50+ No Screen Time Activities for Babies (6–18 Months) — Including Travel Tips

If you’re trying to reduce screen time for your baby or survive a long-haul flight without a tablet, you’re not alone. Whether you’re at home or on the go, it is possible to keep your 6 to 18-month-old entertained without screens. The key? Simple, sensory-rich activities that support their development—and your sanity.

Here’s your ultimate list of screen-free baby activities that are both realistic and mom-tested, with a bonus section for long-haul travel.

Why Go Screen-Free with Babies?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 18 months (except for video chatting). And while we all have those “do what you gotta do” moments, having a go-to list of activities helps you avoid relying on screens when you don’t need to.

No Screen Time Activities for 6–18 Month Olds at Home

These ideas are easy to set up, use things you already have, and keep your baby engaged without turning to a device.

Sensory Play

• Water play in a shallow bowl or sink

• Cooked pasta, oats, or rice in texture bins

• Ice cube play with food coloring

• Silicone kitchen tools (whisks, spatulas, etc.)

• DIY shakers (bottles filled with rice or beans)

Music & Movement

• Dance parties to toddler playlists

• Crawling or walking “follow the leader”

• Hand games like Pat-a-Cake or Itsy Bitsy Spider

• Banging pots and pans (yes, it works)

• Drumming with containers and wooden spoons

Independent Play

• Montessori toys: stackers, rings, and sorters

• Treasure baskets with safe household items

• Board books with textures and flaps

• Soft dolls or stuffed animals

• Push walkers or pull toys

Nature-Based Play

• Stroller walks while naming objects

• Grass crawling or barefoot play

• Watering plants with a cup or dropper

• Leaf, stick, or rock collecting

• Bubble chasing or popping

Everyday Exploration

• A “safe” kitchen drawer to open

• Helping with laundry (pulling socks, shaking clothes)

• Mirror play with babbles and facial expressions

• Peek-a-boo with a soft cloth

• Snack sorting with puffs or fruit

No Screen Activities for Long-Haul Travel (Flights, Road Trips, Trains)

Traveling with a baby? You don’t need to rely on screens. Here’s what to pack and how to keep your little one busy.

Travel-Friendly Toys

• Stacking cups

• Pop-it toys or silicone fidgets

• Cloth books with textures and flaps

• Teething rings or chew-safe silicone toys

• Baby-safe mirrors (clip-on)

• Soft buckle toys or mini busy boards

• Reusable sticker books (for toddlers 12+ months)

• Portable Montessori object permanence toy

Quiet Movement & Music Games

• Finger puppets and whisper songs

• Nursery rhyme hand motions

• Lap bounces and rhythm games

• Peekaboo with a swaddle

• Clapping or tapping on tray tables

Low-Mess Sensory Activities

• Squishy pouch painting in a sealed ziplock

• Felt shapes or Velcro play

• Fabric strips in a tissue box for pulling

• Mini “treasure pouches” of soft objects

• Wipe-clean drawing boards (12+ months)

Edible Entertainment

• Cereal necklace (12+ months)

• Snack catcher cups

• Divided containers with favorite foods

• Silicone muffin liners with finger foods

• Spill-proof sippy cups with ice water

Pro Travel Tips

• Wrap toys in tissue paper for a DIY surprise

• Only offer one toy at a time—rotate every 20–30 minutes

• Use aisle walks or stretch breaks often

• Introduce one new toy they haven’t seen before

• Bring a muslin blanket for peekaboo or a mini fort

Final Thoughts

Screen-free doesn’t have to mean high-effort. With a little prep and creativity, you can keep your baby engaged at home or while traveling—without relying on YouTube or Cocomelon.

MamaLuxeLife Tip: Looking for more no screen time options? Check out our No Screen Time Favorites (6-18 Months) list for toys, tools, and sensory picks that keep babies 6–18 months engaged without screens—perfect for home, travel, or quiet time.

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