A creative way to keep kids busy at home, on the go, or during quiet time.
We’ve all been there.
You’re trying to make dinner, answer one more email, or just drink your coffee while it’s still hot — and your child is bored. Within minutes, they’re bouncing off the walls, whining, tugging at your sleeve, and asking for a screen. Again.
And while handing over the iPad might seem like the easiest solution in the moment, later comes the drama:
🚫 Bedtime battles
😵 Meltdowns over the smallest things
😴 Restless sleep and early wakeups
Screens can buy you a few quiet moments, but they often come at the cost of your child’s mood, focus, and sleep. Over time, too much screen use can affect fine motor skill development, imagination, and even a child’s ability to play independently.
So what’s the alternative?
What if you had screen-free activities that actually worked — something kids want to play with, that doesn’t make a mess, and even helps them learn while they play?
Good news: such tools exist, and they’re simpler than you might think.
Why Reducing Screen Time Feels So Hard
Let’s be honest: screens are everywhere. From TVs in waiting rooms to tablets in classrooms, it sometimes feels impossible to limit screen use. Parents often tell me they feel stuck between two extremes: either giving in to screen requests all day or trying to cut them out completely (and fighting the tantrums that follow).
The truth is, reducing screen time doesn’t need to be a battle. The key is finding easy screen free activities that kids enjoy just as much — or even more — than a device. When children have something engaging, creative, and hands-on to do, they naturally spend less time asking for screens.
The Secret: Keep Kids Busy With Creative Play
One of the biggest challenges during school holidays, weekends, or travel days is simply figuring out how to keep kids busy. Parents juggle work, household tasks, and childcare, and it’s easy to fall into survival mode. But with the right screen-free toys, you can keep little hands and minds occupied without resorting to constant screen time.
The best activities for kids are those that combine fun with learning. For example:
- Fine motor skill toys that help children practice coordination while playing
- Creative activities for kids that spark imagination and storytelling
- Portable kids’ travel activities that work in the car, on a plane, or even at a café
These types of play not only entertain but also help children build skills they’ll use for life.
What Makes an Activity Truly Screen-Free Friendly?
Not every toy or activity works as a screen alternative. To keep kids calm, engaged, and focused, look for activities that are:
- Open-ended: Instead of a “right” or “wrong” way to play, kids should be able to create, build, or design in their own style.
- Mess-free: Parents are more likely to offer screen-free activities when they don’t require a huge clean-up afterwards.
- Portable: A great tool should fit easily in a handbag, backpack, or carry-on for travel days.
- Skill-building: The best activities combine fun with fine motor skill development, creativity, and focus.
When you give children tools that tick these boxes, you’ll notice fewer battles over screens and more moments of calm connection.
A Simple Shift for a Big Difference
Imagine this: instead of a fight over iPad time, your child is sitting at the table twisting, bending, and shaping colourful sticks into letters, animals, or rocket ships. They’re engaged, quiet, and calm — and you’re able to finish your coffee, cook dinner, or even enjoy a chat without constant interruptions.
That’s the power of the right screen-free toys. They don’t just keep kids entertained; they help them grow, learn, and take pride in what they create. And as a parent, you get a little breathing room without guilt or arguments.
Expert Insight – Why Screen-Free Play Matters
As written by Dianne Naboulsi, Educator & Founder of Seeds of Learning
“As a mum and primary school teacher with over 10 years of experience, I know how easily screens can become part of our daily routine. They offer convenience, quiet time, and a quick fix when life gets hectic- and let’s be real, we really have all been there!
However, I have also seen the impact that too much screen time can have on children. Many struggle with focus, emotional regulation, and even sleep. It becomes harder for them to engage in imaginative play or problem-solving without constant stimulation. One of my favourite quotes by Albert Einstein says it best: “Play is the highest form of research.” And it’s true that through play, children make sense of the world, develop critical thinking, and build confidence.
This brings me to why I created Seeds of Learning- to give families practical, screen-free tools that spark curiosity and learning. Whether at home, on the go, or during quiet time, simple play-based activities can make a big difference, and they don't need a power button! “
Meet Crafty Curls – A Screen-Free Lifesaver
So, what if there was a way to keep kids busy, happy, and learning — without reaching for a screen? That’s exactly why we created Crafty Curls.
Crafty Curls are colourful, reusable, wax-coated yarn sticks that children can bend, twist, and shape into anything their imagination dreams up. They’re soft, completely mess-free, and endlessly reusable — which means fewer meltdowns, fewer cleanups, and more moments of calm.
Parents, teachers, and even occupational therapists love them because they’re more than just toys — they’re practical tools for screen-free activities that support fine motor skill development, focus, and creativity. Whether you need to keep your child engaged at home, entertained in a café, or calm on a long-haul flight, Crafty Curls make it possible.
