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    Home » Best Of

    21 Winter Screen-Free Activities and Printables for Kids

    Modified: May 5, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · Published: Jan 26, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links and Amazon links

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    Keeping kids entertained in the winter without screens can feel like a challenge, but it does not have to be. The right mix of hands-on fun and creative activities can turn cold days into something special. These winter screen-free activities keep kids engaged without relying on devices, giving them plenty to do indoors and out. From simple crafts to interactive games, there is something for every age and interest. If you are looking for easy ways to keep boredom away, these ideas and printables will make winter days a lot more fun.

    10 Night Skies Outdoor Education Activities for Kids

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    10 Night Skies Outdoor Education Activities for Kids. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Exploring the stars is one of the best winter screen-free activities for kids. These outdoor education ideas help them identify constellations, track the moon’s phases, and even try night photography. It’s a great way to spend time outside, even on chilly nights. Just bundle up, grab a telescope or binoculars, and start exploring.
    Read the Article: 10 Night Skies Outdoor Education Activities for Kids

    Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started

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    Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Ice fishing is a hands-on way to enjoy winter screen-free activities while learning patience and outdoor skills. This beginner’s guide covers everything from safety tips to the right gear, so anyone can get started. It’s a great excuse to spend time outside, even in freezing temperatures. The thrill of catching a fish makes it even more rewarding.
    Read the Article: Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started

    Kids Cooking Ideas Mix Fun and Life Skills

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    Kids Cooking Ideas Mix Fun and Life Skills. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Cooking is an easy way to keep kids engaged in winter screen-free activities while teaching real-life skills. Measuring, stirring, and chopping help with math and coordination, and the end result is always rewarding. From simple snacks to full meals, there’s something for every skill level. Plus, kids are more likely to enjoy food they helped make.
    Read the Article: Kids Cooking Ideas Mix Fun and Life Skills

    30+ Fun STEM Activities for Middle School

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    30+ Fun STEM Activities for Middle School. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Hands-on STEM projects make excellent winter screen-free activities that keep kids thinking and experimenting. From building simple circuits to growing crystals, these activities make science and engineering more exciting. They encourage problem-solving in a fun, interactive way. No screens required—just curiosity and a few household supplies.
    Read the Article: 30+ Fun STEM Activities for Middle School

    How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home

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    How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Growing microgreens is a simple winter screen-free activity that brings fresh greens indoors. Kids can learn about plant life cycles while growing something they can actually eat. With just a jar, some seeds, and a little patience, sprouts will appear in no time. It’s a great way to stay connected to nature during the colder months.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home

    Low Tech STEAM Activities for Kids

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    Low Tech STEAM Activities for Kids. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    STEAM projects don’t have to involve screens, and this collection proves it. These hands-on activities encourage creativity and problem-solving, making them perfect winter screen-free activities. Kids can build, design, and experiment using simple materials found at home. Learning is always more fun when it feels like play.
    Read the Article: Low Tech STEAM Activities for Kids

    Timeless Tales: The Essential 10 Classic Books for Kids

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    Timeless Tales: The Essential 10 Classic Books for Kids. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Reading classic books is one of the best winter screen-free activities for kids. These timeless stories spark imagination, build vocabulary, and create opportunities for cozy read-aloud sessions. Whether it’s an adventure story or a well-loved fairy tale, there’s something for every reader. Grab a blanket, make some cocoa, and get lost in a good book.
    Read the Article: Timeless Tales: The Essential 10 Classic Books for Kids

    Valentine’s Day Games for Kids

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    Valentine’s Day Games for Kids. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    These fun and easy games make Valentine’s Day one of the best winter screen-free activities. From scavenger hunts to relay races, they bring kids together in a way that doesn’t involve screens. The best part? Most can be played indoors, so cold weather won’t stop the fun. All it takes is a little creativity and some willing participants.
    Read the Article: Valentine’s Day Games for Kids

    How to Study Polar Bears: 25+ Free Resources

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    How to Study Polar Bears: 25+ Free Resources. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Learning about polar bears is a great way to mix education with winter screen-free activities. This guide includes free resources for exploring everything from polar bear habitats to conservation efforts. Kids can track Arctic weather patterns, draw their own polar bear sketches, or even write a report. It’s a fun way to learn about wildlife while staying warm inside.
    Read the Article: How to Study Polar Bears: 25+ Free Resources

    Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids and Printable Pack

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    Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids and Printable Pack. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Valentine’s crafts and games make fun winter screen-free activities that keep kids entertained. This printable pack includes coloring pages, puzzles, and hands-on projects. Whether they’re making homemade cards or playing holiday-themed games, there’s plenty to do. It’s an easy way to add creativity to the holiday without relying on screens.
    Read the Article: Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids and Printable Pack

