In today’s tech-savvy world, screens are everywhere—from tablets and TVs to video games and educational apps. While screen time can be entertaining and even enriching, too much of it can leave kids overstimulated and underactive. That’s why active play is just as important as screen-based learning or entertainment—if not more so.

Finding the right balance doesn’t mean eliminating screens altogether. It’s about creating a healthy routine that blends digital time with opportunities for movement, creativity, and social connection. With a few simple shifts, families can promote both fun and development through a mix of screen and active play.

Screen Time Guidelines by Age

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers general recommendations for screen use by age:

• Under 18 months: Avoid screen time, except for video chatting.

• 18–24 months: Choose high-quality programming and watch with your child to help them understand what they’re seeing.

• 2–5 years: Limit screen use to 1 hour per day of non-educational content and up to 3 hours per day on weekends. 

• 6+ years: Set consistent limits to ensure screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other behaviors.

It’s not just about how much screen time kids are getting—but what they’re watching and how it's being used. Educational programs can support learning, but too much passive screen use can interfere with physical development, sleep, and mental well-being.

Why Active Play Is Essential for Growing Kids

Physical movement is key to healthy childhood development—and kids naturally love to move. Whether they’re running, jumping, climbing, or dancing, active play helps them grow stronger, more confident, and emotionally balanced.

Here’s what active play supports:

• Physical Health: Builds strength, improves coordination, and supports bone and muscle development.

• Mental and Emotional Wellness: Movement increases mood-regulating chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, helping kids sleep better, focus longer, and feel calmer.

• Social Skills: Group play encourages sharing, problem-solving, and cooperation—all of which are vital for childhood development.
  

Signs Your Child Might Need More Active Play

Too much screen time and not enough movement can show up in subtle ways. Here are some signs your child may need more opportunities to burn off energy:

• Irritability or mood swings after screen use

• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

• Lack of interest in physical or imaginative play

• High energy with no clear outlet for release

If you’re noticing these behaviors regularly, it might be time to shift the balance and prioritize more physical activity.

Strategies to Balance Screen Time with Active Play

Creating balance doesn’t have to mean cutting out screens entirely. It’s about designing a daily routine that includes movement and making play feel just as rewarding as screen-based activities.

Try these tips:

Set Structured Screen Time Limits 

Establish clear daily limits for screen use, and stick to them as a family. Use timers, screen time apps, or even visual schedules to help kids understand when it's time to switch gears. These boundaries prevent endless scrolling or video binges and make room for other types of play.

Add Movement to Your Routine 

Incorporate short bursts of activity throughout the day, especially between screen sessions or schoolwork. Simple actions like jumping, stretching, or running outside for ten minutes help reset focus and release energy. Over time, these breaks become healthy habits that balance out sedentary periods.

Use Screen Time as a Reward

Encourage kids to earn screen time by first engaging in physical play or completing tasks. This approach shifts the mindset from passive consumption to active motivation. It also reinforces the idea that movement and responsibility come first—without using screens as a punishment or bribe.

Make Physical Play Exciting

Offer engaging, age-appropriate options that make active play feel fun, not forced. Kids are more likely to stay active if they have access to cool toys like scooters, balance beams, or play equipment like the Jungle Jumparoo. The key is to make movement something they look forward to, not something they “have” to do.

 

Easy Ideas to Encourage More Active Play

Getting kids moving doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. Here are a few easy ideas to make active play part of your everyday routine:

Backyard Obstacle Courses

Use cones, boxes, hula hoops, or even pool noodles to create a simple and exciting obstacle course right in your backyard. Kids love the challenge of climbing over, crawling under, and jumping through different stations. It’s a great way to build strength, coordination, and problem-solving skills—all while having fun.

Jumping Toys

Jumping toys like the Jungle Jumparoo offer a safe, engaging way for kids to bounce, climb, and move their bodies. They’re ideal for toddlers to preteens and work well indoors or outdoors. Plus, jumping is a great sensory activity that helps kids regulate energy and improve balance.

Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts

Heading outside for a walk becomes much more exciting when you turn it into a game. Create a scavenger hunt with items like colorful leaves, bugs, sticks, or specific shapes. This encourages observation skills, physical movement, and a deeper connection to the outdoors.

Family Fitness Time

Make active play a family affair by joining in on the movement. You can have dance-offs in the living room, try simple yoga poses together, or ride bikes around the neighborhood. Kids are more likely to get moving when they see their parents having fun doing it too.

Creating a Play-Friendly Environment at Home

Kids are more likely to choose active play when their environment encourages it. A few intentional changes can make a big difference:

• Designate a play zone indoors or outdoors that invites movement and exploration.

• Keep toys visible and ready to use. Out of sight often means out of mind—make play inviting!

• Rotate toys and activities to keep kids engaged and avoid boredom. Switching up options keeps play fresh and exciting.
  
  

A Healthier Balance Starts with Small Steps

You don’t need to overhaul your household to make a positive shift. Start with one active play session a day, build on it, and see what works best for your child’s energy and personality. Over time, your family will find a rhythm that feels natural and sustainable.

For kids who love to bounce, climb, and play with others, the Jungle Jumparoo is a great starting point. It encourages movement, balance, and group play—all while keeping kids off screens and actively engaged.

Healthy habits start with small changes—and play is the perfect place to begin.