I know that the entire concept behind this blog is mildly ironic since you have to look at a screen to get these screen-less ideas — but, stick with me!
I was walking my dog Rocky and realized that when I feel burnt out from screens and stimulation, I only want a quick list to look at for inspiration so I can turn off both my brain and the blue light screens I’ve been staring at all day.
The following 100 activities don’t require a screen or any lengthy thinking! Just review the list, pick what calls to your soul, and close the laptop or phone. It’s that simple.
Our mental, emotional, and physical health benefits when we limit our screen time and get back to basics.
My hope is that with this list of 100 things to do that don’t involve a screen, you’ll be with endless inspiration to take some time for yourself while creating a healthier habit at the same time.
100 Screen-Free Activities for Any Day of the Week
Outdoors
1. Go for a hike in nature.
2. Take a walk around the neighborhood.
3. Visit a local park and have a picnic.
4. Go birdwatching.
5. Plant a garden.
6. Ride a bike.
7. Go for a run.
8. Take a scenic drive.
9. Visit a botanical garden.
10. Go stargazing.
11. Try outdoor yoga.
12. Go camping.
13. Watch the sunrise or sunset.
14. Go paddleboarding.
15. Fly a kite.
16. Play frisbee or throw a football.
17. Visit a farmer’s market.
18. Walk along the beach.
19. Go fishing.
20. Go on a nature scavenger hunt.
Creative
21. Start a journal.
22. Write poetry or short stories.
23. Paint or draw (I suggest paint by numbers or following a drawing instruction book).
24. Try photography with a film camera.
25. Scrapbook or make a vision board.
26. Learn calligraphy.
27. Create handmade greeting cards.
28. Sew or knit something.
29. Build a birdhouse or other DIY project.
30. Write letters to friends and family.
31. Design a mood board or inspiration board.
32. Make pottery or sculpt with clay.
33. Create a collage from old magazines.
34. Practice origami.
35. Write a song or music.
36. Press flowers and create art with them.
37. Paint rocks and hide them for others to find.
38. Make your own candles.
39. Design your dream home on paper.
40. Try embroidery or cross-stitch.
Mindful & Relaxation
41. Meditate.
42. Practice deep breathing exercises.
43. Try mindfulness exercises.
44. Take a nap or rest.
45. Do a self-guided stretching session.
46. Listen to a guided audio meditation.
47. Write down things you’re grateful for.
48. Spend time reflecting on personal goals.
49. Practice progressive muscle relaxation.
50. Enjoy a cup of tea while doing nothing.
Physical Activities
51. Go for a swim.
52. Take a dance class.
53. Try rock climbing.
54. Join a group fitness class.
55. Do bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats, etc.).
56. Try a new sport like tennis or pickleball.
57. Rollerblade around your neighborhood.
58. Go horseback riding or hiking.
59. Play catch or kick a soccer ball.
60. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.
Social & Community
61. Host a game night with friends.
62. Volunteer at a local charity or shelter.
63. Visit a friend or family member.
64. Organize a neighborhood cleanup.
65. Attend a local workshop or class.
66. Go to a flea market or yard sale.
67. Take part in a book club or enroll in an in-person art class.
68. Play board games with family or friends.
69. Have a potluck dinner.
70. Visit a local museum or cultural center.
Home-Based Activities
71. Cook or bake a new recipe.
72. Declutter a closet or drawer.
73. Rearrange the furniture in a room.
74. Organize family photos.
75. Wash and wax your car.
76. Try a new DIY home improvement project.
77. Build a fort with blankets and pillows.
78. Start a new hobby like woodworking.
79. Clean and organize the garage.
80. Plan a future trip (without researching online).
Learning & Development
81. Read a book.
82. Learn a new language (using books or audio).
83. Practice a musical instrument.
84. Memorize a poem or speech.
85. Study or write in a personal development journal.
86. Learn a new card game or magic trick.
87. Do a crossword or Sudoku puzzle.
88. Take a walk and listen to an audiobook.
89. Try a new recipe from a cookbook.
90. Write down ideas for a personal project.
Family-Friendly
91. Build a Lego set or puzzle together.
92. Go on a treasure hunt in the backyard.
93. Tell stories around a campfire or candlelight.
94. Make homemade playdough, slime, or pizza dough!
95. Play hide-and-seek or tag.
96. Visit a petting zoo or local farm.
97. Teach kids how to make paper airplanes and race to see who can fly theirs the furthest.
98. Have a family talent show or skit night.
99. Explore a new neighborhood or town nearby.
100. Visit the library and browse physical books.
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