No Tech Time: Fun Activities for Kids without Technology

Growing up with a mom whose church stewardship was to help with the school holiday bazaar, I remember my siblings and I would spend one morning per week during the summer months, finding bingo chips in the lower level of our church hall from the bingo game the night before while the moms were in the upper level crafting room creating various handmade ornaments, pot holders, tree toppers and other handmade household decor.  To pass the time, we created our own hide and seek games in the building with each other or with the other kids who were there that day. There was no technology, no cell phones, no tablets, and no portable DVD players.  We were resourceful, learned some of the crafting techniques from the moms who were in the upper level,  we learned to express ourselves and felt the satisfaction of completing a project on our own.

With 2 boys who are very sports oriented, getting them into "crafts" seems to "girly" for them.  However, I have found a number of “no tech” project that have appealed to them and where they can express their creativity and make something that is useful that they like. 

• Perler Beads - Yes those annoying little melty bead are a favorite of my boys.  The variety of colors and the time it takes to make some of the larger designs will help develops fine motor skills for little ones and patience skills for those a little older. You can create simple flat object or be more adventurous and create 3D objects and characters.  Once finished, instead of throwing them away after a few months, drill a hole at the top of their creations and save it as an ornament – this can work for both the flat and 3D type creations.

• Tie Dye - This is fun for kids of all ages.  It can personalize a teens room, create custom t-shirts and clothing the list of things that can be colored is endless. 

• Papier Mache - Now my favorite paper mache recipe is the simple one with items you can find in your kitchen. Flour, water, sugar and of course strips of paper or newspaper.  It is sloppy, messy and a lot of fun.  Cover a balloon (and pop it once the paper-mache has dried) and then create this into a piñata which the kids then can go for candy later in the week as a treat.

• Kitchen Science - This also includes the very popular homemade slime. There are a number of recipes out there but my favorite and non-toxic is the one by Elmer’s which uses glue, saline solution and water. Depending on how creative you get with this, it will teach a number of things in science.

• Coloring – The coloring books are not just for kids anymore.  Adult coloring books are still in and have expanded to coloring mugs, gift bags, wrapping paper and for much more.  It has become a great family activity with kids of all ages. It is creative and can help calm, relax and relieve stress.  Don’t have time to search of a coloring book at the stores, draw your own picture with crayons or colored pencils or download a coloring sheet for you and your kids from one of the many free printable sites online.

• Cooking & Baking - The reality shows and contests like Master Chef Jr., which my boys love, makes learning to cook or bake seem easy and not foreign or crazy for kids.  Because of these shows, kids want to learn basics and many are a little competitive when they learn that someone their own age can develop a great meal around salmon.  If you have a great little chef enter their recipe in the Macaroni Kid, Kid’s Cookbook .

• Reading – This is a great no tech family activity that is bonding time with the little ones and some quiet time with the older ones. You can also attend a story-time at one of the local library branches.  An added bonus, are all of the reading rewards that the kids can earn just by taking the time to read and track their progress.  From store credits at Half Price Books, to the book bag from the Louisville Free Public Library.  Don’t’ forget the Cultural Pass that is still going on until August 12^th!

• Legos – The pain from stepping on these little plastic bricks in the middle of the night can be worse than getting stitches or breaking a bone (ok an exaggeration) but these are an amazing toy that is not in front of a screen. Not only do the little bricks promote creativity, it also promotes following directions, and is a great activity when it is raining outside.

• Zoos & Museums – The Louisville Cultural Pass is going on until August 12^th so you still have time to take your kiddos all over Louisville and do a bunch of activities and little or no cost.  Make sure you get your pass at your local library branch and you register the information online.  By visiting a minimum of 5 locations your child is entered to win some amazing prizes!

• Hiking and walking -  This is another great family activity that gets you active and outside.  Just be sure when you plan your hike or walk you are hydrated, have snacks for the kiddos, are wearing sneakers or shoes made for walking (not flip flops or shoes made for water activities) and have sunscreen.  Don’t have enough time to plan a full day outside?  Take a walk around your neighborhood or at the smaller community park near your house.  If it is raining outside, most indoor malls have indoor walking programs in an air conditioned environment.

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