    2025 Free Printable Coloring Calendar

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    2025 Free Printable Coloring Calendar. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    A printable calendar gives kids a fun way to plan and color, making it a great choice for winter screen-free activities. Each month offers new designs to personalize while helping them stay organized. It’s a simple way to encourage creativity while introducing basic time management skills. Plus, it’s something they can use all year.
    Read the Article: 2025 Free Printable Coloring Calendar

    DIY Bird Feeder for Kids: Use Upcycled Cork Placemats

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    DIY Bird Feeder for Kids: Use Upcycled Cork Placemats. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making a bird feeder is a hands-on winter screen-free activity that also helps local wildlife. Upcycling cork placemats into feeders teaches kids about sustainability and caring for nature. Watching birds visit throughout the season makes it even more exciting. It’s an easy, fun project that brings a little life to the backyard.
    Read the Article: DIY Bird Feeder for Kids: Use Upcycled Cork Placemats

    Fun Winter Activities for Kids

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    Fun Winter Activities for Kids. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Keeping kids entertained during cold months is easier with a solid list of winter screen-free activities. From snow painting to DIY obstacle courses, there’s no shortage of creative ways to stay busy. These ideas help beat boredom without relying on electronics. With a little planning, winter days can be packed with fun.
    Read the Article: Fun Winter Activities for Kids

    Activities for Bored Kids

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    Activities for Bored Kids. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Need ways to keep kids entertained? This collection of winter screen-free activities has plenty of boredom-busting ideas. Kids can build, create, explore, and learn without using a screen. Whether it’s a hands-on craft or an interactive game, there’s something for every age. Sometimes, all it takes is a little inspiration to turn boredom into fun.
    Read the Article: Activities for Bored Kids

    DIY Natural Homemade Non-Toxic Playdough Recipe

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    DIY Natural Homemade Non-Toxic Playdough Recipe. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Making playdough from scratch is a mess-free winter screen-free activity that keeps kids entertained. This simple recipe uses natural ingredients, so there’s no need to worry about chemicals. Kids can mix, knead, and shape their own creations for hours of fun. It’s the perfect way to keep little hands busy on cold days.
    Read the Article: DIY Natural Homemade Non-Toxic Playdough Recipe

    How to Make Beeswax Wraps

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    How to Make Beeswax Wraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Crafting beeswax wraps is a useful winter screen-free activity that also promotes sustainability. Kids can make reusable food wraps while experimenting with different fabric patterns. It’s a hands-on project that’s both creative and practical. Plus, it’s a great way to start conversations about reducing waste.
    Read the Article: How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    Scavenger Hunt Printables for Teens and Tweens

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    Scavenger Hunt Printables for Teens and Tweens. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Scavenger hunts make for exciting winter screen-free activities that keep older kids engaged. These printable challenges encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and friendly competition. Whether played indoors or outside, they add some excitement to a slow day. Just print, hide the clues, and let the hunt begin.
    Read the Article: Scavenger Hunt Printables for Teens and Tweens

    Pot of Gold Papercraft

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    Pot of Gold Papercraft. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    This simple papercraft is a creative way to mix arts and crafts with winter screen-free activities. Kids can cut, fold, and decorate their own pot of gold, making it a great St. Patrick’s Day project. It’s easy to set up and requires minimal supplies. Once finished, the creations can be used as festive decorations.
    Read the Article: Pot of Gold Papercraft

    Printable Music Practice Log

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    Printable Music Practice Log. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

    Keeping track of practice sessions is easier with a printable log, making it a helpful winter screen-free activity for young musicians. This simple tool helps kids set goals and monitor progress without relying on apps. It’s a great way to build consistency while seeing improvements over time. Plus, it keeps practice schedules organized.
    Read the Article: Printable Music Practice Log

    Useful and Creative Mason Jar Crafts

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    Useful and Creative Mason Jar Crafts. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Mason jar crafts are fun winter screen-free activities that let kids get creative with everyday materials. From lanterns to storage containers, there’s no limit to what they can make. These projects are simple, practical, and perfect for gifting. With a little paint and imagination, a plain jar turns into something special.
    Read the Article: Useful and Creative Mason Jar Crafts

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

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    How to Grow Food from Scraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Regrowing food scraps is an easy and educational winter screen-free activity that teaches kids about sustainability. From green onions to celery, many kitchen leftovers can grow into fresh produce. It’s a fun experiment that also saves money and reduces waste. With just a few jars and some water, new growth can happen right on the windowsill.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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