It may surprise your kids to learn there was life before television. Also, before DVRs, before remote controls and before Dora the Explorer. At one time, parents kept their kids independently busy without the aid of television, freeing up valuable time to wash dishes, make phone calls, churn butter, scare away dinosaurs — whatever responsible grown-ups did back then. Experts have warned us that televisions make lousy babysitters, so here are 25 TV-free suggestions to keep your kids entertained.
Make a Ball Maze
Good for ages: 2 and up
Cardboard Car
Good for ages: 4 and up
Build a Fort
Good for ages: 5 and up
Stuffed Animal Dress Up
Good for ages: 2 and up
Impromptu Scavenger Hunt
Good for ages: 3 and up
Make a Collage
Good for ages: 3 and up
Kiddy Car Wash
Good for ages: 4 to 6
Finger-Sticking Good
Good for ages: 3 to 7
Living Room Idol
Good for ages: 3 and up
De-Earthquake the Playroom
Good for ages: 3 to 9
Sock It to Them
Good for ages: 3 to 8
All Ears
Good for ages: 4 to 12
There's an App for That
Good for ages: 3 to 7
Make a Fortress Out of Cardboard Boxes
Good for ages: 3 and up
Cushion Diving
Good for ages: 5 to 8
Reach for the Skype
Good for ages: 5 to 12
Word Up!
Good for ages: 4 to 8
Get Loopy
Good for ages: 4 to 8
