Screen-free ways to keep kids entertained this spring

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, parents may be looking for ways to get their kids outside and engaged in play, without the constant pull of screens.

While tablets and TVs can be convenient, too much screen time has been linked to sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The AAP recommends that kids over the age of 2 have no more than one hour of high-quality screen time per day, while younger children should have even less. They emphasize the importance of active play, creativity and family interaction to support healthy development.

MORE: Best outdoor toys and games for kids

So, how can parents encourage screen-free entertainment this spring?

Here are some ideas to get kids moving, thinking and playing in the great outdoors:

• Arts and crafts are another summer favorite. Use the Crayola Inspiration Art Case to set up a designated craft area with supplies like paper, markers, glue and glitter, and let your child's imagination run wild. They can create anything from homemade cards to paper mache sculptures, providing hours of entertainment and fostering creativity.
• For a more active option, consider setting up an obstacle course in your backyard. Use items like hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes to create a challenging course for your child to navigate.
• If you're looking for a quieter activity, consider setting up a reading nook in your home. Fill it with books that cater to your child's interests, and encourage them to spend time reading each day.

Keep reading for more screen-free games, crafts and activities to keep your kids entertained and engaged as the temperatures heat up.

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Turn your backyard or local park into a mini adventure zone.

You can:

• Create a scavenger hunt with a list of nature-based items (e.g., "Find a rock shaped like a heart").
• Set up an obstacle course using household items like hula hoops, jump ropes, and cones.
• Go on a "sensory walk" where kids use their senses to describe what they see, hear, smell and feel.

Start a family gardening project

Gardening isn’t just a fun way to get kids outside -- it teaches patience, responsibility and an appreciation for the environment. Even if you don't have a yard, container gardening with herbs or flowers on a balcony can be just as engaging.

Ideas to try:

• Let kids choose their own plants and be responsible for watering them.
• Encourage them to document their plants' growth in a journal or through drawings.
• Grow simple veggies like cherry tomatoes or lettuce for a mini farm-to-table experience.

Get active as a family

Spring is a great time to move together as a family. If kids see parents prioritizing physical activity, they’ll be more likely to do the same.

• Family bike rides.
• Weekend hikes with picnic breaks.
• Parent-kid relay races or sports challenges.
• Playing a game of soccer, basketball or catch together in the yard or at a local park.

Encourage storytelling and creative play

If your child loves storytelling, encourage screen-free creativity by:

• Acting out favorite books as a play.
• Creating a storybook together with illustrations.
• Dressing up as characters and inventing their own adventure.