In today’s fast-paced society, finding screen-free activities that allow for quality family time can sometimes feel like a challenge, but it’s entirely possible, and very rewarding!
Whether you’re trying to bond with your little ones, raise your kids naturally, or simply enjoy a slower, more meaningful pace of life, these activities will bring your family together.
Plus, they won’t cost a fortune or require heading out to commercialized places. These wholesome activities are all about connection, grounding, and making memories. Here’s a list of our favorite crunchy family activities that are perfect for building those beautiful, lasting bonds.
There’s a huge correlation between spending time and connecting with our kids, and how emotionally regulated they will feel. Good quality family time and a strong bond is a great way to help alleviate anxiety in our kids, and let them feel safe to bring up whatever is bothering them – whether big or small things.
1. Nature Walks with a Sensory Twist
One of the simplest and most calming ways to enjoy time together as a family is by heading outdoors for a nature walk.
But don’t stop at just walking, encourage your kids to collect different leaves, rocks, or sticks for a little sensory play along the way.
It’s a great grounding activity that combines movement and fine motor skill development, perfect for toddlers and older kids alike. You’ll be amazed at what treasures nature can offer for free!
We do have printable you can use if you want to add some structure to your nature scavenger hunt, or just keep it flexible and collect whatever items you come across.
Another fun idea for your family walks is making a journey stick.
2. DIY Sensory Play Bins
Sometimes, simple is best. Create sensory play bins at home using items you likely already have.
Fill a bin with rice, flour, dried beans, crunchy cereals, or sand and add natural objects like pinecones, seashells, or herbs from the garden.
Your child can dig, pour, crunch and explore while developing fine motor skills. This screen-free activity is perfect for younger kids and toddlers who love to engage in hands-on play.
3. Outdoor Picnics with Homemade Goodies
Rather than heading to a commercialized restaurant, pack up some wholesome snacks or a homemade lunch and take the family on an outdoor picnic.
Not only is this a great opportunity to enjoy nature and each other’s company, but it also helps teach your children about slowing down and appreciating the food they eat.
Bonus points if you can pick fruits or veggies from your garden to include in the meal!
4. Homeschool-Inspired Nature Journals
Encourage your children to connect with nature by keeping a homeschool-inspired nature journal. This is a lovely nature homeschool activity which can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
After a walk, have your kids draw or write about what they experienced. It’s a wonderful way to practice mindfulness, creativity, and reading while reflecting on the wonders of nature.
This also gives them a chance to develop emotional regulation through grounding activities.
Related: Printable Mini Gratitude Journal for Daily Reflection
5. Family Gardening Day
There’s nothing more natural than teaching your children where food comes from. Spend a day together planting herbs, veggies, or flowers in your garden.
Even toddlers can help with small tasks like watering plants or pressing seeds into the soil. It’s a sensory activity that teaches responsibility and patience while bringing the family closer together.
6. Weekly Game Night
Swap out screen time for a weekly family game night! Choose board games or puzzles that encourage teamwork and strategic thinking.
It’s a fun way to bond with your children and teach them valuable life skills. If you have little ones, games that focus on color recognition or fine motor skills are perfect.
You can also try these games that help with kids emotional regulation.
7. Cooking Together
Turn meal prep into a family event! Cooking is a fantastic way for kids to learn about measuring, following instructions, and even some fine motor skills (hello, toddler hand-whisking!).
Create wholesome, natural meals together, and you’ll find that your children are more willing to try new foods when they’ve had a hand in making them.
Try one of these delicious recipes
- Crunch Avocado Chocolate Bars Recipe
- Smoothie Ingredients List for Healthy Goodness
- Avocado Power Bowl Recipe
8. Reading Circles
Gather as a family for a reading circle. Choose a nature-themed or adventure story, or whatever resonates best with your family and take turns reading aloud.
It’s a calming way to end the day, encourages imagination, and helps develop literacy skills in young children. Plus, it gives everyone some quiet, quality time together.
9. Family Yoga or Stretching
Start your mornings off with a few family yoga stretches. This can be especially fun for little ones who love mimicking animal poses like “downward dog” or “cobra.”
It’s a great way to wake up in the morning, practice mindfulness and promote healthy movement as a family, and it’s also excellent for emotional regulation. It’s a grounding way to start your day and is suitable for all ages, including toddlers and even pregnant moms!
10. Community-Based Volunteer Activities
Instill the values of connection and kindness by engaging in community service together. Whether it’s picking up trash at a local park, donating items to a shelter, or helping at a community garden, these activities teach your children about giving back and being part of something bigger. It’s also a meaningful way to bond and engage with others while living a crunchy lifestyle.
These screen-free activities are not only about spending quality time together, but they also support your children’s emotional well-being, offer opportunities for learning, and strengthen your family bonds.
More Screen Free Hands on Activities for Kids in Crunchy Families
Here are a few more of our favorite creative hands on activities to enjoy together with the kids.
Get outdoors, set a fire and make some homemade popcorn to enjoy while camping together
Make your own homemade bow and arrow toy using sticks and natural materials
This one is a perfect art activity for autumn
Go on a nature walk, and collect your finds
You can even use some of them to make these simple nature counting cards that are great for toddlers
You can also make your own cardboard weaving loom which is a great one for older kids
Get outside together and learn about butterflies
Or make a bird bath together to attract birds to your outdoor space
Kids will also enjoy making this ant farm science project together with parents
Journalling together is also always a good one, and a great way to bring up anything that may be on their minds
Living a slow, intentional, and crunchy lifestyle means you get to create these beautiful moments that your children will carry with them forever.
For more inspiration, check out these related posts:
- Ways to Know You’re a Crunchy Mom
- What Is a Crunchy Lifestyle?
- Activities for Pregnant Couples
- 15 Crunchy Mom Blogs You Need to Follow
- Things Crunchy Kids Say
Enjoy these ideas and the time spent with your little ones, as you foster connection, fun, and natural living.
If you enjoyed these crunchy family activity ideas, we’d love for you to share this post with friends and family who might also appreciate some wholesome, screen-free fun!
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