make your own math bingo cards, Lindner recommends using single numbers in each square for younger children, like those in preschool. "This helps kids learn to recognize numbers and understand their names," she explains. "As children grow older, parents can make the bingo cards more challenging by including addition and subtraction problems."

Storytelling Dice

Storytelling dice are another brilliant tool for keeping kids engaged while nudging them toward some out-of-the-box thinking. While you can easily buy some dice online, Lindner suggests a do-it-yourself (DIY) option that is even better:

“Take a cardboard box and decorate each side with different pictures,” she suggests. “Then, roll it and let your kid start spinning a tale. Roll again, and they’ll have to add onto it! This not only sparks their creativity but also sharpens their language skills."

How to engage kids in easy group games

To bring your family together, playing group games is a great idea. Amanda Vierheller, Co-Founder and COO of Playgarden, an early childhood education center in New York City, recommends choosing games that are appropriate for your child’s age.

Vierheller explains, “Choosing the right game to play at the right time depends on who is playing, the setting, and what adults hope to achieve.” She emphasizes considering the ages of all players to ensure everyone can enjoy and succeed in the game. If you have a mix of ages in your group, it’s helpful to form teams that balance skill levels. This way, everyone can participate fairly and have fun."

If you’re looking for suggestions on group games based on age, check out some ideas from Vierheller below:

2-4 years

For toddlers aged two to four, Vierheller recommends fun games that the whole family can enjoy, like First Orchard and Monkey Around. She describes First Orchard as the best first board game for young children. "It is made from sturdy wood and helps kids learn about colours, sorting and counting," she explains.

"This game playfully promotes early learning. On the other hand, Monkey Around encourages fun and self-expression through movement, allowing young learners to enjoy playing games while being active!"

4-6 years

For preschool children, Vierheller suggests games that are a little more advanced. "Kids on Stage is a charade game that inspires children to use imagination and pretend play to communicate with friends and family," she recommends. "Zingo is another great award-winning game that helps early learners prepare for reading and engages little ones through the fun of surprise!"

6-9 years

According to Vierheller, school-age children can enjoy more complex games than those recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. "One exciting game is 'The Floor is Lava,' which encourages kids to move around indoors quickly, helping them develop gross motor skills while having fun," she says. "Another favourite is 'Dragon’s Breath,' a classic game that involves imagination, colour matching, and strategy, making it enjoyable for the whole family."

All ages

If you’re looking for games that everyone can enjoy, Vierheller suggests two great options. "The first is Who Knows You Best, a fun game that helps strengthen relationships with family and friends by sharing and celebrating everyone’s preferences," she says. "The second game is Spot It, a card game that offers a unique experience every time you play. This game is also easy to take anywhere and involves visual matching, making it enjoyable for players of all ages."

Screen-free games provide many benefits for children’s growth and family bonding. These fun activities help kids develop important skills like creativity, physical coordination, social interaction, and cognitive abilities. There are many options available, from indoor games such as Simon Says and treasure hunts to outdoor activities like capture the flag, making it easy to find something suitable for different ages and environments.

However, these games do more than entertain; they create valuable chances for children to grow physically, emotionally, and socially while also strengthening family ties. By choosing these simple yet effective activities, parents can build lasting memories and support their children’s overall development in a world that is becoming increasingly digital.

Experts

• Dr. Tracee Perryman is an educator, researcher, and co-founder of the Center of Hope Family Services, an organization focused on enhancing life outcomes for individuals and families.
• Dr. Brittany Nardone, PT, DPT, CPRCS, is a physical therapist and founder of BLS Physical Therapy.
• Christopher Mannino is a parenting coach, author, and dad.
• Danielle Lindner is an early childhood expert, author and founder of The London Day School.
• Elizabeth Fraley, M.Ed, is the founder and CEO of Kinder Ready, a leading early childhood education company in California.
• Amanda Vierheller, is the co-founder and COO of Playgarden, an early childhood education center based in New York City.