Alternatives for Families Who Spend Too Much Time Watching TV

In a world of technology, it is becoming the norm to switch on the television set as soon as you walk through the door. It has turned into such a habit for some people that their kids aren’t even totally aware of the fact that there are alternative activities in which to partake. If you would like to break the habit, but can’t think of what to do, here are a few suggestions to get your family doing something different.

1. Build a Fort – Almost nothing compares to the excitement and secrecy of building a fort. Some of the most memorable childhood moments are sitting under a blanket draped over some chairs. You and your child can build a fort and create a new world to play in.
2. Play Games – Whether you have board games, a set of playing cards or create your own games, playing a game is a great way to get the gears in your head moving. Most games can be tweaked to fit all ages of children, so if you have a really young child who might not understand complex rules, simplify them until she’s old enough to play the “right” way.
3. Create a Scrapbook – You know all of those photos that you take and swear you’re going to print off and put into an album or a scrapbook? If you turn off the television for an extra hour each day, imagine how many scrapbooks you and your child could make together. Aside from the creativity involved in scrapbooking, it’s also a way to look back on that family vacation you took and remember the adventures you had together.
4. Ride Your Bikes – What’s more refreshing than taking a bike ride? Not many things come to mind! Turn off that TV and dust off those bikes in the garage. Go for a ride around the block or take your bikes to a local park and ride the trails.
5. Fly a Kite – Granted, this activity depends on a certain type of weather, but it’s always a fun time. Find a big open field and let loose.
6. Clean the House/Organize – After a long day of work, the temptation to flip on the television and relax can be a strong one. Instead, try cleaning the house as a family. The kids can help dust and wash windows while you take care of vacuuming. They learn the value of picking up after themselves and the house is sparkling clean in a fraction of the time.
7. Read a Book – Reading a book is a free activity that everyone can enjoy. Either read to your child if they are too young to read for themselves, or have him read to you! If you don’t think you have time to read, consider listening to audiobooks.
8. Bake Something – Baking is always fun and there’s always something for everyone to do. One person can get out the ingredients while another starts mixing them together. Just be sure to supervise anytime the oven or stove is involved.
9. Go to the Zoo – A trip to the zoo is always an adventure. Talk with your child beforehand to confirm what her favorite animal is so you can be sure to visit them when you get there.
10. Make/Blow Bubbles – You can turn a favorite pastime into a new activity with your little one. Mix your own bubbles, then head outside with your concoction.
11. Stargazing – While your neighbors are watching television at night when they get home from work, consider going outside to look up at the stars. Teach your children the constellations. If you don’t know the constellations either, look them up together first and then go out and find them.
12. Do a Puzzle – Puzzles are a way to pass the time while always doing something different. You are never searching for the same piece after you’ve already found one.
13. Learn to Play an Instrument – Have you always wanted to know how to play the guitar or the piano? Now is your chance! If each member of your family has a different instrument they would like to learn, you can turn yourselves into a unique band.
14. Volunteer – There are always organizations around your community looking for a good group of volunteers to help them out. Take your family out for the day and work with your favorite organization.
15. Meditate – Here is your chance to take a deep breath and relax. Meditation is a way to bring inner peace to you and your family.
16. Knit/Crochet – If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, learn together. There are little crafts similar to these that are geared toward children. You and your kids can knit hats and scarves and anything you can think of together.
17. Go to the Library – The library is more than just a building filled with books. There are usually activities geared toward kids and families scheduled. Check with your local library to see what events are coming up.
18. Plant a Garden – Whether it’s a vast garden with a dozen different vegetables or a garden filled with your favorite flowers, it’s a way to get outside and have something to do. Since a garden needs upkeep, it is a good excuse to go outside every day.
19. Play Hide and Seek – In the Dark! – Put a new twist on an old favorite. It’s the same basic rules as playing hide and seek, but this time, the seeker has to find the hiders in the dark. If you are the hider, make sure to keep nice and quite so it’s harder for the seeker to find you!
20. Draw/Color/Paint – Bring out the crayons, markers and paints and make a day of it. Cover your fridge and your walls with your children’s creations.
21. Go Fish – No, not the card game, although that’s fun too. Get out, rent a boat and grab your fishing gear! Make a day of it by packing a picnic to eat on the boat or on a sandy spot on the shore.
22. Stilts – Build a set of stilts for you and another set for your kids and have fun watching each other try to learn to walk in them. Soon you will all be pros.
23. Build a Birdhouse – If your children love nature, what better way to bring them a little closer to it than to build a birdhouse for all those little baby birds to grow up in? There are birdhouse kits you can buy, or you can just build one on the fly.
24. Exercise – Get up and start moving! Find an exercise routine that everyone in your family enjoys doing. It doesn’t have to be an actual routine, just anything that gets everyone moving. It could even be a dance party or a game of tag.
25. Go to a Sporting Event – There are local sports teams for almost every sport that you can go see or you can take a special trip to see a favorite professional team. Sports are more fun to watch in person than on television anyway

Source: (http://www.nannyjobs.net/blog/25-great-alternatives-for-families-who-spend-too-much-time-watching-tv/)