9 Nostalgic Activities That Help Children Gradually Reduce Screen Time and Rediscover Creative Play

Today, with technology everywhere, kids can play games on their gadgets and stay at home. It is common to see a toddler or baby play games or watch a kids’ show on their parents’ gadget. While we all know how the internet offers tons of educational content for kids, it is also important to remember that reducing screen time and encouraging kids to play outside can bring so many benefits, making their childhood even more vibrant and lively.

Remember when there was no gadget and these games were the reason you play outside?

Back then, before the gadget took over, kids used to play outside with many outdoor activities. Every child had a favorite way to explore and have fun, from hide-and-seek to hacky sacks. These classic games have many benefits, including better physical health and helping kids socialize with others.

• 1. Spud
  One player is “It” and throws a ball while calling out a number. The player with that number grabs the ball and yells “Spud!” Everyone freezes while they try to tag another player with the ball. Tagged players or missed throws earn letters until someone spells “Spud” and is out.
• 2. Ghosts in the Graveyard
  Combine hide-and-seek and tag with a spooky twist! One player is the ghost and hides while everyone counts. When the ghost is found, they chase the others as they race to home base. Tagged players become the ghosts in the next round.
• 3. Monkey in the Middle
  In this game, one player (the monkey) tries to catch a ball being tossed between others. If they catch it, the thrower becomes the new monkey. For extra fun, mix it up with beanbags or stuffed animals instead of a ball!
• 4. Retro Dance Party
  Throw a dance party with classic moves! Learn dances like the Twist, Macarena, or moonwalking with online tutorials, then groove to the music. It’s a fun way to exercise and share laughs while revisiting iconic dances.
• 5. Hacky Sack
  Keep a small sack in the air using your body—but no hands allowed! Use your feet, knees, or head to keep it up. Hacky sack is great for solo practice or group fun and helps build coordination and reflexes.

• 6. Marbles
  This ancient game is simple and fun! Draw a circle and fill it with marbles. Players take turns using a “taw” (shooter marble) to knock others out of the ring. Keep the marbles you knock out, and the player with the most marbles at the end wins.
• 7. Sardines
  Turn hide-and-seek into a group adventure! One player hides while everyone else counts. When someone finds the hider, they join them in the hiding spot. Keep playing until everyone is packed into the hiding spot like sardines.
• 8. Elastics
  Grab a long piece of elastic and have two players stretch it around their ankles. A third player jumps in and out of the elastic in patterns. As they master the jumps, the elastic is raised from ankles to knees to hips. Chanting rhymes while jumping adds extra fun!
• 9. Mother May I?
  In this game, one player is “Mother” and stands at one end of the play area, while the others line up at the opposite end. Players take turns asking, “Mother, may I...?” and suggest actions like giant steps or bunny hops. The mother approves or changes the request. The first to reach Mother wins and becomes the next Mother!

Why kids today rarely spend their time in outdoor setting?

As Claire McCarthy, MD, a primary care pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, explains, today’s children are spending much more time indoors than previous generations. This shift is driven by increased screen time, busy schedules, safety concerns, and limited outdoor spaces—a trend that affects adults as well.

Online game is cool, but outdoor play is also important.

Nowadays, it is easy to find online games that provide educational content or a kids’ show that engages with kids’ needs. Babysitting can be easy at home, and parents can also control what their kids engage with on the internet. However, too much screen time will limit their physical activities. This is not only an issue for kids, but also for adults, leading to risks like poor sleep, obesity, and even strained relationships. For teens, studies have linked excessive screen use to anxiety, depression, and shorter attention spans.

Outdoor play is essential for children’s growth in several ways. Sunshine helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports the immune system, improves sleep, and boosts mood. Plus, spending time outdoors encourages exercise, ensuring that kids get the movement they need for healthy development.

Participating in outdoor games that require physical activity will benefit children in many ways. As Katie K. Lockwood, MD, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Primary Care, Flourtown, explains, outdoor play will help children to grow socially, helping them to develop healthy ways of forming friendships, responding to physical interaction, and using their imaginations to entertain each other.

My child plays with a gadget for hours. How can I reduce their screen time?

If the children are already addicted to the phone, it can be quite challenging to stop their screen time completely. A new study found that children who spend more than 75 minutes on a tablet are more likely to experience increased outbursts of anger and frustration. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests no screen time for kids under 2, just one hour a day for kids 2 to 12, and only two hours daily for teens and adults. Cutting back also helps parents monitor what their kids see online and on social media.

Stay-at-home is comfy, so how do I encourage my kids to play outside?

