* Socks are required to play on the playground, and can be purchased at Coconut Cove, if you forget 🙂 

We’ve all been there—your child is glued to their tablet, eyes locked, fingers swiping, completely immersed in yet another episode of their favorite cartoon. Meanwhile, you’re wondering if they’ll ever get tired of it (spoiler: they won’t).

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere, and while they’re sometimes a lifesaver (hello, 10-minute break to drink hot coffee!), too much screen time can impact everything from sleep to social skills. So, how do we encourage our kids to swap pixels for playtime? We’ve got some creative, fun-filled ideas to help your little ones get moving, exploring, and using their imaginations—without a screen in sight! 🌟

And if you’re looking for the ultimate solution to screen-free fun, Coconut Cove Indoor Playground has got you covered! Let’s dive in.


1. Create an Adventure Challenge 🏴‍☠️

Kids love a good mission! Instead of just telling them to play, turn it into an adventure. Whether it’s a pirate treasure hunt in the backyard, a jungle explorer quest at the park, or a deep-sea diving adventure (aka jumping into a pile of pillows), kids will be excited to take on a challenge.

At Coconut Cove, we take adventure to the next level with Ocean, Island, and Jungle-themed play areas that encourage little ones to run, climb, and explore—no screens needed! 🌊🏝️🐒

Try This: Create a DIY treasure map and hide little surprises around your home or at Coconut Cove! Give your kids clues, and let the adventure begin.


2. Set Up Playdates That Actually Keep Kids Engaged 🤹‍♀️

Ever notice that when kids get together, they sometimes spend more time arguing over what to do than actually playing? A structured playdate can help!

Bring them somewhere designed just for kids—like Coconut Cove! With soft-contained play structures, climbing areas, slides, and open space to roam, kids stay engaged while moms can relax and chat (win-win!).

Try This: Schedule a weekly playdate with friends at Coconut Cove. Bonus: Since kids burn off energy, they’ll be ready for a good nap afterward! 😴


3. Build an Indoor Obstacle Course 🏃‍♂️

If you’re stuck inside and want to avoid screen time, turn your living room into an obstacle course! Use couch cushions as stepping stones, tape a “laser maze” with streamers in the hallway, or challenge kids to crawl under tables and jump over pillows.

Or… skip the setup and let Coconut Cove do the work! Our multi-level indoor playground is designed to encourage movement, helping kids build confidence while staying active.

Try This: Time your child to see how fast they can complete the obstacle course—then challenge them to beat their time!


4. Bring Storytime to Life 📖✨

Reading a book is great, but acting it out is even better! Instead of just reading The Jungle Book, pretend your living room is a jungle. Have your little one roar like a lion, swing like a monkey, or tiptoe like a sneaky leopard.

At Coconut Cove, our Jungle-themed play area makes this kind of imaginative play even more fun. Your child can climb like a monkey, explore like an adventurer, and escape to a world of make-believe!

Try This: Read a book about the ocean (Finding Nemo, anyone?) and then visit Coconut Cove’s Ocean-themed play zone to bring the story to life!


5. Make It a Screen-Free Challenge 📵

Kids love a good challenge, so turn it into a game! Have a “Screen-Free Saturday” or challenge your child to go a full afternoon without screens. Offer fun alternatives like a trip to Coconut Cove, a craft project, or a nature walk to keep them engaged.

Try This: Create a reward system—for every hour spent playing without screens, your child earns a small prize (stickers, extra bedtime stories, or a fun outing).


6. Get Social—The Old-Fashioned Way 👯‍♂️

Screens are often a go-to because they keep kids entertained without much effort. But real-world socialization is key for childhood development! Meeting up with friends at an indoor playground lets kids interact, develop social skills, and build confidence.

Coconut Cove is the perfect spot for mommy meetups, playdates, and making new friends while kids run, climb, and explore in a safe, clean environment.

Try This: Invite a mom friend to Coconut Cove and let the kids play while you enjoy some much-needed adult conversation (because let’s be honest, we all need it!).


7. Encourage Independent Play 🤹‍♀️

Sometimes, kids turn to screens because they’re bored. Teaching them how to entertain themselves without a device is a game-changer.

Open-ended play spaces like Coconut Cove give kids the chance to explore, create their own games, and build confidence in playing independently. Whether they’re zooming down slides, climbing to new heights, or inventing their own adventure, they’re learning valuable skills through play.

Try This: Set up a “boredom jar” with screen-free activity ideas. When your child says, “I’m bored,” they have to pick a random activity to do instead!


8. Let Them Run Wild (In a Safe Space) 🌈

Outdoor playgrounds are great—until it’s too hot, too cold, or too wet to play outside. Coconut Cove offers the perfect indoor alternative where kids can burn off energy without worrying about the weather. Plus, unlike trampoline parks or bounce houses, our play structures are soft-contained and designed just for little kids.

Try This: Turn a day at Coconut Cove into a weekly tradition! Kids will look forward to their special playtime, and you’ll love knowing they’re getting active, creative, and social—all in one place.


Ditch the Screens, Embrace the Fun!

Reducing screen time doesn’t have to be a battle. With a little creativity (and a trip to Coconut Cove 😉), you can encourage active play, spark imagination, and make sure your little ones are having so much fun they forget all about their devices.

So, the next time you catch your child zoning out on a screen, try one of these ideas—better yet, bring them to Coconut Cove for the ultimate screen-free adventure! We’ll see you there! 💙🌴


What’s Your Favorite Screen-Free Activity?

Drop a comment below and let us know how you get your kids off screens and into play! 👇