Mom-Approved Ways to Unplug & Play As parents, we know all too well how easy it is for our kids to be glued to electronic devices and how much of a struggle it can be to get them to unplug. That’s why we love Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play initiative. For 3 hours on Sept. 30, Nickelodeon will “go dark” where there will be no programming on its channels and its website will be down. Instead they’re encouraging families to:

Get Up, Get Out and Go Play!

With Worldwide Day of Play right around the corner, we asked our fellow Produce for Kids moms to share their favorite ways to put down the screens and play.

Here’s what they had to say:

  • Scavenger Hunt: Ideas for family scavenger hunts are plentiful on Pinterest like this Outdoor Adventure Hunt or for indoors this Rainy Day Hunt.
  • Sidewalk Ninja: Create a “ninja” course a la American Ninja Warrior. When its complete, a parent times the kids completing the course. They can make boxes to jump to or long lines to balance on, jumping on one foot or a hula hoop challenge. The possibilities and creativity is endless.
  • DIY Mudpies: (Warning: this could get messy) Use old muffin tins and old kitchen utensils and let the kiddos make their own mudpies. Outdoors of course! Amazing the fun a little dirt and water creates.
  • Rock Painting: Who knew rocks could become ladybugs, funny faces, frogs, turtles or even a heart. Set out to find fun shaped rocks in your neighborhood and bring them home to paint.
  • Outdoor bean bag toss: Put scores on five paper plates with 10 being the closest and 50 being the furthest away. Have the family toss the bean bags and see who can score the highest.
  • Activity Jar: Start a jar at home and as the family thinks of or discovers fun activities, write them on a piece of paper and add them to the jar. This way when it’s time to put down the electronic devices, you’ll never be short on ideas.
  • Enjoy a picnic: If the weather is nice, why not pack up lunch and head to the local park for a meal outside? Here’s 15 packable recipes to take along.
  • Go for a hike: Lace up your shoes and bring along this Build Your Own Trail Mix for a family hike.

Looking for more ideas? This book Unplugged Play has a plethora of ideas and you won’t even need to do a Google search. Score! Or check out Nickelodeon’s website for fun activities and ideas.