When the weather turns gray and the walls start closing in, screens start whispering sweet nothings to tired parents everywhere. Just one movie, they say. You deserve it.
And listen — sometimes that’s true. No judgment here.
But I also wonder how many magical moments we miss when we plug our kids in instead of letting boredom do its weird, wonderful thing.
Our family has survived many long winters, endless rainy weekends, and those days where going outside feels emotionally offensive. And yet… we’ve stayed mostly unplugged through it all (chaos included).
If you’re curious about screen-free indoor play that doesn’t require glitter glue at 8pm, this post shares how our family survives being trapped inside together — without losing our minds. Mostly.
Why We Ditched Screens
Honestly, I don’t remember the exact moment we decided screens wouldn’t be our go-to — especially on hard days. I just remember knowing I didn’t want our kids’ childhood soundtrack to be on autoplay.
We wanted presence. Creativity. Boredom that turns into building forts out of couch cushions and arguing over who gets the blue crayon first.
Ten years ago, unplugged parenting wasn’t trending. Now? The research is pretty loud — and so are my kids — but the benefits have been undeniable.
Indoor days without screens have become some of our richest family moments: slow mornings, spontaneous games, deep sibling play, and yes… occasional meltdowns over tape. (Why is tape so emotionally charging?)
Still worth it.
Is Your House Set Up for Indoor Days?
If I am being honest, I am not the mom that preps for these days with amazing activity bins or crafts. If that is you, please share your energy with me!
Over time, we have just collected and organized the hands-on toys and crafts gifted to the kiddos. Once family knew we are screen-free, they amazingly focused on imaginative play and crafts for gift giving.
And this “organization” we speak of… well, it happens… sometimes. Don’t beat yourself up if you only get to this a couple times a year. Oh, is that only me?
And while this excess of toys and crafts is upsetting to my eyes, they are the very things that keep my kids busy, independent, and creative!
Here are some indoor favorites around our house:
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Art supplies — markers, tape, stickers, paper, cardboard (always cardboard)
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Magnatiles, blocks, Legos (aka nails in your foot)
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Dress-up clothes and costumes
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Puzzles and board games (NOT just Candy Land — live a little)
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Animal figures, dolls, action figures, tiny people with very big drama
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Books — EVERYWHERE, always
The house is messy. The kids are busy. I choose peace.
Benefits of Boredom
Say it louder for the parents in the back: boredom is not the enemy.
Indoor boredom often turns into:
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Couch forts
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Cardboard box houses
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Full-scale restaurant experiences where you are both customer and employee
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Unhinged dance parties
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Ever seen a play put on by toddlers?
Is it chaotic? Yes.
Is it loud? Absolutely.
Is it developmentally gold? Also yes.
After my usual threat to donate toys they haven’t touched since 2019 (full transparency), something magical happens: creativity re-emerges.
Here are our go-to boredom busters for indoor days:
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Imagination play — Always undefeated.
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Art challenges — “Draw your dream house.” “Invent a new animal.” “Make something that moves.”
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Games — Board games, card games, made-up games with rules no one remembers.
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Read-aloud time — Bonus points for accents.
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Music — The noise that brings quiet
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Movement – Obstacle courses through the hallway.
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Helping — Yes, really. Especially in the kitchen.
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Nap — Again, might be mixing lists.
When Everyone Is Home… All Day… Together
Let’s be honest: indoor days hit different.
Kids get restless. Adults get overstimulated. The dog starts questioning their life choices. It’s a whole vibe.
Here’s what helps us survive screen-free indoor marathons:
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Let them get loud (within reason) — Energy has to go somewhere.
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Set expectations early — Kind words, respectful bodies, no parkour off the fridge.
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List the next 3 things happening — Kids thrive on knowing what’s coming.
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Build in quiet time — For kids and parents. Separate corners encouraged.
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Rotate activities — New setup = renewed interest.
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Lower the bar — Not every day needs to be magical. Some days just need to end.
And listen — if you sneak in a movie during flu season or survival mode? Zero judgment. This is real life, not Instagram.
Just don’t miss the small joys hiding in the messy middle: sibling giggles, concentrated silence during drawing, and those moments where you realize… they’re actually playing.
How Can You Start Living Screen-Free Indoors?
Thinking about unplugging your indoor days? If you haven’t already grabbed my free 7-day Screen-Free Ultimate Survival Kit, here’s how to start:
- Start small — Try one screen-free afternoon.
- Create a play-friendly space — Easy-access toys, art supplies, and floor room.
- Rotate toys — Less out = more play.
- Say yes to mess — Creativity is loud and inconvenient.
- Hold the boundary — Kids adjust faster than we think.
And remember: it’s not all or nothing. Every unplugged moment counts.
Join Us On the Journey!
If you’re a full-time working parent trying to raise kids without screens, you are absolutely not alone. My goal is to build a community of families choosing connection over convenience — and I’d love to walk this road with you.
Subscribe to our newsletter for:
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Monthly screen-free indoor activity ideas
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Encouragement and solidarity
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Tools for unplugged parenting
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Tips for surviving rainy days without losing your soul
Ready to Unplug?
We believe childhood is too short to be spent swiping. Our journey is far from perfect — but it’s rooted in love, presence, and connection.
Welcome to our unplugged life. We’re so glad you’re here 💛
Have favorite indoor activities that save your sanity? I would LOVE to hear them — comment below, send an email, or come hang out with us on Instagram!
