Screen-free toys that actually keep my kids busy, according to a seasoned mom of five

If your kids are anything like mine, they’re constantly drawing on themselves. It’s as if they’re hell-bent on trying every possible “tattoo” they could design before they are old enough to get one. This takes the scrubbing out of the creative process, and they have had a blast trying them on each other. Face painting is no longer an overpriced activity at fairs and amusement parks!

This might seem like a seriously overpriced toy, but it is absolutely not—it’s the most versatile toy in our collection. The stepping stones started out of my need to replace my kids’ obsession with my couch pillows to play “floor is lava.” Now they use these stones instead. But they are also great for much more. I’ve seen them stack them and use them as a chair by the art table. They’ve also used them upside down to scoop sand, as a water toy in the bath, and other creative uses. They’re totally worth the investment.

These indoor or outdoor option baby swings have been a family favorite, encouraging more wholesome family interaction with our baby and toddler. (Beware: my older kids fight over who gets to gently push the baby.) I’ve tested many swings in my parenting journey, and most have fallen short of expectations. But this one is brilliantly designed to integrate play items on the swing, such as an attached teether that won’t go flying and large bead designs. It also has a pillow to place behind or in front of kids who need extra stability. Brilliant.

At first, I thought this would for sure end up with an ER trip. But, with some initial parent involvement, and a very squishy mat at the bottom, the StairSlide became a winter staple. The kids can rearrange the length of the slide by removing parts of it to make it shorter or longer. It definitely takes some trial and error to ensure it’s safely on the step, and that there’s a good area to crash land without injury. But, if you have enough mayhem to go around such as my four older boys bring, it’s a must-have to get some of it out.

Those little “painting” books or tablets that you used to give your toddler on long trips, where you fill the pen with water, have a cooler big sister — the Buddha Board. This product is a must-have for kids who need to calm down, especially. The board simply works like an Etch-a-Sketch with water, and erases the design as the water painting dries, to reveal a new board to work with again. You will find yourself playing with this one yourself after the kids go to bed. If I leave these set up when kids come in from school, they pick them over screens on their own.

Farm-themed fun that grows with your kiddo! The Battat Barnyard Bowling Set turns living room floors into barnyard bowling alleys with six adorable animal pins just waiting to be knocked down. The lightweight balls are perfect for tiny hands to grip and roll, building coordination and basic math skills as they count their “strikes.” Sturdy enough for toddler-strength throws but soft enough for indoor play (your lamps will thank you), this set provides screen-free entertainment that transitions perfectly from solo play to family game nights. Perfect for rainy days and teaching little ones about taking turns without anyone crying over complicated rules!

Instant indoor obstacle course alert! These affordable rainbow-bright balance beams from Battat let kids create their own wobbly adventures—zigzags, circles, or whatever they scheme up. Watch them tiptoe across these sturdy plastic pieces, building core strength while feeling like tiny circus performers. Perfect for rainy day energy burns or those “I do it myself” toddlers. Bonus: when balance mastery is achieved, they double as roads for toy cars or barriers for pretend play.

Gym class favorite alert! The Hand2Mind Red Speedway Racer Scooter Board brings that classic PE thrill home with its smooth-gliding wheels and sturdy handles. Kids can zoom across hard floors on their tummies, sit and spin, or practice crab walks while strengthening their core and coordination (stealth exercise at its finest!). The non-marking wheels won’t scratch floors, and the rugged construction stands up to inevitable crashes into furniture. Perfect for burning energy on rainy days when the walls are closing in, or for creating living room obstacle courses when screen time’s over. Just be prepared to take turns—once one kid discovers how far they can glide, everyone will want a ride!

Magnetic building with a tropical twist! These colorful, flexible magnetic pieces transform from flat shapes into vibrant 3D birds with actual wing-flapping action Clixo. Kids can create everything from hummingbirds to toucans without instructions, making them perfect for creative play anywhere. We love them for travel, since they’re a great quiet time/screen free activity and are super lightweight. Toss them in your bag for instant entertainment during restaurant waits, hotel stays, or those inevitable “are we there yet?” moments. The ultimate travel companion that sparks imagination instead of draining it!