Hello!

The other day, my kids (Emmy, 11; Jack, 10) asked what life was like “back in the 1900s.” I’ll admit I took issue with the way this sounded—were they picturing me in Edwardian dress while carrying a lace parasol? After a little more thought, I realized they are, in fact, growing up in an entirely different world. My childhood was blissfully simple, spent mostly roaming the neighborhood on my bike, splashing around creeks, making mud pies, and idolizing Debbie Gibson.

Kids these days (mine included) have so much more going on. It seems their lives are scheduled down to the minute, and they are constantly on screens, so when confronted with rare pockets of downtime, they struggle with what to do. 

But we’re here to help fix that! This kids’ book features 175 exciting screen-free activities for kids ages 7 to 12 and is chock full of ideas for indoors and outside. There are six main sections based on whether your child is feeling playful (balloon games!), outdoorsy (kick the can!), creative (yarn slap bracelets!), antsy (kite-flying!), festive (party decor!), or generous (kindness rocks!). And there’s a lot of stuff packed in these pages that I kinda want to do myself, like a DIY time capsule or a mason jar bird feeder. 

Here’s to helping kids enjoy a little old-school fun. Because childhood only lasts so long, and screens are better suited for porches, don’t you think?

Rachel Hardage Barrett
Editor-in-Chief

This fun-filled book is kid-tested and kid-approved! No matter your mood, there are tons of things to explore, make, and celebrate.

Feeling Playful?

Design the perfect sock puppet, form a family jam band, or even make your own checkerboard! Kids will have a blast as they dive into a diverse range of activities that spark creativity and exploration.

In an Outdoorsy Mood?

Nature is the perfect craft store, and studio space rolled into one! Get inspired to create flower crowns, hang tire swings, and even build an outdoor obstacle course.

Creativity Calls!

 Let your imagination soar with exciting projects like designing coffee filter flowers, making bandana lights, and baking whimsical cupcakes and cookies (pssst, they’re almost too adorable to eat!).

Got Ants in Your Pants?

Find calm by cloud gazing, bird watching, and building an awesome blanket fort (hint: use a shower curtain and hula hoop to create your secret hideaway).

Get Festive!

There’s always a holiday to celebrate! Enjoy the Lunar New Year with easy-to-bake almond cookies. Make Valentine’s Day treats to share with classmates, and paint Easter eggs or prize-worthy pumpkins for Halloween.

Kindness Is Cool!

Discover how to host a bake sale, create comfy beds for furry friends, or find ways to welcome new neighbors (make them a basket of goodies so they feel right at home).

Here’s What Country Living Readers Are Saying

“Great book for summertime fun….”

“...Fun and creative ideas for young and old alike!”

“This book really is FUN-tastic….”

“...I showed it to my six-year-old right away and she acted like it was Christmas morning!”