10 Screen Free Activities for Babies and Toddlers

A baby reaches for your phone while you're trying to finish a cup of tea. A toddler asks for a video during a meal, a nappy change or the few quiet minutes before bed. The quickest answer is often a screen, but a small basket, board book, wooden ring or bowl of water may offer a richer alternative with almost no preparation.

That matters because screen free activities don't need to be elaborate. They work best when they match a child's developmental stage, attention span, interests and surroundings. UK guidance issued in 2026 recommends no screen time for children under 2, apart from shared bonding uses, and generally no more than one hour a day for children aged 2 to 5. You can read the UK government's guidance for parents of under-fives for the wider context.

Below, each idea explains why it helps, what you'll need, how to begin, how to adapt it for an infant, younger toddler or older toddler, how long it might last and what to check for safety. Grow With Me is one optional source of stage-based wooden toys, sensory toys, board books and description cards, but everyday objects and local spaces can work just as well.

1. Sensory Play with Natural Materials

Sensory play gives babies and toddlers a way to investigate the world through touch, sight, sound and, when appropriate, smell. A wooden ring feels different from a fabric square. Water moves when a child pats it. A crinkly material responds to a squeeze. These small discoveries help children connect their actions with what happens next.

Start with a shallow basket or tray and add a few safe objects with contrasting textures. Try a smooth wooden toy, a soft cloth, a textured ball and a large silicone cup. For an older toddler, you might offer a supervised tray of dried pasta, rice or lentils with large scoops and containers. A bowl of water with floating bath toys is another simple option.

Match the invitation to the child

For an infant, place one or two large objects within easy reach during an alert, calm period. Let your baby look, grasp, mouth and release the items without rushing to demonstrate anything.

A younger toddler may enjoy transferring objects between containers, while an older toddler can sort materials by texture, colour or size. You can describe what your child is doing with simple language, such as “soft cloth”, “cold water” or “the ring rolled away”.

• Materials: Wooden rings, textured balls, natural fabric squares, large household spoons, cups and water.
• Time: A few minutes for an infant, or a longer open-ended play period for a toddler who remains engaged.
• Setting: Use a washable mat indoors, a high-sided tray outdoors or a towel beside a water bowl.
• Safety check: Stay close, especially with infants. Avoid small parts and any material that could fit into a child's mouth, and don't use scented oils or plants unless you've checked they're suitable.

Rotate materials when your child loses interest rather than adding more at once. A smaller selection often makes it easier for a baby or toddler to focus.

2. Open-Ended Play with Wooden Toys

A wooden block can become a bridge, a bed for a toy animal or something to knock over. Open-ended toys don't dictate one correct result, so children can practise choosing, pretending, testing and starting again. That flexibility makes them useful for both independent play and shared play.

Offer a small selection rather than tipping every toy onto the floor. Wooden blocks, stacking rings, simple figures, cups and an age-appropriate puzzle can support very different kinds of play while still fitting in one low basket. Grow With Me kits may include stage-based wooden toys and description cards that help caregivers understand how an item can be introduced, but you can also use wooden spoons, cardboard boxes and fabric pieces from home.

Follow the child's idea

With an infant, place a ring or large wooden object nearby and let your child explore its weight, shape and movement. A younger toddler might stack rings, push a figure through a box or carry objects from one place to another. An older toddler may use the same pieces for a small story, such as building a house or making a pretend meal.

Try modelling one action without asking your child to copy it. Stack two blocks, say “up”, then pause. If your toddler knocks them down, treat that as useful play rather than a mistake.

Practical rule: Choose toys that can serve several purposes, then leave room for your child to use them differently from the instructions.

• Materials: Five or so well-made wooden toys, a low shelf or basket and, if useful, Grow With Me description cards.
• Time: Start with a short invitation and allow the child to continue while interest lasts.
• Setting: A floor mat, quiet corner, play kitchen or outdoor blanket can all work.
• Safety check: Inspect toys for cracks, loose parts, sharp edges and peeling finishes. Select pieces that are suitable for the child's age and mouthing stage.

For more detail on why simple wooden toys can support flexible play, explore this guide to the benefits of wooden toys.

