Turn off the screen, tune into life

As screens become ever-present companions, this Children’s Day offers the perfect chance for families to rediscover the joy of simple, shared experiences - painting, playing, watching birds, or cycling together.

Across the city, parents and organisers are planning creative, unplugged ways to make the day special.Colour outside the lines: Art as a family bondArt has become more than a pastime for children and parents, it’s now a meaningful way to unplug and connect. Suvam Moitra, City Head of an art event organiser, says, “Earlier, art used to be treated as a want, something you did only if you had spare time. But now, it has become a need of the hour.”

Across Kolkata, families are signing up for workshops in pottery, painting, and clay modelling, spending time creating together and rediscovering the joy of hands-on experiences.

Similarly, Devanshi Rungta, CEO of an art café, shares that their Children’s Day theme, “Little Artist Creations,” invites kids to explore Fluid Art, Clay Sculpting, and DIY crafts in a screen-free, imaginative environment. “Once children start painting or crafting, they naturally get absorbed -there’s laughter, focus, and genuine joy,” she explains.

From clay magnets to shared canvases, these workshops help children slow down, build confidence, and create lasting memories with their families.Game On: Active fun at the entertainment parkAt the entertainment park, children get to engage in lively, screen-free activities that combine fun with learning. PK Singh notes, “Instead of sitting with a controller, they jump, run, and engage their whole body. It’s fun that builds imagination, problem-solving, and teamwork — all without screens.”

Families like Ananya Bhowmik’s cherish these moments: “Jia, my elder one, and I have our own ‘dates’ there sometimes… my younger one, Mia, is always running, jumping, discovering something new — her eyes light up the moment we step in.

” The park provides an opportunity for kids to move, interact, and explore creatively while spending quality time with family.Nature in motion: Birdwatching and cycling with the familyChildren’s Day offers the perfect opportunity for families to explore nature and bond away from screens.

Early morning birdwatching walks in Kolkata, led by Titash Chakrabarti of School of Birds, take children and parents through marshlands, grasslands, and city parks, where kids spot resident and migratory species while creating daily lists and journals. “It’s completely organic - no assignments, just pure observation and joy,” says Chakrabarti.

Similarly, cycling together provides a moving conversation for families.

Riya Sharma, a parent, shares, “Riding alongside my daughter feels like a conversation on wheels, we laugh, talk, and share stories while moving together.” Both activities combine physical activity, curiosity, and quality time, giving children meaningful experiences while strengthening family connections.Screen-free activities to enjoy with kids• Paintball or laser tag adventures• Mini-golf or bowling sessions• Gardening or planting small herb/flower pots• Cooking or baking simple recipes together• Puzzle challenges or board games• Journaling or creative writing exercises• Storytelling and role-play games• Music and dance sessions at home• Visits to parks for swings, slides, or treasure hunts