5 Ideas for Screen-Free Family Fun

Technology is great at capturing our attention, but sometimes it’s nice to unplug and recharge! To celebrate screen-free week, we’ve put together a list of low-tech, high-fun indoor and outdoor activities you can do as a family. From observing the night sky in your own backyard to cooking up shareable treats, there are so many great ways for your family to spend time and learn together.

As you take time to connect with each other IRL (in real life), don’t forget that STEM exploration is all around us – no Wi-Fi required!

1. Be Instrumental

Get ready to make some noise as you put your imagination to the test and create a one-of-a-kind DIY instrument! With common materials you likely have around the house, you can move, groove and explore sound with your own family band.

2. Make Crayon Rock Creations

Do you have old or broken crayons lying around? Turn them into a colorful, molten rock experiment! With adult supervision – melting crayons requires heating equipment – go through the rock cycle for two types of igneous rocks. Bonus: End up with two new uniquely shaped color-mixed crayons.

3. Pop Into Science

Uncover the science of snacking by comparing two different ways of cooking a classic treat – popcorn! As you experiment, you’ll record observations and results to engage in decision-making using a tool called a Venn diagram. Plus, after you’ve selected your favorite way to make this tasty snack, you can deck out your popcorn with toppings sweet enough to share.

4. Revisit Nostalgic Games

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and play. Remember the joy of learning about the world around you through camping, water games and even drive-in movies? You can revisit these activities in creative ways to make new family memories and practice STEM learning together.

5. Investigate the Night Sky

If your child ever wonders what lies beyond Earth’s atmosphere, they will love astronomy! You can even begin your stargazing journey right outside your own home. While our blog lists tips and tricks to get you started, it’s important to remember that you don’t need any special equipment or experience – just step outside, look up and take in out-of-this-world views!

Keep Exploring

For even more exciting learning opportunities, we encourage you to check out our STEM activity blogs!