3. Reading and Storytelling with Board Books

A board book creates a quiet opportunity for shared attention. Your baby hears your voice, watches your face and begins to connect pictures with words. A toddler can point, turn pages, repeat familiar phrases and bring personal experiences into the story.

You don't need to finish every page. For an infant, talk about one picture and let your baby touch the page. A younger toddler might enjoy naming animals, finding a familiar object or lifting a flap. An older toddler can predict what happens next, retell a favourite scene or invent a different ending.

Make repetition useful

Children often ask for the same book repeatedly. That repetition gives them opportunities to recognise words, anticipate patterns and notice details they missed before. Point to pictures and name them, but leave pauses so your child can respond in a gesture, sound or word.

Books such as Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell and Where Is Baby's Belly Button? by Karen Katz offer familiar formats for participation. Your local library can also provide a changing supply of books without requiring a large home collection.

• Materials: A few sturdy board books, a cushion or rug and, optionally, a soft toy connected to the story.
• Time: Even a brief reading routine can work. Stop when your child has had enough.
• Setting: Use a lap, bed, pram or quiet corner. Keep books where your child can reach them safely.
• Safety check: Check for torn pages, loose flaps and damaged bindings. Don't leave a young child unattended with a book that has detachable pieces.

Grow With Me's guide to board books for babies can help you choose titles that fit an early developmental stage. The most important feature, however, is regular shared reading that feels warm and manageable.

4. Outdoor Nature Exploration and Garden Play

A trip outside doesn't need to become a formal nature lesson. A baby can watch leaves move, feel grass through a blanket and listen to birds. A toddler can carry a stick, inspect a stone, splash in a puddle or help fill a watering can.

Returning to the same park, garden or patch of pavement helps children notice gradual changes. The familiar setting gives an infant confidence, while an older toddler may begin to recognise a tree, route or favourite bench. British play research has found that outdoor play remains a substantial part of young children's play, while independent outdoor play is happening later across generations and street play has become very limited. That context makes simple, supervised outdoor invitations especially valuable for families.

Let discovery stay small

For an infant, spread a blanket in a safe outdoor space and describe what your baby can see. A younger toddler might collect large leaves into a basket or transfer soil with a child-sized scoop. An older toddler can look for natural objects with particular colours, help water plants or use a magnifying glass with close adult support.

You don't need a garden. A balcony with suitable supervision, a shared green space, a local park or a short walk can all provide natural materials and movement.

• Materials: A blanket, collection basket, child-sized gardening tools, magnifying glass or a simple wooden toy.
• Time: Follow the weather, energy level and the child's pace rather than aiming for a fixed outing.
• Setting: Try a garden, park, community garden, beach or quiet green route.
• Safety check: Avoid poisonous plants, animal waste, sharp objects, deep water and small items that could be swallowed. Wash hands after outdoor exploration.

For more ideas, see this guide to turning park trips into unplugged adventures. Keep the emphasis on noticing and participating, not collecting a perfect set of treasures.

5. Music, Singing and Rhythm Play

Music can fill a transition that might otherwise invite a screen. Sing while dressing, hum during a nappy change or create a simple tidy-up song. Your voice, eye contact and movement give the child a social experience as well as an auditory one.

An infant may respond with stillness, eye contact, kicks or vocal sounds. A younger toddler might shake a safe instrument, clap or copy one movement. An older toddler can join a stop-and-start game, march around the room or choose which song comes next.

Use rhythm to organise the day

Keep the beat simple. Tap a wooden spoon on a cushion, clap slowly, then pause and wait for your child to respond. Pots can become drums, and a securely closed container filled with an appropriate material can become a homemade shaker for an older child. Any homemade item needs careful inspection, because a lid that opens can create a choking risk.

Nursery rhymes such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “The Wheels on the Bus” work well because children can learn the repeated actions. You can also introduce music from different cultures and styles without turning the activity into a performance.

• Materials: Wooden shakers, bells designed for young children, scarves, cushions or safe household instruments.
• Time: One song may be enough for a tired baby. A toddler may enjoy several songs with movement.
• Setting: Sing in a pram, bath routine, kitchen, lounge or outdoor space.
• Safety check: Use instruments made for the child's age, avoid cords and loose pieces and keep volume comfortable.

Don't worry about singing in tune. The shared rhythm, predictable repetition and responsive interaction matter more than musical accuracy.

