We all want our children to be happy and have fun. However, it’s important to remember that there are some versions of ‘having fun’ that can have some unintended negative effects. Take technology such as an iPad or smartphone, for example. While small amounts of usage can be good for children, too much usage can cause problems. It can lead to tech addiction and concentration issues, for instance. There’s a reason why Steve Jobs and other tech executives didn’t allow their children to use the technology they gifted to the world, after all. Fortunately, there are plenty of low- or no-tech alternative options out there that will keep your children smiling.

Arts and Crafts

It’s always fun to create, it’s just that we often forget this is the case. If you’re looking to have a fun day with your kids, then why not look at getting out some art and crafts supplies, and seeing what you can all come up with? It’s about the process of creating, rather than what you ultimately create, but who knows? One of your clan might just discover that they have a hidden talent for creativity.

Old-School Interactive Fun

When we think of interactive fun for children, we usually think about video games and the like. But if you think back to your youth, you’ll remember that you could have interactive fun without staring at a 50” television. Think about slot cars. They can provide hours of fun, and there’s not a single screen in sight. This option won’t just keep you and your family having fun; it can become a hobby. It’s particularly recommended if you have any children who love everything about cars, but who aren’t yet able to drive.

In the Yard

It’s really important that our kids spend time in nature. While it’s comfortable to be inside, it’s worth remembering that humans do fundamentally belong in the outdoors. It’s our first home! When you’re looking to have fun, consider taking a trip to a nearby state park. There’ll be a beautiful outdoor spot somewhere near to where you live. You can also look at setting up your yard, so that your kids can spend time playing on the grass without having to drive anywhere. Children are endlessly inventive; if they have a patch of grass to play on and some toys, you’ll find that they’re able to have a good time.

Story Time

The way some people act, you’d think there nobody had any fun before the invention of the television, but of course they did. People were being entertained long before the arrival of cinema. And one of the best ways? Good old stories. If you’re looking for a fun, low-tech way to keep your kids happy, then consider picking a good book and reading it aloud. It really is a magical way to spend an evening, but the benefits stretch beyond the actual reading. You’ll actively be instilling a love of stories and imagination into your kids, and that can last a lifetime.