The Busy Parent’s STEM Playbook

25 Screen-Free Activities to Keep Little Hands (and Minds) Engaged

This guide was created for the kind of parent who’s balancing snack requests with Slack notifications. If you’ve ever Googled “quick toddler activities” during a meeting, rolled your eyes at a Pinterest activity that involves shaving foam, or whispered a prayer of thanks to Bluey, this is for you.

Inside, you’ll find 25 screen-free activities designed for children aged 2 to 8. Every activity is low-prep, uses things you already have at home, and encourages independent play that actually builds your child’s development. Think sensory setups, mini STEM experiments, storytelling starters, and low-mess motor challenges. The kind of play that holds their attention long enough for you to send an email, make lunch, or just sit down without guilt and finish a hot drink.

There are no printables. No expensive supplies. No Pinterest pressure. Just realistic, brain-building play created by a mum who needed it too.

Whether you’re parenting full-time, working from home, or somewhere in the blurry middle, this playbook is a reminder that creativity and calm can exist in the same room. Even if that room is currently covered in rice.