A simple, playful way to reset habits and spark creativity
In Episode 3 of The Acorn-Putters, Hazel and Scamp take on a one-week no-screens challenge. What starts as a surprise turns into something much bigger. They discover new ideas, build together, explore outside, and forget about screens altogether.
You can watch Episode 3 here on YouTube, or read the parents’ guide here.
You can try the same kind of challenge at home. It does not have to be perfect, strict, or stressful. The goal is not to eliminate screens forever, but to create space for curiosity, connection, and creativity.
Here is how to run your own no-screens challenge in a way that feels positive and doable for families.
Why limiting screen time can be helpful
Screens are not all bad. They can help kids learn, enjoy stories, and stay connected to friends and family. But when screens take up most of the day, or when screen-time is full of low-quality content, children may miss out on hands-on play, movement, problem-solving, and time together.
A no-screens challenge gives kids a chance to:
- Reconnect with their imagination
- Practice boredom and problem-solving
- Move their bodies more
- Build confidence through creating and exploring
- Strengthen family connection
Even a short break from screens can help kids reset their attention and discover new interests.
The goal is to de-motivate kids to always go to their screens, and instead find other activities, use their imaginations, occupy themselves with creativity, and so forth.
Decide what your no-screens challenge looks like
Before you start, decide what “no screens” means for your family.
Some families choose:
- No entertainment screens only
- No screens after school
- No screens on weekdays
- A full day or full week challenge
You can also decide whether adults are included. In Episode 3, the grown-ups join in too, which helps kids feel supported and makes it more fun.
Choose a version that feels realistic for your household.
How to come up with ideas away from screens
Kids may say “I’m bored” at first. That is normal. Boredom is often where creativity begins.
Try these simple prompts:
- What could we build with what we already have?
- What have we never tried before?
- What could we explore outside?
- What would happen if we tried this a different way?
Keep materials visible. Bins of craft supplies, building pieces, and outdoor tools invite ideas without words.
Let kids lead when possible. The goal is not constant entertainment, but space to imagine.
Outdoor activities kids can do without screens 🌳
Outdoor time often makes the challenge easier.
Ideas include:
- Bug exploring with a jar and magnifying glass
- Building forts with sticks or blankets
- Nature scavenger hunts
- Drawing maps of the yard or park
- Sidewalk chalk games
- Riding bikes or scooters
- Watching clouds or birds
- Gardening or watering plants
Even short outdoor breaks can reset energy and mood.
Indoor activities kids can do without screens 🎨
Indoor time can be just as creative.
Try:
- Building with blocks, cardboard, or recyclables
- Art projects with paint, markers, or clay
- Puzzles and board games
- Reading aloud together
- Making up stories or plays
- Cooking or baking simple recipes
- Sorting and organizing collections
- Creating obstacle courses with pillows and furniture
Rotate activities to keep interest fresh.
Turn it into a fun bet or challenge
A playful “bet” helps kids stay motivated. This is what happened in the beginning of Episode 3, after all, and it can be a great catalyst to get kids to try to “win” which enhances their motivation.
Reward ideas include:
- A special breakfast
- Ice cream or other desserts
- A family outing
- Choosing a movie night for when the challenge is over
- Staying up a little later on the weekend
- Picking the next family activity
Avoid rewards that undo the challenge completely. The reward should celebrate effort, not replace it. A reward of “you can have your screen back for the entire weekend” is contradictory to the goal of this challenge.
Help kids track screen-free days 📋
Tracking progress helps kids feel proud. Naturally, during a no-screens challenge, the method of tracking should NOT use an app or other device. Let kids use some form manual, hands-on method to track their time.
Simple ideas:
- A paper chart with stickers
- A hand-drawn calendar
- A daily check mark log
- Drawing a picture for each screen-free day
- Writing things they did instead of screens
Keep it visual and positive. Focus on effort, not perfection.
Talk about what you notice along the way
Check in with kids during the challenge.
Ask questions like:
- What was your favorite part of today?
- What was hard? (And how did you overcome it?)
- What surprised you?
- What did you discover?
These conversations help kids reflect and feel heard.
What to do after the challenge ends
When the challenge is over, talk about what you want to keep in your daily and weekly routines.
You might decide:
- Screens stay off during certain times
- Outdoor time comes first
- Screen-free days happen regularly
- Devices are used more intentionally
The goal is balance, not rules for the sake of rules.
A gentle reminder for parents
No-screens challenges are not about control. They are about creating space, creativity, and engaging in activities that lead to imagination, creation, and interaction with others.
Some days will be easier than others. That is okay.
When screens are set aside, hands get busy, ideas grow, and families often discover how much they can do together. Sometimes the best moments are the ones you did not plan.
Energetic, fun, curious, and loving – Hazel Acorn-Putter can’t wait to share her adventures with you.
