What are some screen-free activities I can carry to keep my child engaged outside the home? 

Parenting Perspective 

Being prepared with a small collection of engaging, portable activities can transform outings with a child, making them far easier and more connected. The key is to choose items that are light to carry, do not create a mess, and are interesting enough to hold your child’s attention during moments of waiting, allowing you to avoid defaulting to a screen. 

A Compact Creative Kit 

A small sketchbook or notepad paired with a few coloured pencils or crayons can provide a quiet and creative outlet almost anywhere. For a mess-free alternative, a mini magnetic drawing board is an excellent choice. This simple kit invites your child to observe and create, turning a boring wait into a moment of artistic expression. 

Portable Puzzles and Calming Toys 

Travel-sized puzzles, a small deck of cards, or simple matching games are perfect for keeping little hands and minds busy without causing overstimulation. For younger children or those who struggle with restlessness, a few sensory or fidget items, such as a soft stress ball or a piece of textured fabric, can provide a calming and quiet focus point. 

A Favourite Book or a Shared Story 

Never underestimate the power of a good story. Carrying a small, lightweight book that your child already loves can provide a comforting and familiar escape. Alternatively, you can simply tell a story from memory or make one up together. This is a wonderful way to pass the time together and strengthen your bond. 

The Power of Snacks and Conversation 

Sometimes the best tool for engagement is not a toy, but your presence. Sharing a small, healthy snack while sitting together provides a natural opportunity for connection. You can use this time to talk about your surroundings, make observations, or discuss your plans for the rest of the day, turning a simple snack into a meaningful, shared experience. 

By having a small, rotating selection of these options ready to go, you can confidently navigate public spaces while keeping your child happily engaged without a screen. 

Spiritual Insight 

Time spent outside the home provides a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family bonds and to practise good character in the wider world. Choosing activities that keep your child present and engaged allows them to experience their surroundings more fully and mindfully. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 78: 

‘And Allah (Almighty) extracts you from the wombs of your mothers, (in a state) in which you know nothing; and has (designed) and) designated for you the power of hearing and sight and intellect, so that you may become grateful…’ 

This verse reminds us that our senses hearing, sight, and feeling are precious gifts from Allah, designed to be used with awareness and gratitude. Screen-free activities encourage a child to do just that. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi , Hadith 2333,  that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death.’ 

This powerful hadith teaches us that time, especially the free and energetic time of youth, is a blessing to be invested in beneficial activities. By offering your child screen-free options, you are guiding them to use their time in ways that nurture their skills, engage their senses, and deepen their appreciation for the world Allah has created.