If you're a parent of a toddler, you'll know that keeping them entertained can sometimes feel like a full-time job. While screens can be tempting, many parents are looking for screen-free activities that encourage creativity, learning and independent play.
As a father of two young children and the founder of Discover Books, I've spent plenty of time searching for ways to keep my own children occupied without relying on tablets or television. Through a mixture of trial and error, I've found that some activities work far better than others.
Here are some of my favourite screen-free ways to keep toddlers entertained.
1. Introduce Interactive Books
Not all books are created equal. Interactive books can hold a toddler's attention for much longer than traditional storybooks because they encourage active participation.
Finger puppet books, touch-and-feel books, sound books and busy books all give children something to explore while helping them develop a love of reading.
I've found that my own children are much more likely to revisit books that they can interact with rather than simply listen to.
2. Create a Dedicated Reading Corner
Children are more likely to pick up books when they're easily accessible.
A small reading corner with a comfortable cushion, a basket of books and a few soft toys can create a space that feels special and inviting.
You don't need anything elaborate. Sometimes the simplest spaces become their favourites.
3. Try Busy Books
Busy books have become one of our favourite screen-free activities at home.
Packed with hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges, they encourage independent play while helping children develop fine motor skills and concentration.
They're also brilliant for keeping toddlers occupied when travelling or waiting at appointments.
4. Turn Story Time into Play Time
Reading doesn't have to mean sitting still.
Use different voices, act out characters and encourage your child to join in. Finger puppet books are particularly effective because children can become part of the story themselves.
This simple change can transform story time into an exciting shared experience.
5. Go on a Nature Walk
One of the easiest ways to entertain a toddler is simply to head outdoors.
Collect leaves, look for insects, count birds or search for different colours. Everything becomes an adventure when viewed through a toddler's eyes.
Best of all, it costs nothing.
6. Introduce Push-Along Books
Push-along books are consistently some of our best-selling toddler books, and it's easy to see why.
By combining a book with a toy, they encourage children to engage with stories while enjoying active play. Vehicles, trains, tractors and diggers tend to be particularly popular with toddlers.
7. Build a Fort
A few blankets, cushions and chairs can provide hours of entertainment.
Once the fort is built, bring in some books, soft toys and snacks to create a cosy little hideaway.
8. Use Sound and Musical Books
Many toddlers naturally love music.
Sound books and piano books introduce music in a fun, interactive way while encouraging sensory exploration and creativity.
My daughter especially enjoys making up her own songs on piano books, which means the fun continues long after we've finished reading the story itself.
9. Rotate Toys and Books
One simple trick that works surprisingly well is not having everything available all the time.
By putting some toys and books away and reintroducing them a few weeks later, they often feel brand new again.
10. Encourage Independent Exploration
Some of the best screen-free activities are the ones that allow children to explore independently.
Sensory books, touch-and-feel books and highchair books are particularly good for this because children can investigate textures, sounds and images at their own pace.
11. Get Creative
Drawing, colouring, painting and sticker activities all encourage creativity while helping to develop fine motor skills.
The process is often more important than the final result.
12. Make Bath Time More Fun
Bath books can transform a daily routine into a fun learning opportunity.
Waterproof books allow children to enjoy stories, colours and characters while splashing and playing.
13. Let Them Help
Toddlers often love helping with everyday tasks.
Sorting socks, putting toys away or helping to unpack shopping can all feel exciting and important to them.
14. Create Simple Treasure Hunts
Hide a few favourite toys around the house and encourage your child to find them.
This simple activity can keep toddlers entertained for surprisingly long periods.
15. Follow Their Interests
The best screen-free activity is often the one that aligns with your child's interests.
If they love animals, choose animal books. If they love vehicles, choose transport-themed books. If they love music, introduce sound books and piano books.
When children are genuinely interested in a topic, keeping them engaged becomes much easier.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a toddler entertained without screens doesn't require expensive toys or complicated activities. In my experience, the most successful screen-free activities are often the simplest ones - interactive books, imaginative play, music, outdoor adventures and opportunities for independent exploration.
As both a parent and the founder of Discover Books, I've seen first-hand how the right books can capture a child's imagination and provide hours of educational, screen-free entertainment.
The goal isn't to eliminate screens completely. It's simply to make sure children also have plenty of opportunities to learn, play, create and explore away from them.