We all know the struggle—kids wake up and immediately ask, “Can I have screen time?” But what if there was a way to fuel their creativity, responsibility, and connection before the screens even come on? This list of 60+ ideas is packed with fun, meaningful, and low-prep activities that help kids play, learn, move, and grow before diving into their digital time. Whether you’re using a screen-time checklist or just need a few ideas to set the tone for the day, these activities are perfect for filling that “pre-screen” window with purpose and play!

Why Is It Important to Have a To-Do List Before Screen Time?

Creating a to-do list before screen time helps kids build healthy habits, stay productive, and learn to manage their time. Instead of jumping straight into devices, they’re encouraged to be active, responsible, and creative first. This structure not only reduces screen-time battles but also fosters independence and balance throughout the day.

Benefits of having a pre-screen to-do list:

  • Promotes responsibility and routine

  • Encourages learning and creativity before entertainment

  • Gets kids moving and using their energy in positive ways

  • Teaches time management and delayed gratification

  • Builds character through chores, kindness, and faith-based actions

  • Reduces arguments and endless screen-time requests

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Printable “Earn Your Screen Time” Chart

Take the guesswork out of screen-time limits with this easy-to-use, printable Earn Your Screen Time Chart! Kids complete simple tasks—like chores, reading, or creative play—before unlocking screen time for the day. It’s a fun, structured way to encourage responsibility, balance, and independence. Just download, print, and use it again and again!

A Variety of Screen-Free Activities to Try First

Not all pre-screen time activities are created equal! To keep things fun and balanced, it helps to include a mix of chores, learning, movement, creativity, and faith-building activities. These categories offer something for every kind of kid—whether they need to get their energy out, engage their brain, or do something kind before earning screen time.

Chores and Responsibilities

Help kids build confidence and life skills by giving them age-appropriate responsibilities. These simple tasks can be part of their daily routine and help them feel like valuable members of the family.

  • Make their bed

  • Tidy up toys or room

  • Put away laundry

  • Help set the table

  • Feed a pet

  • Take out the trash or recycling

  • Wipe down counters or do a quick clean-up job

  • Water indoor or outdoor plants

  • Load or unload the dishwasher

  • Sweep or vacuum a small area

  • Pack their own lunch or snack

  • Dust shelves or furniture

  • Organize a drawer, bookshelf, or closet

Learning and Creativity

Keep young minds active and curious with engaging, screen-free learning activities. These ideas support reading, writing, problem-solving, and creative thinking in a fun and low-pressure way.

Faith and Character Building

Help kids grow spiritually and develop strong character through intentional faith-based activities. These ideas encourage gratitude, kindness, and a deeper relationship with God.

  • Say a prayer or write one down

  • Read a Bible story or scripture verse

  • Do a quick devotional or coloring page with a verse

  • Do an act of kindness for a sibling or parent

  • Write or draw something they’re thankful for

  • Memorize a short Bible verse

  • Create a “kindness coupon” to give away

  • Write a letter to God or keep a prayer journal

  • Act out a Bible story with toys or costumes

  • Sing or listen to a worship song

  • Make a fruit of the Spirit chart

  • Learn about a missionary or Bible hero

Movement and Exercise

Get those wiggles out and stay healthy with simple physical activities. Whether inside or out, these movement ideas promote coordination, energy release, and fun!

  • Go outside to play

  • Ride a bike or scooter

  • Do 10–15 minutes of jumping jacks, stretches, or yoga

  • Build an obstacle course

  • Dance to music

  • Play tag, hopscotch, or jump rope

  • Do a kids’ workout video

  • Play catch or kick a ball

  • Go on a nature walk or scavenger hunt

  • Try a hula hoop or jump rope challenge

  • Do animal walks (bear crawl, crab walk, frog jumps)

  • Set up and complete a mini Olympics at home

Creative Play

Encourage imagination and hands-on fun with these playful activities. Kids can create, pretend, build, and express themselves in open-ended ways that promote creativity and joy.

  • Build something with blocks or Legos

  • Draw or color a picture

  • Make a craft

  • Play pretend (store, adventure, restaurant, etc.)

  • Make a card for someone they love

  • Create a blanket fort or tent

  • Put on a puppet show or skit

  • Sculpt with play dough or modeling clay

  • Use a cardboard box to create something fun

  • Try face painting or dress-up

  • Write and illustrate a short comic or picture book

  • Create a pretend menu and “cook” for someone

Screen Time Bucks: Earn, Save, and Spend!

Make screen time a rewarding experience with Screen Time Bucks—a fun and motivating system where kids earn “bucks” by completing tasks, chores, or learning activities. They can save up their bucks and decide when to spend them on screen time or other special treats. To help you get started, check out our printable Screen Time Bucks kit, designed to make tracking and rewarding simple and stress-free. Just download, print, and watch your kids take ownership of their screen habits!

Don’t Forget!

Looking for a simple way to put all these ideas into action? Don’t forget to grab the Printable “Earn Your Screen Time” Chart! It’s a helpful tool to keep kids motivated and on track—with built-in space for daily tasks, creative play, learning, and more. Just download, print, and watch screen-time struggles turn into wins.

A Better Start to Screen Time

Giving kids something to do before screen time doesn’t have to be a battle—it can be a blessing! These 60+ ideas help them build habits, spark imagination, and enjoy real-world fun before turning on a device. Try mixing up the categories each day or letting your kids choose from a jar or checklist. With a little structure and a lot of options, you’ll turn that screen-time countdown into a time for growth, gratitude, and good old-fashioned fun.