If you feel like your kids are glued to some sort of screen from morning to night, get in line. Apparently, that’s what kids do these days. And who could blame them? With video games, social media, and streaming, they have more than enough to stay entertained. Why would they want to go outside anyway?

But as you probably already know, screens aren’t very healthy. So, what do you do? Do you nag and annoy them and repeat over and over how, in your time, kids would run around with their friends and be outside all day? If you do, you know that that doesn’t work. You need to be more creative.

Kids love adventures. All of them. They like challenges, exploring new things, and getting their hands dirty. That means that, in order to get them out of the house and away from screens, you need to make your backyard into an adventure that’s more fun than whatever it is they’re staring at on their phone or computer.

Let’s get started.

Ideas for Screen-Free Fun

All your kids need is a little space and a good idea to have fun, and your backyard is the perfect place for it. Before you set everything up, make sure it’s neat and that nothing’s in the way. Move some furniture around, and if you don’t have one already, mow the law. Since that can be very tedious and time-consuming, do consider getting a lawn mower.

There’s really no need to go for the most expensive one out there, but rather a functional and good-quality one. If you check your local supplier or the hardware store, you might find some lawn mowers for sale; pick one that’s giving you the best bang for your buck and mow the lawn.

Then, you’re ready to have some fun.

DIY Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses are popular for a reason; they’re challenging, fast-paced, and full of surprises. As far as equipment goes, just use what you already have. Pool noodles, jump ropes, hula hoops, and cardboard boxes can turn a basic backyard into a fun challenge.

Create different sections where kids can jump, crawl, and balance. If you want to make it even more fun, add a stopwatch and turn it into a race. No screens, just a lot of exercise that’s good for their health!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Even the simplest backyard can be a place for adventure with a scavenger hunt, but don’t just hand your kids a list of random objects. Instead of that, create one that will make them observe the natural world.

Have them find a rock shaped like an animal, a leaf with a funny pattern, or a bug they’ve never seen before. There can even be a theme, like finding the brightest flower in spring or the crunchiest leaf in fall. If the kids love to compete, come up with a reward for whoever completes the list first.

Camping in the Backyard

You don’t necessarily have to leave home to go camping! Set up a tent in your backyard, grab sleeping bags, and create a mini adventure in the wilderness right there. If you have a fire pit, roast marshmallows and tell scary stories under the stars. If there’s no fire pit, grab flashlights and pretend you’re all explorers in the wild.

This is a perfect way to introduce younger kids to camping before trying for a real trip.

DIY Outdoor Art Station

Why should art stay inside? Set up something outside and let them be as messy as they want and you won’t have to worry about the cleanup. Get an easel or tape a roll of toilet paper to a fence for painting and drawing. Sidewalk chalk is also excellent and you can let the kids draw their own race tracks, create portraits, and turn the patio into a giant colorful masterpiece.

If you want to be really out there, use leaves, sticks, and flower petals for stamping and stenciling.

Water Play

What’s better than a splash in the water on a hot day?

Set up a sprinkler and have your kids run through it. There can also be a DIY splash zone with water balloons, spray bottles, and a small plastic pool. If you have a driveway, turn it into a carwash where the kids can scrub down their bikes, scooters, or toy cars.

The star of the show can be a homemade slip-and-slide. Lay down a tarp, spray it with water, and watch the kids go crazy!

Outdoor Treasure Hunt with Maps

A treasure hunt will keep the kids busy for hours. Hide small coins, toys, and treats around and draw a map with clues. It can be a simple challenge if they’re little (like following arrows towards hidden stuff) or more advanced (solving riddles to get the next clue) if they’re older.

Change the theme to keep it fun. One week could be a pirate treasure hunt, the next could be an archeological dig for hidden fossils.

Conclusion

And that’s how you get your kids to have fun in the fresh air, with no screens in sight! You know, like it was “in your time.” You’ll notice your kids really don’t need that much in terms of material things because their imagination is on a whole new level. All it takes is a few simple random pieces you already have and they’ll have the time of their lives.