6. Messy Sensory Play with Art and Painting

Art gives toddlers a way to make something happen with their hands. Paint spreads, dough changes shape, a crayon leaves a mark and a sticker stays where it's pressed. These cause-and-effect experiences build hand control and confidence without requiring a recognisable finished picture.

For an infant who isn't ready to handle art materials, try water painting with a large brush on a safe outdoor surface, or let your baby watch you make broad marks. A younger toddler can use chunky crayons or washable finger paint on large paper. An older toddler might combine paper, fabric, large stickers and nature materials in a collage.

Protect the process, not the outcome

Cover the floor and place the paper where your child can reach it comfortably. Offer two or three materials at a time, then let your toddler decide whether to dab, drag, press, mix or stop. Avoid showing them what the picture is supposed to become.

Use washable, non-toxic products intended for children. Edible dough may be suitable for some toddlers, but it still needs supervision and isn't a substitute for checking ingredients or choking risks. Save a photograph of a creation if you don't have room to keep the original, and involve your child in gathering materials for cleanup.

• Materials: Large paper, chunky crayons, washable paint, protective covering, child-safe dough, fabric scraps and large stickers.
• Time: A short setup can lead to a brief exploration or a longer creative session.
• Setting: Use a kitchen floor, wipeable table, high chair tray or outdoor surface.
• Safety check: Supervise closely, especially with paint, dough, stickers and small collage pieces. Keep supplies away from mouths and eyes.

A simple demonstration can help a hesitant toddler begin. After that, step back. The value lies in what the child notices and controls, not in producing a particular craft.

7. Pretend Play and Imaginative Role-Playing

Pretend play helps toddlers explore familiar experiences from a safe distance. A stuffed animal can be fed, a doll can go to sleep and a wooden spoon can become a doctor's thermometer or a cooking tool. Through these small stories, children practise language, sequence and emotional expression.

Symbolic play often becomes more noticeable during the toddler years. An infant can still join by watching you act out a simple routine with a soft toy. A younger toddler may copy feeding or putting a toy to bed. An older toddler can combine roles, such as preparing food for a doll, taking it to the doctor and then settling it under a blanket.

Join without taking over

Keep props open-ended. A blanket can become a tent, bed or picnic mat. A cardboard box can be a bus, a shop counter or a hiding place. Everyday objects, such as wooden spoons, plastic bowls and cushions, often invite more flexible play than a prop with only one obvious use.

Narrate what your child is doing without correcting the storyline. You might say, “The bear is waiting for lunch,” or “You're checking the baby's foot.” If your child repeats a scenario, let the repetition continue. It may be helping them practise a skill or make sense of an experience.

• Materials: Dolls, soft toys, blankets, cushions, wooden figures, play kitchen pieces, dress-up clothes and safe household props.
• Time: Follow the story. A short routine can be enough for a younger toddler, while older toddlers may return to the same scenario throughout the day.
• Setting: Create a small prop basket in the lounge, bedroom, garden or play kitchen.
• Safety check: Remove long cords, small accessories, sharp objects and anything that could wrap around a neck or be swallowed.

Take the role of a participant when invited. Your child should remain the person directing the imaginative world.

8. Building and Construction Play

Construction play turns simple materials into a practical problem. How can the child make a tower stand? Which piece fits on top? What happens when the structure becomes too tall? Building, knocking down and rebuilding gives toddlers repeated chances to test balance, space and persistence.

An infant can practise grasping and releasing large blocks or stacking cups with your help. A younger toddler might place one block on another, fill a box or knock down a short tower. An older toddler can build a road for wooden vehicles, make an enclosure for figures or combine blocks with pretend play.

Allow the structure to fail

Start with large, easy-to-handle pieces. Wooden blocks are useful because they're straightforward to grasp and can become buildings, furniture or bridges. Large cardboard boxes and lightweight blocks can provide a lower-cost alternative. For older toddlers, age-suitable large construction pieces may add new ways to connect and balance.

Resist the urge to fix a collapsing tower immediately. Describe what happened, then wait. “It fell when the block moved.” Your child may try a wider base, a different shape or a slower movement without needing you to supply the answer.

