How to Plan a Screen-Free Day

By Cassie Monroe, Lifestyle & Routine Editor | Daily Life Column | Childcare Standards Council

In a world brimming with buzzing notifications, cartoon jingles, and infinite scrolls, the idea of a screen free day might sound like a radical act.

But carving out even just one day a week without screens can be a breath of fresh air for the whole family, especially for little ones still learning how to engage with the real world.

A screen free day doesn’t have to mean giving up convenience or fun. With a little planning, it can turn into a cherished tradition packed with creativity, connection, and calm.

So pop your phone on aeroplane mode, tuck away the tablets, and let’s explore how to enjoy a full day unplugged with your children.

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Why Go Screen Free?

Screens can be useful tools for learning and winding down, but they also have a sneaky way of gobbling up time and attention, both of which are limited, precious resources for busy families.

A screen free day can help:

• Strengthen family bonds through shared activities

• Encourage imaginative play and independent problem solving

• Improve focus and reduce overstimulation

• Support healthier sleep patterns

• Promote real world learning and movement

Most importantly, it teaches children that entertainment and joy can come from within, not just from a glowing rectangle.

Step 1: Choose the Right Day

Start by picking a day that works best for your family. For many, Sunday is a natural choice, a slower paced day that already leans towards rest and reconnection. But if your schedule is different, feel free to pick a midweek evening or Saturday morning instead.

Make sure all family members are on board. Let the kids know in advance and build a bit of excitement around it. Treat it as something special, not a punishment.

“On Sunday, we’re having a family adventure day, no screens, just us!”

Step 2: Set Expectations (And Hide the Remotes)

Kids thrive on clear boundaries, and a successful screen free day is all about setting expectations early on. Explain what screen free means in your household, for example, does it include the TV, tablets, video games, and parents’ phones?

If needed, physically put away devices to remove temptation. You could even create a “sleeping spot” for screens, a drawer or basket they all go in until the next day.

And yes, this applies to adults too. Children model their behaviour on us. If they see us glued to our phones, a screen free day won’t make much sense.

Step 3: Build a Loose Schedule

Planning ahead ensures there’s always something to do, without being overly rigid.

Here's a sample screen free day itinerary:

Morning

• Family breakfast with no distractions

• Go on a nature walk or visit the local park

• Bring a scavenger hunt list for extra fun

Afternoon

• Arts and crafts time, painting, play dough, or building cardboard forts

• Cook or bake together (kids love measuring and stirring)

• Storytime or reading corner

Evening

• Play board games or puzzles as a family

• Bath time fun with bubbles or bath crayons

• A candlelit dinner or “picnic” in the living room

The key is variety. Mix active time with quiet time, and solo activities with shared ones.

Step 4: Prepare Simple, Engaging Activities

Screens often act as a default because they’re easy. So make sure your screen free options are just as accessible.

Here are a few wholesome ideas:

Creative Play

• Build a blanket fort

• Have a teddy bear tea party

• Create your own “library” with books and soft seating

• Make sock puppets and put on a show

Outdoor Fun

• Draw chalk murals on the pavement

• Make mud pies or fairy houses in the garden

• Try cloud spotting or birdwatching

Helping Hands

• Get toddlers involved in tidying up

• Sort the laundry by colours

• Let them “wash” their toys with a bowl of water and sponge

Calm Time

• Listen to music or nature sounds

• Try kid friendly yoga or breathing exercises

• Lie on the grass and watch the sky

Having a few go to options makes the day flow naturally without boredom creeping in.

Step 5: Embrace the Quiet

Without background noise and constant visual input, things might feel a bit slow, even awkward, at first. That’s okay. It takes a little time to shift gears.

You might notice more giggles. More questions. More mess, too, but also more presence.

Let the day unfold at its own pace. Don’t be afraid of quiet moments. They often lead to the most imaginative play or thoughtful conversations.

Step 6: Reflect and Celebrate

At the end of the day, gather together and chat about how it felt.

• What was everyone’s favourite part?

• Was anything challenging?

• What could we do differently next time?

Celebrate the wins, even if it wasn’t a perfect day. Maybe the toddler threw flour on the floor while “helping bake”, or someone had a moan about missing YouTube. That’s all part of the process.

Consider making it a regular event, weekly, fortnightly, or even just once a month. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes.

Final Thoughts

In a time where screen time is almost inevitable, choosing a day to unplug is a bold and beautiful move. It invites us to slow down, be present, and truly connect with our families.

A screen free day doesn’t require perfection. Just a willingness to try, to play, and to enjoy each other’s company, mess, giggles, and all.

Here’s to simpler days and fuller hearts.