By making arts and craft activities fun and easy to do, we can offer children a positive alternative to screen time and develop their creativity and imagination.
The after school wobble
By about half four, the house has a certain look. Shoes kicked off. Crumbs on the counter. Someone asking for a snack while already holding a snack.
And then it starts. The gentle negotiating. “Can I watch show?” “Just one video?” You might notice it sneaks in on the days you are tired, the weather is doing that damp British thing, and your brain is still answering emails in the background.
I am not here to preach. I like a quiet ten minutes as much as the next person. But if you are trying to reduce screen time in children, it helps to have something ready that feels like a treat, not a punishment.
The secret is making creativity the easy option
Art activities for kids work best when you do not make them a massive event. A pad of paper on the table. A little pot of pens that actually work. Old magazines for cutting up. A cereal box that becomes a rocket. The goal is simple: give their hands something to do before their thumbs go hunting for buttons.
Some days we do paint. Other days it is just felt tips and a “draw me your dream bedroom” challenge. If you want screen free activities for children that do not end in everyone arguing, keep it open ended. No perfect outcome. No right answer. Just a bit of peace and a growing pile of wonky masterpieces.
And here is the funny thing. Once they start making, they often forget to ask for the screen at all.
When their work is on display, they make more of it
There is something quietly powerful about a proper children’s art display. Not the fridge chaos that falls to the floor every time the door shuts a bit too hard. An actual spot where their work lives, like it matters. Because it does.
That is why I like the idea of a little kids art gallery wall in a hallway or playroom. It becomes part playroom wall decor, part family story. Grandad can see the latest dinosaur. Your child can point and say, “That one is mine,” with a grin that is half pride, half disbelief.
PeggiPics nails this feeling with handmade displays that stick straight on. No drilling or tools required, just a self adhesive display that goes up in minutes. The kids' art display with gold stars looks properly celebratory, like a tiny award ceremony for scribbles. The kids' art display with colourful clothes pegs is cheerful and practical, and it makes swapping pictures so easy that you actually keep up with it.
A small ritual that turns into family time
Try making it a habit. One new picture goes up after tea. Or Friday becomes gallery night, where everyone chooses their favourite piece. It is one of those family bonding activities that costs nothing once you have the space set up.
You will also find the chatter changes. Less “Can I watch something?” and more “Wait, I have another idea.” Encouraging creativity in children sometimes starts with a blank bit of wall and a simple yes.
Ready to try it?
If you fancy turning your own wall into a place that celebrates their imagination, take five minutes tonight and have a look at what might fit your space.