• Materials: Large wooden blocks, stacking cups, rings, cardboard boxes, age-suitable large building pieces and simple vehicles.
• Time: Allow enough uninterrupted play for several attempts rather than stopping after the first collapse.
• Setting: Use a clear floor area, low table, carpet or outdoor mat.
• Safety check: Choose pieces that are too large to swallow, check for splinters or broken connectors and keep heavier blocks away from babies who could be struck.

Store construction materials in an accessible container so your child can return to the activity. A photograph of a favourite structure can preserve the memory without turning cleanup into a struggle.

9. Water Play and Bath Time Exploration

Water play offers immediate feedback. A cup fills, a sponge changes weight, a funnel redirects water and a floating toy moves when the child splashes. These simple actions introduce ideas about volume, flow, movement and temperature while giving hands a calming, repetitive task.

For an infant, a warm bath can provide gentle sensory exploration with your full attention. A younger toddler may pour between large cups or squeeze a sponge. An older toddler can use funnels, tubes, watering cans and floating objects to create a more involved investigation.

Keep the setup small

You can use a bath, outdoor water table or a low bowl on a towel. Begin with two or three containers in different shapes, then add a floating toy or bath-safe object. A Grow With Me water play activity guide offers further ideas for extending simple water exploration.

• Materials: Large cups, containers, funnels, sponges, watering cans, bath-safe toys and towels.
• Time: A brief bowl activity may be enough. Bath play can form part of an ordinary routine.
• Setting: Use a bath, garden, balcony with suitable supervision or a wipeable kitchen floor.
• Safety check: Stay within arm's reach during water play and never leave a baby or toddler unattended. Use comfortable water, remove standing water afterwards and clean containers regularly.

Avoid adding too many materials. The water itself provides plenty to investigate. Talk about “full”, “empty”, “drip”, “splash” and “floating” if your child enjoys language, but don't turn every activity into a lesson.

10. Gross Motor Play and Movement-Based Activities

Young children need chances to move their whole bodies, not just manipulate objects with their hands. Crawling, rolling, climbing, kicking and dancing help children learn where their bodies are in space. Movement can also offer a useful outlet when a toddler is restless, frustrated or ready to leave a quiet activity.

An infant may practise tummy time, reaching, rolling or crawling across a clear mat. A younger toddler can push a large soft ball, walk along a taped line or climb a low, stable cushion arrangement with close supervision. An older toddler might kick, throw, chase, dance, climb suitable equipment or practise stepping over soft obstacles.

Let the child set the pace

Clear a safe area and offer one movement invitation. Roll a large soft ball towards your child, place cushions a short distance apart or make a simple path from one side of the room to another. Outdoors, a park can provide space for walking, running and age-appropriate climbing.

Don't force a child to climb, jump or join a game before they're ready. Model the movement, then let your child decide whether to watch, copy or choose another action.

• Materials: Large soft balls, cushions, foam blocks, floor markers, scarves and suitable outdoor equipment.
• Time: Use short movement bursts between meals, dressing and quieter play, or allow longer outdoor exploration when energy is high.
• Setting: A cleared lounge, garden, park or soft-play environment can work.
• Safety check: Remove obstacles, use soft landing areas and stay close to climbing equipment. Check that clothing and footwear allow free movement.

Movement doesn't need to look organised. Crawling after a parent, carrying a cushion or dancing to a family song all count as meaningful screen free activities.

