Let Your Kids Play Their Way: Screen-Free, Parent-Free Fun They Can Do All by Themselves
By Kassandra “Blaze” Wilsey
As a busy mom of three (and someone who loves her work!), I know firsthand that home time can sometimes feel like another job. Between snacks, sibling negotiations, and endless “Mom, can you…?” requests, it’s easy to feel like the cruise director of your own house.
But here’s the truth: wanting your kids to play independently—without screens or parent direction—isn’t something to feel guilty about. It’s actually one of the best gifts you can give them.
At Cali Camp, nestled in beautiful Topanga Canyon, we see the benefits of child-led, screen-free play every single day. Kids thrive when they can explore, create, and entertain themselves. Independent play builds imagination, problem-solving skills, resilience, and confidence—skills that will serve them long after camp is over.
Why Independent Play Matters
When kids learn to manage their own fun, they gain:
Critical thinking skills from navigating boredom
Creativity and imagination from open-ended play
Confidence from doing things on their own
So, next time you need five quiet minutes—or an uninterrupted cup of coffee—try these screen-free, parent-free play ideas inspired by the independent spirit of Cali Camp.
DIY Game Box: Independence in a Box
Take a quick trip to a budget-friendly store like Five Below and let your kids choose a few simple activities—coloring books, puzzles, cards, and small crafts.
Pack them in a decorated box (which can be its own activity!) and label it “The Box.” Whenever your child feels bored or you need a breather, they know the magic box is waiting with things they can do solo.
Cali Camp Tip: Encourage independence by letting your child decide when to open their Game Box. Ownership builds responsibility!
Create Your Own Cartoon or Comic Strip
All you need is paper, crayons, and imagination!
Have your kids draw a hero, a villain, and a few action scenes—then let them narrate their story to you later.
If they need a little guidance, pre-draw comic strip boxes and add prompts like:
“Tell a story about a kid with a pet fish.”
“Draw a family adventure at the circus.”
This sparks creativity while still allowing kids to lead the way—just like our creative arts programs at Cali Camp.
Idea Box: Their Ideas, Their Choices
Brainstorm a list of “boredom busters” together, write each one on a slip of paper, and toss them into a jar.
When they’re stuck, they can pull from their own list of ideas—designed by them, for them.
Examples:
Sidewalk chalk murals
Stuffed animal fashion show
Build a fort
Choreograph a dance
At Cali Camp, we believe boredom breeds creativity—check out Why I Love to Hear My Children Say “I’m Bored”.
Build a Secret Fort
Blankets, pillows, and imagination—what more do you need?
Let them architect their own secret fort and escape into a world of their own making. Pro tip: set clear boundaries about which pillows and blankets are fair game to prevent household chaos.
Just like our Topanga Canyon property, home can be a space of adventure and freedom.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Give your child a list of things to find—like “something blue,” “a rubber band,” or “something that starts with B.”
You can also try a counting version:
“How many windows do we have? How many books? How many pillows—including the dog’s bed?”
This gets kids moving and thinking critically, all while staying safely indoors.
Organization Station
Kids actually love sorting and organizing (even if we don’t).
Dump out a drawer of pens, crayons, or art supplies and challenge them to organize it neatly. Use a towel to contain the mess and watch their focus bloom.
At Cali Camp, we channel this same sense of curiosity and order through our hands-on STEM and nature-based activities.
Solo STEM Explorations
Give them a magnet or a bowl of water and let them experiment:
What sticks?
What floats?
What sinks?
Simple, quiet science exploration that fuels curiosity and independent discovery—exactly what our STEM camp programs are designed to nurture.
House Chores (With a Twist)
For older kids, chores can become challenges. Make a list of “bonus” chores—cleaning the fridge, vacuuming, organizing the pantry—and assign a small reward. Whether it’s extra screen time, a new toy, or a few dollars, it teaches responsibility while keeping them busy.
Let Cali Camp Take It From Here
Independent play is powerful—but kids also need space to run wild, connect with friends, and explore nature.
That’s where we come in.
At Cali Camp in Topanga Canyon, California, children spend their days outdoors—zip-lining through the trees, riding horses, splashing in the pool, and making memories that last a lifetime. Our screen-free, nature-filled environment helps kids rediscover the joy of being fully present and creative—without phones, tablets, or TV.
Ready to give your child the gift of independence, confidence, and fun?
👉 Register for the upcoming Summer at Cali Camp
👉 Schedule a Camp Tour
👉 Learn More About Our Programs