How to entertain your children without screens: 15 simple and effective games

Are you looking for ways to keep your children occupied without resorting to screens? You're not alone! According to Statistics Canada, children spend an average of over 2 hours a day in front of a screen. Yet there are plenty of simple, fun and effective ways to keep them entertained in a different way. These activities stimulate creativity, strengthen family bonds and promote motor and cognitive development. Ready to transform your living room or garden into a playground? Here are 15 tried-and-tested ideas to keep your little monsters occupied, without tablets or TVs. Bonus: some activities are inspired by strategy games such as Call of War or Tentlan, for budding strategists!

Turn your home into an adventure playground! Hide objects or clues in different rooms and let your children set off in search of the treasure. This game stimulates observation, logic and team spirit. To spice up the experience, take inspiration from Call of War strategies: create alliances, puzzles or challenges. Success guaranteed, even for older players!

You don't need a big garden to organize a relay race! Use cushions, chairs or toys to create an obstacle course. Children love to let off steam and take on timed challenges. This game develops motor skills, coordination and a competitive spirit. Variations include hopping, crawling under the table or carrying an object without dropping it.

Collect cardboard boxes and let your children's imagination run wild! Hut, rocket, castle or car, anything is possible. This game encourages creativity, problem-solving and cooperation. For little architects, take inspiration from Tentlan's resource management: assign roles (site manager, decorator, engineer) and get building!

Mime is a classic that always gets a laugh! Prepare small pieces of paper with animals, jobs or objects for children to guess. Children develop their imagination, body language and sense of observation. This game is perfect for a rainy afternoon or birthday party. Tip: time each round for added suspense!

Make a fishing rod from a stick, string and magnet. Cut out cardboard fish and attach a paper clip. Children have to catch as many fish as possible in a limited time. This game develops fine motor skills and concentration. For variety, award points according to the color or size of the fish. A guaranteed hit with the little ones!

Modelling clay is magic! Let your children create animals, characters or objects. This game stimulates creativity, fine motor skills and patience. To take it a step further, set them a challenge: who's going to make the prettiest pizza or the funniest monster? Bonus: homemade modelling clay takes just 10 minutes to prepare with flour, salt and water.

Put on some music and invite the children to dance. As soon as the music stops, everyone must freeze like a statue! Whoever moves is out. This simple game develops listening skills, coordination and self-control. Ideal for channelling children's boundless energy after school or at a family party.

Make puppets from orphan socks, wooden spoons or paper. Children invent a story, create the sets and present their show. This game encourages oral expression, creativity and self-confidence. Invite the whole family to join in for a memorable performance!

Create a sensory journey with cushions, mats, boxes filled with rice or pasta, and even ice cubes! Children walk barefoot and discover different textures. This game stimulates the senses, balance and curiosity. Perfect for toddlers who love exploring the world with their hands and feet.

One child becomes conductor of the orchestra and invents gestures to reproduce (clapping, jumping, spinning). The others must imitate them without being spotted by the designated player, whose back is turned. This game develops attention, memory and observation skills. Laughter guaranteed every time!

Place a large sheet of paper on the table or floor and ask each child to draw part of a landscape, animal or story. This game encourages cooperation, imagination and sharing. For older children, challenge them to create a collective comic strip. The resulting works are often surprising and full of life!

Form a circle and whisper a phrase in your neighbor's ear. The message circulates until the last player has to repeat it aloud. Laughter is guaranteed when you discover how the message has changed! This game develops listening skills, memory and concentration. Ideal for a family tea party or evening out.

Rediscover classics like Goose, Dominoes and Memory, but in a homemade version! Use everyday objects to create your own boards and pieces. This game stimulates thinking, strategy and a competitive spirit. For fans of strategy games, take inspiration from the world of Call of War and invent your own original rules.

Introduce your kids to gardening! Plant seeds in pots or in the garden, water them and watch them grow. This game teaches patience, responsibility and respect for nature. According to a Laval University study, gardening promotes well-being and reduces stress in children. Bonus: harvest your own vegetables for a home-made picnic!

Use blocks, Lego or recycled objects to build a miniature village. Children invent houses, roads, characters and stories. This game develops creativity, planning and cooperation. For civilization buffs, get inspired by Tentlan to imagine temples or pyramids. Let your imagination run wild!