Tips for Getting Your Kids Involved in Playtime Offline

It can be hard to get children nowadays, to get their heads out of their mobile phones, tablets, or computer screens. We’re overrun by technology and it seems to be dominating every aspect of our lives.

For children growing up with technology readily available, it’s important that parents of these young generations are teaching their kids what it’s like to have a world without technology.

While technology can be good for many reasons, it’s not the be-all and end-all of life itself. There’s still plenty that can be done offline and as a child, it’s essential. Here are some tips for getting your kids involved in playtime offline.

Help them fall in love with movies

There are some fantastic movies out there that have become iconic for generations both old and new. It only feels right that these films are passed down for generations to enjoy. From the Harry Potter franchise to the festive Home Alone movies, there are some classic movie staples that kids must watch.

However, it’s offline activities we’re trying to encourage, so once they have a knowledge of movie classics, incorporate those into playtime. For example, those who love Star Wars will definitely appreciate learning about lightsaber color meanings. Perhaps they can have a trip to the local kid’s store to go on the hunt for their very own lightsaber?

Switch off the technology with a technology-free hour

When it comes to enforcing a technology-free zone, try to switch off technology even if it’s for one hour. This can be referred to as a technology-free hour, something that the children do every day perhaps, in order to get a break from a digital screen.

It could be towards the end of the evening or perhaps once they’re back from school. Try to implement this as a routine so that they get used to having a digital detox every day. It can be something they can carry into their adult lives too.

Head outdoors

It’s incredible to think that a lot of kids in recent generations have not had the same outdoor play that previous generations had before the internet. Where mobile phones and tablets didn’t exist, many kids would be outdoors playing with friends or their neighbor’s kids.

This is something that should still be encouraged but where possible, head outdoors as a family. Perhaps go to the local park to play or take a bike ride around the local area to burn off a bit of energy that they may have.

Play with them – don’t just leave them

It’s important that as a parent, it’s practicing what you preach. So when it comes to playtime, play with them and don’t just leave them to their own devices. Of course, leaving them to play on their own is also important but sometimes, it can be nice to have their parent or parents, playing with them.

This could be a group board game or watching the kids put on their own variety show of laughter and entertainment. Get involved and tap into your inner child too! 

Have a list of indoor activities that get their creative juices flowing

There will be times when there are limitations on what can be done in the home when it’s raining outdoors and when the brain has run out of things to give as ideas.

With that being said, having a list ready of indoor activities that the kids can get their teeth stuck into, can be useful. Think of all the most creative activities that they can get involved in, whether that’s painting with vegetables to building their own fort castle. These are all indoor activities that can help them learn new skills and build upon what they’re learning in school.

Create a treasure hunt in and around the home

A treasure hunt is a great way to get the blood pumping and to get children of all ages, excited to put down their technological devices.

A treasure hunt can be done come rain or shine and it can have a specific theme that the parent creates themselves – or finds online. Have little surprises and rewards that the children can win when playing and try to place these items all over the house and around the backyard. It’ll help keep them occupied and out of the way.

Encourage offline playtime as much as possible

Offline playtime can be just as fun as the playtime they have online. Try to encourage more of it where possible and get creative with activities they do alone and as a family.