Screen-Free Holiday Fun: Activities to Bring Your Family Together

The holiday season is the perfect time to build family traditions and create lasting memories. Yet, during school breaks, it can be tempting for children to spend extra time on screens. Balancing online time with device-free, meaningful activities not only strengthens family bonds but also makes the holidays more joyful and memorable.

Here’s a guide to fun, screen-free holiday activities and how FamilyTime helps keep your kids safe, balanced, and fully present.

Screen-Free Activities the Whole Family Will Love

Creative Arts & Crafts

Paint, draw, or craft holiday decorations such as ornaments, cards, or garlands. Hands-on projects spark creativity and teamwork, leaving behind keepsakes to cherish for years.

Family Storytelling or Game Night

Turn off devices and enjoy classic games like charades, hide-and-seek, or DIY scavenger hunts. You can also create a collaborative story where each family member adds a sentence — a fun way to engage imagination together.

Cooking or Baking Together

Choose kid-friendly recipes like cookies, snacks, or simple meals, and involve the whole family in preparation. Cooking together teaches cooperation, boosts confidence, and makes mealtime more fun.

Outdoor Adventures

Go for walks, explore nearby parks, or enjoy light hikes — leaving phones behind. Fresh air, physical activity, and device-free time boost mood, health, and family bonding.

Read-Aloud or Book Time

Gather for holiday stories, picture books, or fun tales with a cozy setup and hot cocoa. Reading aloud strengthens bonds, encourages literacy, and provides a calm, screen-free break.

DIY Holiday Projects

Create handmade decorations or gifts using recycled materials, old magazines, or simple craft supplies. These projects teach patience, creativity, and give children a sense of accomplishment.

Why Screen-Free Holidays Matter

• Better Sleep & Mood: Avoiding screens before bed helps kids (and adults!) rest more soundly.
• Boost Creativity & Imagination: Without instant entertainment, children invent games, stories, and fun activities on their own.
• Physical Activity & Health: Outdoor play and movement prevent sedentary habits and improve overall fitness.
• Stronger Family Bonds: Shared offline experiences like cooking, playing, and exploring create lasting memories.

How FamilyTime Helps Keep Holidays Balanced

FamilyTime helps families mix digital life with real-world fun, ensuring screen time doesn’t take over. Here’s how:

• Schedule Device-Free Moments: Set routines where devices are off — during meals, game time, or bedtime to encourage genuine family connection.
• Limit App & Game Use: Holiday gifts like new devices or games won’t dominate your child’s free time thanks to customizable usage limits.
• Monitor Calls & Messages: Let kids safely stay in touch with friends without letting communication interfere with offline life.
• Alerts & Safe Browsing: FamilyTime notifies parents about inappropriate content and ensures safe browsing, giving peace of mind while kids explore online.

By combining intentional, screen-free activities with FamilyTime’s digital tools, parents can create a balanced, healthy holiday where kids enjoy both real-world fun and safe digital access.

Final Thoughts

Holidays are about connection, laughter, and shared memories — not endless scrolling or screen time. Rediscover the joy of offline life by crafting, playing, reading, and exploring together. With simple screen-free activities, thoughtful planning, and tools like FamilyTime, you can give your children a holiday full of warmth, creativity, and love.