Take a break from adulthood duties and relive some happy childhood pastimes from days before smartphones!
I'm so glad my childhood was before smartphones and social media existed.
I had a chance to learn all the ways to have fun without the internet, and so I often revisit some of my favourite childhood pastimes as inspiration for getting offline.
Kids really know how to have fun and live in the moment. They're creative, silly, energetic and all the things we wish we could be more of as adults.
Here are a few activities to try and regain that childlike sense of fun, instead of wasting your day in front of a screen...
(Note: It hopefully goes without saying, but please don't be weird about it. Some of these ideas involve being child-ish but are never excuses to invade kids' spaces or boundaries!)
Play with Lego
I am more of a K’nex fan (I recently completed an 8000+ piece K'nex project - it was so much fun!), although I love Lego too, and still regularly play with the kits I’ve had since I was a kid. I even create practical things like mini shelves, key rings and photo frames.
But for now, let's focus on play. Why not take a trip to your local toy or Lego store and pick out a new kit? You can choose from specific designs where you complete a step-by-step or pick up a box of pieces that allow you to create your own designs from scratch.
This kind of play encourages more fun, creativity and mindfulness in your life. Play is something we should dedicate more time to as adults!
Watch cartoons
Revisit your favourite childhood cartoons! I habitually watch them most weekends, with a bowl of cereal in the mornings.
They will put you in a great mood to start the day with.
Make a fort
Creating a cosy fort with pillows, blankets, and other household items is a great way to relive childhood adventures. You can make one under a table, between couches, or against a wall.
- Arrange sturdy cushions or chairs as the fort's base.
- Drape blankets over the framework, allowing them to hang down to form walls. Use clothespins or clips to secure blankets together and create entrances.
- Pile on cushions for comfy seating inside.
- Enhance the atmosphere with soft lighting, like fairy lights or flashlights, and gather your favourite snacks and books for a perfect hideaway.
Some things you can do inside your new cosy fort: play puzzles, listen to music or podcasts, drink tea, journal, knit, draw, play with your pet, play guitar or take a nap!
Play video games from your childhood
Who doesn't love some classic Mario Kart, Street Fighter or The Sims? Dust off an old SNES, use online emulators or make a DIY retro game console.
You can also purchase remastered versions of old games like Spyro or Crash Bandicoot to play on modern consoles.
Visit an arcade
If your nearest city has an arcade, this can be a fun and nostalgic way to spend an afternoon if you have some spare coins to use up.
The vibrant atmosphere, thrilling rides, and classic arcade games offer a chance to momentarily shed adult responsibilities and recapture the exhilaration of childhood.
Eat candy
A simple one.
What kind of candy did you like to eat as a kid? Take a trip to a local sweet shop or find a shop that offers Pick ‘n’ Mix and pick out your old favourites.
I love visiting old-fashioned sweet shops and re-living the childhood memory of picking out penny sweets and lollipops from jars behind a counter.
Read comics
Take a trip down memory lane with your favourite childhood comic books and magazines.
If you don't own any already you can find them at second-hand stores, charity shops and eBay. You may even find some in your local library.
Make something with Hama beads
Hama beads (aka Perler beads) are little plastic beads that you arrange onto a board and iron to fuse together into a finished design. You can make pixel art, coasters, jewellery, key chains, accessories, etc.
This is such a fun and easy craft that will bring back fond memories if you had a box of these as a kid.
Make a DIY science experiment
Consider this your homework.
Here is a great resource for easy DIY experiments to try at home, using items you likely already have. These are fun and educational for both kids and adults!
Go trampolining
Some cities have trampolining centres or adult classes that either allow you to just go wild and have fun or offer directed training for tricks and gymnastics.
The other option is to get your own trampoline! If you have space in your yard or even consider a mini trampette for your living room.
Go to the beach and build sandcastles
If you're lucky enough to live near a beach - make the most of it and have a fun-filled beach day.
Grab a cheap bucket and spade from a pound shop/dollar store and build an epic sandcastle.
If your local beach isn't sandy - try rockpool fishing, stone-skimming or just go swimming and paddling. Consider fun floats and doughnut rings for swimming also.
Go to a playground and ride on the swings
Only do this if the playground is empty or nearly empty!
If the swingset is free, grab a seat and relive this happy childhood pastime.
If you're with a friend, you can take turns pushing each other or try the see-saw or roundabout, and whatever else the playground offers.
Play with Playdoh
Create silly characters with playdough or modelling clay.
You could even create a stop-motion/claymation video with them.
Visit a museum
Take a trip to your nearest city's science or natural history museums. You can go alone or with a friend.
This educational activity can remind you of the excitement you felt as a child - viewing the exhibits, experiments, and displays that pique your curiosity and eagerness to explore. It's a chance to relive that sense of wonder you had when learning about the universe and science.
Pack a lunch, bring a notepad and pen and wander around (or take a guided tour) and learn cool stuff.
Play mini golf
Best played with a friend but can be fun to do alone too. Get out and enjoy an active afternoon instead of sitting at home looking at a screen!
Side benefit: If you play golf as an adult - mini golf can actually be great putting practice.
Visit a theme park
I've personally never been one for rollercoasters and scary rides but still enjoy some of the "baby" rides (like teacups) because I'm a wuss.
But whether you're an adrenaline junkie or not - this can still be a fun day out, as there is usually something for everyone.
Blow bubbles
Whether it's a small package of bubbles or a huge wand to blow massive bubbles - it's all fun! You can even get bubble guns.
This is a really relaxing and mindful activity to do outdoors (or indoors as long as you don't spill too much water).
Make chalk art on the sidewalk
Chalk art is one of the best forms of street art because it washes off effortlessly.
Grab some cheap chalk from your local arts & craft shop and get creative. You could write a message for people or draw funny faces, animals etc.
Go to a toy store and treat yourself to something
Who says toys have to just be for kids? If you spot a toy that fills you with excitement or curiosity - treat yo self.
It could be a puzzle, stuffed animal, remote-controlled car or drone, Lego set, Robot toy etc.
Hula hoop and jump rope
Adult jump rope is always aimed at fitness benefits (cos it's great exercise) but it's also just fun!
Even Hula-hooping has become a fitness craze for adults. But its success is based on the fun and enjoyment it provides.
Conclusion
Channelling child-like fun and joy is a great way to make you feel connected to life and let go of worries and troubles, even if only for a while.
Leave a Reply