April 17, 2026
Slime
8
min read

How to Get Your Kids Off Their Phones (Without a Fight)

You’ve tried the timer. The “five more minutes.” The bargaining, the negotiating, the deep sighing. And still, screens win.

If you’re running out of ideas for things to do instead of being on your phone, you’re not alone, and neither are your kiddos.

Because here’s the quiet truth: it’s not really about taking something away. It’s about offering something better.

The kind of screen-free activities that don’t feel like a replacement. The secret? Slimey play at one of our Sloomoo locations can do just that.

Why Stepping Away from Screens Is Worth It

There’s a moment, you’ve probably seen it, when your kiddo forgets about the screen entirely.

It usually happens mid-laugh. Mid-mess. Mid-something playful.

That’s the joy of stepping away and reconnecting to their imagination and sense of play! 

Co-founders Karen Robinovitz and Sara Schiller have always described Sloomoo Institute as a place where you don’t just “do” something, you feel it. That’s the difference. Kiddos don’t miss screens when they’re fully immersed in something slimey, social, and full of joy.

Screen-Free Activities Kids Actually Want to Do

Not all screen-free activities are created equal. Some feel like chores in disguise. These are the ones that don’t.

1. Hands-On, Get-Messy Play

Slime, paint, clay… anything tactile and immersive. It’s not just fun, it’s regulating! Like a break for your brain. 

2. Social Play That Feels Like a Treat

Playdates with a twist! Something interactive. An experience they can share and dive into with friends. 

3. Interactive Experiences

This is where places like Sloomoo Institute shine. It’s hands-on, fully-immersed play that kiddos ask to go back to! If you’re looking to build more screen-free days into your routine, this is the kind of outing that makes it easy.

Ready to trade the screens for something unforgettable? Find a Sloomoo near you.

Stuck Inside? Here’s Where to Actually Go

When it’s raining and everyone’s bored, the list of things to do in the rain gets short fast.

You can only bake so many cookies. Only build so many forts.

This is where indoor experiences are your playful escape! If you’re searching for things to do near you indoors, what you really want is somewhere your kiddos can move, touch, explore, and play. 

That’s why families keep coming back to Sloomoo Institute. It’s not just something to do indoors, it’s an interactive experience. A place where energy has somewhere to go, creativity is unleashed, and “I’m bored” doesn’t exist.

Where to Take Kids for a Real Screen-Free Experience

If you’ve ever Googled “slime places near me,” what you’re really looking for is Sloomoo Institute

Part multi-sensory playground, part creative studio, it’s designed for interactive play. From 5 to 55, there’s something joyful for everyone to discover. 

Deeply intentional, the Co-Founders built Sloomoo around the idea that play is powerful! It can calm, connect, and completely shift your mood [in the best way]. You feel that instant mood-lift as soon as you walk in, like it’s your permission to leave everything at the door and just dive into joy.

If you’re looking for slime places near you, Sloomoo is the one families talk about again, and again, and again. 

Explore locations in: Atlanta | Boston | Chicago | Houston | Los Angeles | New York | Philadelphia

Or just find your closest Sloomoo here

The Screen-Free Activities Everyone Is Asking About

What are good screen free activities for kids?

The best screen-free activities are the ones that don’t feel like substitutes. Think interactive play, hands-on creativity, and immersive experiences. Visiting Sloomoo Institute is a standout because it combines all three. Kiddos aren’t just entertained, they’re fully engaged! You can also explore options like creative play at home with subscriptions and DIY slime-making kits, or plan something special like a Sloomoo birthday party.

What can kids do instead of being on their phones?

If you’re searching for things to do instead of being on your phone, start with activities that use their hands and imagination. Slime-making, building, crafting, or interactive outings work best because they replace, not restrict, the experience. A visit to Sloomoo Institute gives kids something screens can’t… the rewarding feeling of unleashing your creativity and creating something uniquely yours.

What are fun things to do near me inside?

When you’re looking for things to do near you inside, skip the passive options and go for something immersive. Indoor experiences like Sloomoo Institute are designed for movement and creativity, making them ideal for rainy days, weekends, or anytime you need an energy reset.

Is Sloomoo a good screen-free activity for kids?

Yes! And not just “good,” but genuinely effective. Sloomoo Institute is built around sensory, hands-on play that naturally pulls kids away from screens. It’s immersive, social, and just the right amount of unexpected. Parents often say it’s one of the few outings where kiddos don’t ask for their phones once.

How do I plan a screen-free day that kids actually enjoy?

Start with one anchor activity that feels exciting, not obligatory. A visit to Sloomoo Institute can set the tone for the whole day. It opens up their brains to creativity and connection that screens close off. And once their play is over, they’ll be tired out and ready for bed.

Find your nearest Sloomoo today!