The Busy Mom’s Guide to Screen-Free Time: 8 Easy Outdoor Activities That Actually Work - No Prep Needed

If you’ve ever handed your kid an iPad just to buy 20 minutes to get dinner on the table—you’re not alone. But deep down, you want days that feel less like a battle with screens and more like the childhoods we imagine: bikes, muddy shoes, lake swims, and family memories. The truth? It is possible to make screen-free time happen—without exhausting yourself.

Here are 8 outdoor activities Canadian moms (like me) swear by to get kids outside, moving, and actually having fun.

 

1. Backyard Obstacle Course

Use what you already have: pool noodles, chalk, buckets, skipping ropes. Kids will race for hours if you time them. - By the way, get them to set this up (not you), that's half the fun! 

2. Rocks Scavenger Hunt

Get them to look for different colour and sizes of rocks. Then some of them can be used to write/draw on and put in a 'rock garden'. We have Sharpie fluorescent markers that work great. But first they must collect them, wash them, let them dry. It's all part of the process. Then converse over what they will draw/write, will they be gifts? Bonus: it works in the park, cottage, or even just a walk around the block.

3. Water Play Without the Pool

Their bicycles/scooters are looking a little dirty. Have a bike wash! 

4. Sports Sampler Saturday

Soccer in the morning, frisbee in the afternoon, driveway hockey after dinner. Rotate sports to keep it fresh.

5. Family Bike Adventure

Even if it’s just down the road for ice cream, or to the park. Biking is the easiest way to cover more ground and feel like you “did something big.”

6. DIY Mini-Olympics

Three-legged race, long jump, high jump, hop scotch, water balloon toss, whatever works. 

7. Stargazing Night

Stay up a little later, spread out a blanket, and look for constellations. No equipment required. Find out when there's potential for Northern Lights or a Meteor Shower to make it more magical. 

8. Screen-Free Family Challenge

Set a family timer (2 hours, no devices). Let kids pick the activity. The power of choice keeps them engaged. Honestly, it's a nice break for you too if you feel like you always need your phone on you. 

The secret to making these activities work isn’t perfection—it’s a quick prep, no print offs, no elaborate rules. A hat, a water bottle, and sun-protective clothing mean kids can play longer without anyone worrying about sunburns. That’s why our Canadian-made UPF 50+ suits and shirts are designed for real family life: quick-dry, comfy, and one less thing to stress about when you’re just trying to soak up the weekend and stay in the moment with the kids.

👉 Ready for a screen-free weekend? Start with gear that makes it easier. [Shop our Sun Safe collection here.]