It's time to go back to basics with books, toys, music and more this half term!

<p>Whether it's the weekend or a school holiday, keeping little ones entertained without resorting to the TV or internet can be a real challenge. But if you're looking for a different way to keep children occupied, something that <em>doesn't</em> involve television, computer or smartphone screens, then these fun activities to do with kids are just the thing. Not only are these family-friendly pastimes all completely screen-free, but they'll also challenge children and maybe even teach them a new skill along the way. </p><p>From scavenger hunts to playing dress up, little ones will love these fun projects and games. Get the whole family involved, or give yourself a bit of quiet time by setting your child up with one of these activities and checking in every so often. This clever list of things to do is great when you want little ones to take a break from screens or when you don't have the option of putting on a dvd or a computer game, like when you're away travelling.</p><p>It's hard to imagine playtime these days without the use of internet and technology, but kids will love going back to basics. In fact, a lot of these activities might remind you of the games you used to play when you were a child! Discover these fun and screen-free things to do with kids and you'll never hear the dreaded words, 'I'm bored' again (well, almost never)...</p><h2>1. Painting and Colouring</h2><p>Children will love getting the crayons and paint brushes out to create their very own masterpieces. And with so many different types of <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/shelf/kids-activities/painting-colouring/1215187183372/1/so-false?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">colouring books and paint sets</a> available, there's something for kids of all ages. Try a <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/painting-colouring/igloobooks-colour-by-numbers/910002462230?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">colour-by-numbers book</a> to teach little ones how to stay within the lines or get some <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/painting-colouring/crayola-white-chalk/910000792948?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">chalk</a> for older kids to draw on a pavement outside (just make sure the chalk can be washed away later). </p><p><img alt="two-little-boys-coloring__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/two-little-boys-coloring__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>2. Get crafting</h2><p>Encourage your child's creative side, plus teach them how to build and assemble with some great crafts. Keep those little hands busy with fun activities like <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/crafts-activity-books/asda-make-your-own-car-money-box/910002288589?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">building a car</a>, <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/crafts-activity-books/papermania-mini-assorted-gems-organiser-florals-stones/910002264704?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">making pretty jewellery</a>, <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/crafts-activity-books/asda-make-your-own-cards/910002290496?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">creating cards</a> and more. Not sure where to start? Here are some <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/pinterest-activities-for-kids">fun craft ideas from Pinterest</a> to inspire you plus <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/cereal-box-crafts">7 fun crafts you can make with cereal</a>!</p><h2>3. Baking</h2><p>Depending on how old your little ones are, you might not want to leave kids unsupervised in the kitchen but baking is definitely a fun activity that the whole family can get involved in. Whether it's <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/stained-glass-biscuits">stained glass biscuits</a>, <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/orange-fairy-cakes">orange fairy cakes</a> or <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/picnic-wares/george-home-ice-lolly-moulds/910001572988?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">homemade ice lollies</a>, introducing little ones to the kitchen isn't just fun, it's also a great way to inspire them to get excited about cooking from scratch. Plus, after the baking comes the best part &ndash; enjoying what you've made! </p><p><img alt="little-girl-in-chefs-hat-eating-cake-2__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/little-girl-in-chefs-hat-eating-cake-2__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>4. Puzzles</h2><p>Puzzles are great brain teasers for your child's development, helping to challenge their thinking and exercise their mind. Keep older kids busy for days with <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/games-jigsaw-puzzles/fx-schmid-adult-1000-piece-puzzle/910000202824?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">a 1000 piece puzzle</a>, teach little ones how to count with a <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/preschool-toddler-baby-toys/george-home-caterpillar-counting-puzzle/910002013241?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">colourful counting puzzle</a> or bring that 70s classic, the <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/games-jigsaw-puzzles/rubiks-cube/910000370333" target="_blank">Rubik's cube</a>, along long car rides for some friendly 'who can do it fastest' competiton. </p><h2>5. Have a kids day out</h2><p>There's a whole host of family-friendly activities to enjoy this autumn, from pumpkin picking and haunted houses to science festivals and ice skating. Harry Potter fans will love exploring Hogwarts itself in Northumberland, where Alnwick Castle stands atop a lush green hill - there's even broomstick training on offer! Discover <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/things-to-do-half-term" target="_blank">33 of the best kids day out this half-term here.</a> </p><h2>6. Play a game</h2><p>Remember how much fun it was to sit down as a family and play a good old fashioned board game? With so many different games to choose from, there's something for everyone. A <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/games-jigsaw-puzzles/mattel-uno-card-game/910000967662?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">deck of cards</a> is a great choice for when you're away from home, while a <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/games-jigsaw-puzzles/hasbro-twister-board-game/910000861624?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">game of Twister</a> is sure to get the whole family roaring with laughter. Want a game for older kids? See just how much they've learned at school with a <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/games-jigsaw-puzzles/trivial-pursuit-family-edition/910002011628?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">family edition of Trivial Pursuit</a>!</p><p><img alt="kids-playing-board-game__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/kids-playing-board-game__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>7. A good book</h2><p>Spark your child's imagination and keep them entertained for hours with a great book. There's nothing like a good read to get a bit of peace and quiet at home, and if you start when kids are young then you might just create a book lover for life. Join in on the fun with younger kids by taking turns to read aloud &ndash; go on, you know you secretly really want to re-read all the Harry Potter books! Here are <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/14-classic-childrens-books-for-babies-toddlers-and-pre-schoolers">14 young children's books every family should have on the shelf</a>.</p><h2>8. Play dress up</h2><p>Don't toss those old fancy dress and Halloween party outfits! Keep them stored away in a trunk and let your kids rummage through it on a rainy day. Or invest in some new <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/shelf/toys-by-type/dress-up-role-play/1215275510709/1/so-false?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">dress up clothes</a> (we predict Star Wars outfits are going to be big this autumn) and have the kids stage a play for you!</p><p><img alt="young-child-playing-dress-up-2__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/young-child-playing-dress-up-2__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>9. Music</h2><p>Your child doesn't have to learn how to play an instrument to appreciate good music. Instead, get them to fall in love with music by playing your favourite tunes and having a dance party in the living room or while cooking together in the kitchen. You could even incorporate music into some of the games above! </p><h2>10. Go outside</h2><p>Temperatures may have cooled, but as long as it's not too cold or rainy outside then why not let children enjoy the Great Outdoors with some fun games and activities. Create a scavenger hunt in the park, get moving with <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/garden-toys/george-home-scoccer-cone-set/910002212816?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">a kick about</a>, or why not go pumpkin picking? And did you know that there are plenty of <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/kids-gardening-ideas">benefits to letting kids get dirty in the garden</a>? It's true! </p><p><strong><i>Keep little ones entertained with <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/dept/baby-toddler-kids/toys-entertainment/1215360826842?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=family-things-to-do-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">games, toys, and more from Asda</a>. </i></strong></p>

10 Screen-Free Ways To Entertain Your Kids

By Asda Good Living,24th October 2016

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