After-School Activities for Kids Ages 9–12 That Don’t Involve Screens

Why Screen-Free Time Matters After School

After a long school day, it’s tempting to let our kids unwind in front of a screen — and sometimes, that’s totally okay. But if you’re a parent of a 9 to 12-year-old who’s already spent hours glued to a Chromebook or staring at smartboards, you might be wondering: “What else can they do after school to decompress, learn, and just be kids — without screens?”

The good news? Kids this age deeply crave connection, creativity, and agency. They want to be entertained, yes — but also inspired, challenged, and part of something bigger than a YouTube algorithm. And while it might take a little effort to suggest another activity when they’re flopped on the couch, what you offer could truly transform their afternoon.

Tapping into Their Sense of Quest and Growth

Kids in this age range love a sense of purpose. They’ve outgrown pretend play, but they haven’t outgrown imagination. What they need now are meaningful challenges — things that make them feel capable, resourceful, and maybe even a little heroic.

Think of structured, screen-free activities that give your child a sense of progress. This could be:

• Working on a bigger creative project over time (like writing and illustrating their own comic book)
• Learning a practical skill like sewing, woodwork, or making short stories with stop-motion figures (crafted by hand!)
• Joining a local community group or club—anything from robotics to chess to nature walks

If you're looking for more long-term ideas that keep kids engaged during quieter seasons, this article on engaging activities during school breaks is also filled with adaptable ideas.

Reclaiming the Joy of Physical Movement

Afternoons can be the perfect time to stretch — literally. Physical activity is a screen-free essential that doesn’t need to look like signing up for an organized sport. Even going outside to create an obstacle course with what’s in the yard or experimenting with martial arts moves they saw in a book can be wonderfully freeing.

If the weather’s uncooperative or your child isn't athletically inclined, think out of the box: what about dance choreography to music, indoor scavenger hunts, or yoga designed for kids? Help them discover that moving their body isn’t about competition — it’s about joy, energy release, and self-expression.

Let Them Make the Rules (Sometimes)

Children approaching their tween years crave autonomy. Let them be the architect of their own play from time to time. Give them the freedom to create — not just to follow instructions. This could look like:

• Inventing their own board or card game
• Organizing a talent show at home (yes, just for your family!)
• Setting up their own version of a weekly “club,” complete with rules, snacks, and tasks

If you’re curious about how games can build independence even in younger children, you might enjoy this piece on games that build independence.

Using Audio to Inspire Creativity

Some afternoons call for winding down. After school, kids often need calm stimulation — something that entertains without overloading their brains. This is where audiobooks and audio series really shine. They engage the imagination, improve listening skills, and most importantly, give little eyes a break from blue light.

The LISN Kids App offers a wide range of original audiobooks and stories crafted especially for children ages 3 to 12. Whether your child loves mysteries, funny adventures, or audio series with unforgettable characters, LISN provides an enriching alternative to screens. You can find it on iOS or Android.

When You Need Help Planning Ahead

Sometimes, what parents need most is predictability. Having a few ready-made ideas can keep the momentum going and cut down the "what should I do now?" negotiations.

Start by setting up a simple rhythm: on Mondays, maybe it’s board games; Wednesdays could be “maker days”; Fridays might be for storytelling or crafting challenges. Keep things flexible, but a loose structure helps everyone know what to expect. Our guide to how to plan a screen-free day offers more structured suggestions if you’re looking to create a routine that works for your family.

Resisting the Pressure to Entertain

It’s easy to feel that you need to constantly fill your child’s time — especially if they seem bored without a screen. But boredom isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s often the birthplace of creativity.

Offer simple prompts: “What could you build out of nothing but kitchen items?” “Can you draw a map to a hidden world?” This kind of low-pressure, open-ended idea gives your child the reins without overwhelming you with setup or supervision.

If creativity feels elusive (or if your child resists your ideas), start small. This article on encouraging creativity at home includes insights that are just as relevant for older children as well.

Going Forward with Confidence… and Patience

Finding the right mix of after-school activities for your 9 to 12-year-old isn’t always about doing more — it’s about offering the right kind of experiences. Whether it's tapping into their sense of adventure, helping them feel capable, or simply giving them space to unwind in a non-digital way, each little choice you make adds up.

And remember: building a home culture that values curiosity over consumption takes time. Be gentle with yourself, and with your child. Try one thing, observe what works, and slowly reshape those crucial after-school hours into screen-free moments of magic.