Defeat Screen Time Battles: 5 Quick Hacks for Unforgettable Family Fun
Ever find yourself in a tug-of-war with your kid's (or spouse’s) phone, desperately wanting to do something fun together? Yes, yes, I know how that is, and there’s help ahead. Here are five top activities to pull your crew away from screens and leave you with fantastic keepsakes to remember. Let's dive into some memory-making magic (and a few little bribe tips to help talk them into it).
Geocaching
Geocaching is like a real-life quest where you use your phone and GPS to find hidden treasures. It's easy, free, and it gets you moving together. Plus, you get to keep little goodies you find. Create a memory box to stash them in and write down where you found each one.
Here’s how it works:
- Download App: Grab a geocaching app and create a free account.
- Grab some tiny trinkets from your house and a pen. You’ll understand in a later step.
- Explore Nearby Caches: Open the app to find geocaches nearby.
- Navigate There: Use the app to get to the location.
- Find the Cache: Hunt for the hidden treasure – it's cleverly placed!
- Sign the Logbook (why you need the pen) and swap trinkets. (Some caches have items to trade.)
- Repeat: Ready for more? Keep going and see where the caches take you!
- Big family or group? Break into groups. Plan two cache adventures, swap the order for each team, and split up to make it a contest!
Make Your Own Memory Game
Make something epic together! Craft your own memory-matching game. Draw sets of matching cards together—themes like inside jokes, vacations, and embarrassing moments. No artistic prowess is required; the worse the drawings, the more hilarious the cards!
If you meet any resistance to the idea, get the kids to draw one or two pairs, shuffle them together, and play a quick matching game. You can add to it over time. I bet they’ll want to keep going once they start!
We love this idea so much that we've made it easier than ever by designing a custom game kit and a keepsake box to keep your memories safe, ensuring you always remember your time together. It's a quick, low-commitment after-dinner game. Start small, add more over time, and voila! An endlessly fun and easy way to strengthen connections.
Need a theme for your memory game? If your crew isn’t bustling with ideas already, try these:
Unlike any other game on your shelf — this one is ALL YOURS!
Favorite movie quotes
Inside jokes
Vacation memories
Dinners out
Friends and Family Members (draw them)
Make a game for grandma or grandpa with memories of them and gift it to them! They will love it.
Pro-tip: Your memory game can also be used as a learning activity and teaching tool. Use it to learn:
Languages (make pairs matching words in both languages with funny images)
States or State Capitols
Vocabulary (pair tough vocab words with their match and funny images)
Head Out for a Photoshoot
Grab your camera or phone and head to a cool spot – market, lake, or downtown. Bring along some fun props and old clothes. Bribe the family with ice cream after if you can’t get them out to door.
Forced-family photoshoot for Janet’s crew!
Once you've successfully rounded up your crew, let the creative juices flow. Experiment with different poses, random expressions, and playful interactions, capturing the essence of your unique family dynamic. Don't shy away from spontaneity – those candid moments often turn out to be the most cherished.
If you’re in Kansas City, where we are, and want some extra fun locations for your photo shoot, check out my brilliant friend Anne’s book Secret Kansas City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. It’s packed with unusual places and stories for every town in the area. My daughter and I had a blast touring Kansas City with this book in hand and taking pictures all along the way.
Get Out Some Paper and Pens and See What Happens!
Are screens keeping your kid hostage? Time for some artsy escape! Get out the paper, colors, and brushes. Draw, paint, or color together. We've even got free downloads and affordable printables if you need inspiration. Feeling low-key? Try Reverse coloring – it's like a chill, no-pressure art session after a hectic day.
Now, if you're met with resistance, here's a tip: coax your kids or hubby into joining you for just 5 minutes. Promise them they can bail after that if they want. Often, the trick is getting started, and who knows, those 5 minutes might turn into a fun, creative family moment!
Need something to draw or paint? Here are a few ideas.
Pet portraits
Self-portraits
Your perfect house (dream big!)
Your future self
Your imaginary evil twin (or your mom, dad, son, or daughter’s)
Reverse Coloring, You Draw the Lines!
Feeling completely fried and creating from scratch feels overwhelming? Try Reverse Coloring. It’s super easy and impossible to mess up because the colors are all provided (watercolor-style), and you draw the lines with a pen or marker.
A few nights ago, I was utterly exhausted but needed something more soothing than Netflix. I put on some relaxing music and convinced Matt to do some reverse coloring with me. It was a fantastic way to press the pause button on life and do something together to unwind from the day.
Make a Duct Tape Wallet:
Okay, I’ll admit I haven’t tried this one myself, but it’s on my list. It's a hands-on project that doesn't require buying anything special. You might discover a hidden talent for duct tape art, perfect for the tech-resistant crew. Convince your crew to join in by tempting them with mouthwatering snacks like pizza rolls or nachos.
If you don’t mind shopping, there are some fun, colorful duct taper versions out there to get really creative!
For more manly designs: Camo, Checkerboard, Wood Grain
Sold like me? Here’s the DL on making a duct tape wallet and a quick video from Scout Life Magazine to help.
Gather Supplies: Grab duct tape and scissors.
Create Tape Sheets: Overlap tape strips to make two sheets.
Fold in Half: Fold one sheet in half.
Create Pockets: Seal sides, leaving the top open.
Repeat for Back: Make another sheet for the back.
Connect Sheets: Tape the front and back together.
Trim Edges: Cut excess tape neatly.
Add Card Slots: Tape strips inside for cards.
Final Touches: Trim, fold, and enjoy your duct tape wallet!
I hope you find success with these ideas. As a mom of three, I know it can be hard to wrangle the crew for forced family fun, but like anything, getting started is the hardest part. And the outcome is so worth it! Mission accomplished if just one or two of these ideas work for you and your beautiful family.
Happy unchaining! —Janet
Other Links and References:
Reverse Coloring Pages & Notebooks plus 40-page Winter Download on Etsy.