Screen-Free Activities: 10-Item Comparison

Activity	🔄 Implementation complexity	⚡ Resources & setup	📊 Expected outcomes	Ideal use cases 💡	⭐ Key advantages
Sensory Play with Natural Materials	Low, simple set-up, ongoing supervision	Minimal cost; natural/household items; space for mess	Sensory integration, fine motor exploration	6–24 months exploration, calm independent play	Multi-sensory, adaptable, screen-free
Open-Ended Play with Wooden Toys	Low, occasional facilitation for play ideas	Upfront investment in quality pieces; durable long-term	Creativity, problem-solving, fine motor skills	6 months–preschool, imaginative and self-directed play	Durable, sustainable, promotes creativity
Reading & Storytelling with Board Books	Very low, time commitment primary factor	Low cost; portable board books; no setup	Language development, vocabulary, bonding	0–3 years routines, quiet times, transitions	Early literacy, emotional bonding, accessible
Outdoor Nature Exploration & Garden Play	Moderate, planning, weather & safety checks	Low cost but location-dependent; clothing & basic tools	Gross motor, observation, resilience, immune benefits	Park/backyard visits, weekly nature routines	Physical health, diverse sensory input, environmental connection
Music, Singing & Rhythm Play	Low, adult participation encouraged	Minimal instruments or household items; portable	Auditory development, language, motor coordination	Routines, transitions, group sing-and-move sessions	Emotional expression, memory, bonding
Messy Sensory Play: Art & Creative Exploration	Moderate, prep and cleanup required	Low-cost materials; protective coverings and washable supplies	Fine motor, creativity, emotional expression	Art sessions, sensory days, outdoor creative time	Process-focused creativity, tactile learning
Pretend Play & Imaginative Role-Playing	Low–moderate, props and occasional facilitation	Simple props/dress-up; dedicated play space helpful	Social-emotional skills, language, theory of mind	18+ months, social play, emotional processing scenarios	Builds empathy, narrative skills, social learning
Building & Construction Play	Low–moderate, needs space and supervision	Block sets of varying costs; storage considerations	Spatial reasoning, planning, persistence	Focused play sessions, cooperative building time	STEM foundations, resilience, fine motor control
Water Play & Bath Time Exploration	Moderate, strict supervision and hygiene	Minimal bowls/tubs; water-safe toys; cleaning routine	Cause-and-effect, sensory regulation, bilateral coordination	Bath routine, warm weather outdoor play, sensory table	Calming, versatile, rich scientific exploration
Gross Motor Play & Movement Activities	Moderate, safe space and supervision needed	Minimal equipment; safe indoor/outdoor area required	Strength, balance, coordination, confidence	Daily active periods, playground outings, energy release	Physical health, motor milestones, risk-assessment skills

Build a Screen-Free Rhythm That Fits Real Family Life

You don't need to schedule all ten activities into every day. A workable rhythm might include one calm choice, one movement choice and one connection-led choice. Reading can provide connection, water or sensory play can offer a calm reset, and outdoor exploration or crawling games can meet a need for movement.

Start with the moment that currently brings the most screen requests. If a child expects a video while you cook, place a sensory basket, board book or open-ended wooden toy within reach before you begin. If bedtime is difficult, offer a familiar book, quiet pretend play or simple drawing before the usual sleep routine. If meals are the challenge, keep the swap modest and focus on connection rather than creating a perfect distraction.

The UK evidence points to a practical audience for offline routines. The National Education Policy Centre's analysis of the Children of the 2020s cohort reports that 28% of babies experience no screen time, while 49% experience up to one hour a day. Among babies with no screen time, 80% have daily trips out, compared with 60% of babies experiencing three or more hours of screen time, and daily picture-book reading remains high at 76% across several screen-use groups. These findings suggest that many families already have useful building blocks, such as books and outings, even when their routines aren't fully screen free. You can explore the UK cohort analysis from the National Education Policy Centre for more context.

The best replacement is the one you can prepare before the difficult moment arrives.

Keep a small rotation of materials rather than buying something new for every activity. A few board books, wooden pieces, fabric squares, large containers, crayons and soft balls can support many variations. Move the same items to a different room, add a blanket or introduce a simple story prompt when interest fades.

Safety should stay simple and consistent. Supervise water play closely, inspect toys before use, avoid choking hazards, check art materials and follow your child's cues around noise, mess, tiredness and stimulation. A baby who turns away may need a break. A toddler who throws every item may need movement rather than another invitation to sit.

Families can also divide the work. A grandparent might keep a basket of books and wooden toys ready for visits. An older sibling can sing, build or look for leaves, with an adult managing safety. If you're organising household tasks, this guide to finding the right chores for your child may help you include children without expecting more independence than their stage allows.

Grow With Me's stage-based kits can simplify selection for families who want ready-made options, combining wooden toys, sensory toys, board books and description cards. Everyday materials and local outdoor spaces remain equally valid. Screen free play becomes sustainable when it fits the home you have, the time you have and the child in front of you.

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Grow With Me offers curated subscription kits for babies and toddlers, with stage-based wooden toys, sensory toys, board books and description cards to guide play. Visit Grow With Me to find ready-made screen free activity options that can fit naturally into your family's everyday rhythm.