Why Crafty Curls Work
The challenge with limiting screen time is finding something that keeps kids just as engaged. Many toys are fun for five minutes before they’re tossed aside. Others are too messy or bulky to bring along when you’re out and about. Crafty Curls solves these problems by being:
- Reusable and durable — kids can reshape them again and again
- Portable — they fit easily into a handbag, backpack, or carry-on
- Mess-free — no glue, no paint, no cleanup
- Open-ended — endless creative play, no “right or wrong” way to use them
This makes them ideal for everyday play and for travel. In fact, many parents now call Crafty Curls their “travel lifesaver,” because they’re one of those kids travel activities that truly work — on planes, in cars, or even while waiting at restaurants.
The Benefits of Crafty Curls
Crafty Curls are more than just fun activities for kids. They’re thoughtfully designed to support learning and development in simple, playful ways:
✍️ Fine Motor Skills – Every twist and bend strengthens the small muscles in hands and fingers, preparing children for writing, cutting, and other everyday tasks.
🎨 Creativity and Problem-Solving – Open-ended play means kids can build letters, animals, rockets, or even whole scenes, developing imagination and flexible thinking.
🧠 Focus and Independent Play – Because they can be reshaped endlessly, kids get absorbed in their creations, practising attention and persistence.
💛 Calm, Screen-Free Time – Crafty Curls are tactile and soothing, making them one of the best simple calm-down activities for preschoolers and school-aged kids.
Real Parent Feedback
We’ve seen firsthand how Crafty Curls become a go-to tool for families. At the Sydney Education Expo, one mum shared:
“This is the first time my daughter has sat still for more than 20 minutes without a screen. She didn’t want to leave!”
Educators and therapists say the same — that Crafty Curls are clever, engaging, and versatile. Whether for preschool activities, occupational therapy toys, or even as part of kids’ activity packs for travel, they slot seamlessly into daily routines.
Creative Ideas to Try
The beauty of Crafty Curls is how adaptable they are. Here are a few ways families use them:
- Alphabet & Number Play – Build letters of your child’s name or numbers 1–10, making early literacy and numeracy fun and hands-on.
- Shape Tracing – Outline shapes like circles, squares, and triangles, then transform them into silly monsters or animals.
- Imaginative Creatures – Kids can invent their own characters, complete with tails, ears, and wings, and then use drawings to expand their stories.
- Mini Travel Scenes – Build a zoo, a rocket launch, or even a birthday cake scene on a tray table or café napkin.
These ideas show how Crafty Curls fit into both structured learning and open-ended play. And because they’re small and portable, they’re perfect for busy families on the go.
Why Parents Call Them a Lifesaver
For parents, the biggest win is that Crafty Curls actually work. They keep kids entertained without screens, they encourage learning, and they give you those precious moments of calm — whether it’s finishing an email, making dinner, or finally drinking your coffee while it’s still hot.
With school holidays always around the corner, parents are often looking for fun activities for kids that don’t involve constant screen battles. Crafty Curls are the kind of tool that feels light, simple, and doable. They don’t add more stress; they take it away.
In short, Crafty Curls aren’t just screen-free toys. They’re a bridge — helping families shift from constant screen reliance to meaningful, creative play that children actually enjoy. Whether you’re at home, on the road, or 30,000 feet in the air, they give kids what they need most: a chance to imagine, focus, and create.
Where to Find These Tools
🌿 You can find Crafty Curls and more screen-free toys at www.twocubs.com.au. Every TWO CUBS kids travel backpack also comes with a built-in kids’ travel pack — complete with a notebook, crayons, and a colouring book. That means no extra packing and no stress when it comes to keeping kids busy on the go.
Screen-free play doesn’t have to be hard or feel like another thing on your to-do list. With the right kids’ travel activities — like Crafty Curls and thoughtfully designed activity kits — your child can stay engaged, build real-life skills, and enjoy meaningful play without a screen in sight.
Whether you’re preparing for school holidays, long travel days, or just want more peaceful afternoons at home, these simple tools make screen-free play easier and more joyful for the whole family.
💡 Got a favourite screen-free activity? Tag us on Instagram @twocubs.com.au — we’d love to see how you play!
Ready to Try It?
If you’ve been searching for a way to reduce screen time without meltdowns or constant negotiations, Crafty Curls might just become your new favourite parenting tool. They’re portable, mess-free, and designed to:
✔️ Build fine motor skills
✔️ Spark creativity and imaginative play
✔️ Encourage focus and independent learning
✔️ Keep kids happily entertained at home, in cafés, or even 30,000 feet in the air ✈️
Looking for something more structured? Dianne’s beautifully curated School Readiness Boxes are another wonderful screen-free activity option. Each box is filled with playful, educational tools designed by an experienced educator to support your child’s development and confidence.
✨ Follow us on Instagram for fresh ideas and weekly inspiration:
@twocubs.com.au | @seedsoflearning
Let’s make screen-free play simple, joyful, and something your child will actually want to do.