In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere — from tablets and phones to televisions and computers. While technology has its benefits, many parents are concerned about how much screen time their children are getting, especially over the weekends when school isn’t there to provide structure.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce screen time and keep your child engaged, creative art activities can be a great solution. Not only do they offer a healthy break from devices, but they also nurture important skills like patience, problem-solving, and self-expression.

Here are some fun and easy art-based weekend activities that will help your child unplug — and you might even enjoy joining in too!

1. DIY Painting Projects at Home

One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to engage kids in art is by setting up a mini painting station at home. All you need is a set of paints, some brushes, and paper or canvases. Let your child create freely, or give them a theme to inspire their work — like “My Dream Playground” or “Under the Sea.”

Try this:

• Finger painting for toddlers
• Watercolor landscapes for older kids
• Blow painting with straws for something experimental

To make it more exciting, you can frame their finished artworks and display them at home — instant encouragement!

2. Nature Art Walks

Combine time outdoors with creativity by taking a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park and collecting leaves, flowers, twigs, and stones. Once you’re home, kids can use these natural materials to make collages, prints, or even tiny sculptures.

Ideas include:

• Leaf rubbings with crayons
• Rock painting
• Nature mandalas

It’s a great way to teach appreciation for the environment and connect creativity with the real world.

3. Clay Modeling Sessions

Clay art is not only tactile and fun, but also helps build fine motor skills. Kids can shape animals, vehicles, or even imaginative characters. Air-dry clay is easily available in craft stores and doesn’t require baking.

Add structure with themes like:

• Create your own zoo
• Make your family in clay
• Sculpt a monster or alien

Some art studios in Singapore, such as Art Journey, offer clay art workshops where children get to explore these concepts in a guided, hands-on setting.

4. Sand Art for Sensory Fun

Sand art is a sensory-rich activity that’s perfect for younger children. It’s colorful, messier in a fun way, and highly engaging. Kids pour colored sand into bottles or use glue to create sand paintings on paper.

There are affordable DIY kits available online, or you can sign up for a weekend sand art workshop — many local studios offer short sessions that parents can attend too.

5. Family Art Jamming

Art jamming isn’t just for adults. Many studios offer kid-friendly sessions where families can book a table and paint together. It’s a no-pressure, guided environment that encourages creativity and conversation.

Whether it’s abstract painting or following a theme, art jamming is a fantastic screen-free bonding activity that fills up a whole afternoon meaningfully.

Studios like Art Journey have flexible weekend slots and packages suitable for parents and kids of all ages.

6. Create a Weekend Art Challenge

Turn screen-free time into a game. Create a weekend-long “Art Challenge” where your child has to complete a small creative task each day. You can even involve siblings or friends and make it a friendly competition.

Example challenges:

• Day 1: Draw your favorite meal
• Day 2: Make a recycled sculpture
• Day 3: Paint with your non-dominant hand

Use a board to track progress and celebrate every completed piece.

7. DIY Puppet Making and Storytelling

Combine crafts with drama by helping your child create paper puppets or sock puppets. Once the characters are ready, they can write a short story or skit and perform it for the family.

Materials needed:

• Old socks or paper bags
• Markers, glue, and googly eyes
• Colored paper or fabric scraps

This encourages imaginative thinking and keeps them away from passive screen watching.

8. Scrapbooking or Art Journaling

Encourage kids to create a scrapbook or art journal about their week, a family outing, or something they’re passionate about. It’s a lovely way to combine drawing, writing, and crafting.

Let them use:

• Stickers
• Dried flowers
• Magazine cutouts
• Printed photos

Over time, this can become a meaningful keepsake — and a great alternative to digital memories.

9. Mosaic Art Exploration

Mosaic art involves arranging small pieces — like tiles, paper squares, or beads — into beautiful patterns or pictures. It’s a meditative and rewarding process that can keep kids engaged for hours.

You can DIY a mosaic using colored paper and glue, or book a class where kids work with real mosaic tiles. Art Journey offers beginner mosaic workshops that are safe, beginner-friendly, and perfect for a weekend family outing.

10. Collaborative Family Art Projects

Make creativity a family affair. Choose a large canvas or roll of paper and work together on a mural. Each family member contributes a part — a landscape, a doodle, or even some handprints.

The final result can be framed and hung up as a symbol of teamwork and togetherness. These projects show kids that art can be both personal and collaborative — and far more enriching than a few hours on YouTube or a tablet.

Why Art Is a Great Alternative to Screens

While screens can offer entertainment and education, hands-on art experiences help develop:

• Motor skills
• Focus and patience
• Critical thinking
• Emotional expression
• A sense of accomplishment

Best of all, art activities offer something tangible — a finished product your child can be proud of, instead of just digital content consumed and forgotten.