45 Things To Do Instead Of Turning On The TV: Printable List of Screen Free Play Ideas

Looking for easy, playful alternatives for those moments when you feel the kids have been switched onto screens for more time than you intended? This list of 45 playful ideas primarily utilises bits and bobs from around your home and it’s great for preschoolers through to those in second or third grade.

The list is printable, useful for hanging on the fridge or in the playroom as a prompt for both you and your children, and especially useful when the “I’m bored”s hit!

I know I find it handy to have a ready list of ideas for those exact moments – download and printing instructions below!

Printing Your Screen Free Play Ideas Poster

Download Screen Free Play Ideas Poster OR Screen Free Play Ideas Poster B&W (black and white version). Save the PDF to your computer. Open the PDF for full printing instructions.

Having trouble accessing or downloading the file? Please try a different internet browser.
Please note: All Childhood 101 printables are for personal use only, you may not use any part of this content for commercial purposes-that includes selling the document, giving it away to promote your business or website, or printing the file to sell. You may not share, loan or redistribute these documents. Teachers may use multiple copies for students in their own classroom.

And don’t miss our other free printable activity poster: 101 WAYS TO PLAY OUTDOORS

101-Things-to-Do-Outdoors-Printable-Play-Poster

40 Comments

  1. I haven’t been feeling very well, plus I’ve had a lot of work to do lately and I’ve been meaning to turn on the TV to get myself some time… but I haven’t needed to. My kids have been amazing constantly making up new games and entertaining themselves wherever they are. I might have to use your ideas soon though 😉

  2. I love this list!! It’s a perfect reminder that simple activities can be the most entertaining. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for making it a printable. 🙂

  3. Jodie Van Der Zwan says:

    What a wonderful list!! Thanks

  4. That’s beautiful! So many things to do instead of spacing out in front of the box!

  5. Earlier this morning i was googling activities to do with my kids.
    Little did I know I just needed to check my blog feed, as there you were “More Things To Do Instead Of Turning On The TV” click, click & print.
    Thanks Chrisite my boys and I will be busy with this list of 45.

    See you around,
    Kristy
    http://onefunkycow.blogspot.com.au/

  6. Amanda Eastment says:

    A great list Christie. You must have known I had the tv on ; ) Time to go outside!

  7. What a fantastic list!! Thank you for sharing this, am printing it straight off now to give me some reminders of fun activities x

  8. This is fabulous! I’ve been trying to include a free holiday hint on our FB page for the last week or so. But this is just perfect. I’m posting it up now!!

  9. Thanks Christie, it’s a great list. But please don’t beat yourself up too much if you find yourself resorting to TV/videos more than you’d like once bub arrives. Sometimes your sanity is more important than doing it all just right. She won’t get “dumbed down”; you’ve obviously already done such a great job of exposing her to so many things and teaching her to be resourceful. That said, I do need to look at this list! x

  10. Love it! Great ideas Christie

  11. Great list!!! And I think I’ll write each idea in a small piece of paper, put them all in a jar so that my daughter will pick one each time. 🙂

  12. I love your list (and your blog). I’m so happy I’ve found you. I’ll be a regular visitor from now on. I’ve just started blogging myself. Drop by if you get a chance. Rx

  13. Great list! I love playing drawing on your back. This is a great “i’m bored” list.

  14. I’d like to get this translated for you – I can do German and my sister can do French.

    Is that OK with you? I’d send you the finished PDFs.

    Which font did you use?

    Kind regards,

    Edd Turner (British Trainee Kindergartener living in Germany)

  15. Love it. Thank you. Since we don’t even have a t.v this is a great reminder of all our options!

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  17. This is great.
    I am stuck indoors this winter with a prem baby & a 2 yr old. Dr’s orders, keeping her safe from flu season which means toddler has to stay away from other kids also. There are some great ideas on here, thank you!

  18. Thank you for the great ideas 🙂

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  20. Love it! Pinned it 🙂

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  23. I *love* this list! Thank you for sharing this. I just pinned it!

  24. Thank you for this list! I’m hanging it on the fridge today for everyday inspiration!

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  26. Christie- I found you via Pinterest. If you have time, every Friday I host a link party with over 100 bloggers, 800+ readers and 700+ subscribers called Family Fun Friday. I’d love it if you’d share this post (there is a good chance I’ll feature it). I’m a leader in a MOPS group and my readers are young moms with young kids. The party grows every week – I hope you can join in on the fun!
    http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/category/family-fun
    Monica

  27. Julie Price says:

    Hi Christine, absolutely love your post, thanks for getting the message of play out there. Do you make no if I use your posters on my FB page for family learning at YMCABedfordshire?

    Thank you

    1. Happy for you to share with a link back to the post, Julie, thank you 🙂

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