Outdoor play nurtures crucial benefit for children’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall development, which has declined due to increased technology usage. These games will lead kids to develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and social skills like cooperation and empathy. Additionally, time spent in nature fosters an appreciation for the environment, teaching kids to value and protect the planet. So, take a step outside with your children, encourage them to explore, and advocate for safe, accessible spaces where all kids can play.

• Start Small
  Introduce your kids to the outdoors gradually by starting in the backyard. This familiar space offers a comfortable environment with fewer distractions, making it easier for them to adjust. Keep a close eye on them to ensure safety, but give them space to explore. You can even bring toys like road signs to spark curiosity and help them feel more at ease in the outdoor world.
• Involve Them
  Get your kids involved in everyday outdoor activities like watering plants, washing the car, or gardening. These tasks make outdoor chores feel important and fun. Give them their mini tools, like a wheelbarrow or small rake, to encourage their participation and develop a sense of responsibility.
• Water Play
  When the weather is warm, water activities are a great way to encourage kids to spend more time outside. Sprinklers, water guns, and small pools are all fantastic ways to keep them cool and entertained. Water play not only beats the heat but also adds a fun element to their outdoor adventures.

• Make it Fun
  Engage your child’s imagination by creating fun, make-believe games that can only happen outdoors. Whether it’s pretending to hunt for treasure with a map or crossing a jungle river, these imaginative scenarios will keep them excited about outdoor play. The more creative the game, the more they’ll want to explore.
• Family Time
  Turn outdoor activities into family bonding moments. Plan regular family hikes, bike rides, or park trips where everyone can enjoy nature together. These activities not only create positive memories but also teach your kids the value of spending quality time outdoors. A family calendar of outdoor adventures is a great way to stay motivated and explore new places.
• Outdoor Toys
  Bringing their favorite indoor toys outside can make the transition easier for kids. Whether it’s building blocks, costumes, or a small playhouse, these familiar items will help them feel more comfortable and excited about playing outdoors. Just make sure to leave screens inside to keep the focus on active play.
• Outdoor Chores
  Incorporate outdoor chores into playtime. Whether it’s feeding the pets, hanging clothes, or cleaning the patio, these tasks give kids a sense of purpose and connection to the outdoors. They’ll feel proud to help out while also getting fresh air and staying active.

Ditching gadgets completely isn’t always the answer. Here is how to balance screen time and outdoor play.

In this digital era, studies have shown that the impact of internet use on children is a subject of debate, with some arguing for its cognitive and social benefits, while others express concern about potential harms. In the end, it is crucial for parents to balancing screen time and outdoor play is crucial for kids’ physical and emotional development. Screen overuse has led to issues like poor core strength and sensory deficiencies, which are often visible in classrooms designed to help children adapt to the effects of too much screen time. Nature, on the other hand, helps children develop their motor skills, improve their balance, and stimulate their imagination. Simply put, outdoor play is essential for healthy growth, something screens can’t provide.

It’s especially important for kids who spend a lot of time learning on computers. Breaks for physical activity and plans to disconnect after school can make a big difference. One effective way to ensure kids get enough outdoor play is to establish routines that prioritize nature. Spending more time outside in natural settings allows children to use all their senses, which aids in brain development. These outdoor experiences also help reduce anxiety and stress, which are often exacerbated by too much screen exposure. Nature offers children the space to relax, explore, and connect with their surroundings, which screens simply cannot replicate.

To create balance, parents can start by setting limits on screen time, such as designating certain hours for outdoor play and others for screen activities. It’s helpful to encourage creativity and active play in nature, allowing children to explore freely and engage with the world around them. Over time, reducing screen dependency and increasing time spent outdoors can foster healthier, happier children.

What is Screen Dependency Disorder?

Screen Dependency Disorder (SDD) is a condition that arises from excessive and unregulated screen use, particularly among children. This disorder can manifest in addictive behaviors related to activities such as video gaming, social media, and internet browsing. Unlike adults, whose brains are more developed, children’s brains are highly susceptible to changes that can negatively impact their neural development, leading to the development of this disorder.

There are several other terms associated with screen dependency, including:

• Internet addiction
• Internet gaming disorder
• Compulsive internet use
• Video game addiction
• Mobile phone dependence
• Social media addiction

Psychologist Dr. Aric Sigman notes in his research that the term “addiction” is increasingly used to describe children engaging in screen-related activities in a problematic and dependent way.

Studies have shown that too much screen time can lead to declining physical, psychological health, and sleep patterns. With the growth of technology nowadays, it is important to balance the use of gadgets and encourage kids to engage in physical activities, especially for children who are still in their growth period. In the meantime, there are still many parenting tips to help a child thrive. In the end, it takes a village to raise a child, so family love and support are the most important.