Screen-free art and craft activities for creative children

A good activity book gives children a place to begin creating, experimenting and exploring their own ideas. Whether they want to draw a tiny cat, colour an underwater scene, dress fairies for a ball or transform a cardboard box into something completely new, Usborne’s art and craft books offer plenty of screen-free ways to make, decorate and play.

This collection includes drawing books, colouring activities, sticker books, scratch art, cut-and-stick projects and make-and-do activities to suit different ages, interests and creative moods.

Start with drawing and colouring

For young artists, Cute Things to Draw and Colour is a friendly introduction to drawing and colouring. With simple, appealing designs, it is a lovely choice for children who want to create something fun without feeling overwhelmed.

For children who enjoy learning new skills step by step, More Step-by-Step Drawing provides plenty of ideas to follow and build on. Step-by-step drawing books can be a helpful way for children to discover that drawing is something they can learn, practise and enjoy.

Magic Colour Under the Sea, perfect for children aged 3+, offers a different kind of colouring experience. With just a paintbrush and water, children can reveal colourful underwater scenes and discover the magic of painting.

Add stickers, dressing-up and scene building

Sticker books are a wonderful way for children to create their own scenes, tell stories and explore their imagination. The Cosy Cafe Sticker Book invites children into a charming café world and includes more than 150 stickers to arrange and enjoy.

For children who love fashion, fantasy and creative details, Sticker Dolly Dressing Magical Fairy Ball Activity Book brings the much-loved Sticker Dolly Dressing series into a magical activity setting. Children can decorate scenes, dress characters and create their own fairy-tale moments.

Try scratch art, cut-and-stick and make-and-do activities

For children who enjoy surprises, Usborne Scratch Activities Mermaids combines creativity with discovery. By scratching away the surface, children can reveal colourful mermaid scenes hidden underneath.

Younger makers may enjoy Cut and Stick Animals and Cut and Stick Nature, which encourage children to cut, arrange and create their own pictures using simple craft techniques.

For a wider variety of projects, Lots of Easy Things to Make and Do offers plenty of accessible ideas to try. Summer Things to Make and Do brings the same hands-on creativity to sunny seasonal activities.

Explore summer crafts and nature activities

Seasonal activity books are a lovely way to connect creativity with the world around us. Summer Fun is part of Usborne’s First Activities series and includes a mix of crafts, puzzles and activities to keep younger children entertained during the summer months.

For preschool children who enjoy outdoor discoveries, Nature Fun combines simple crafts, puzzles and activities inspired by the natural world. It pairs beautifully with Cut and Stick Nature for children who love animals, plants, leaves and outdoor adventures.

Turn everyday materials into creative projects

Some of the most imaginative craft ideas begin with things children already have at home. What Can I Do with a Cardboard Box? encourages children to look at everyday objects in new ways and discover that a simple box can become almost anything.

What Can I Do with Paper and Paint? explores two classic craft materials through creative projects and open-ended ideas. It is a great choice for children aged 6+ who enjoy making, painting and experimenting.

For children who like creating something they can keep or share, Friendship Bracelets offers colourful projects that can be worn, gifted and enjoyed with friends.

Which book should you choose first?

For children who enjoy drawing and colouring, start with Cute Things to Draw and Colour or More Step-by-Step Drawing.

If stickers and decorating are their favourite activities, try The Cosy Cafe Sticker Book or Sticker Dolly Dressing Magical Fairy Ball Activity Book.

For hands-on making, choose Lots of Easy Things to Make and Do, Summer Things to Make and Do, Cut and Stick Animals or Cut and Stick Nature.

For magical reveals, Usborne Scratch Activities Mermaids offers a fun creative challenge. For nature-inspired activities, explore Nature Fun or Summer Fun.

And for children who see possibilities everywhere, What Can I Do with a Cardboard Box? and What Can I Do with Paper and Paint? are excellent places to start.

Screen-free creativity does not need to be complicated. Sometimes all children need is a page, a pencil, some colourful materials and the freedom to ask: “What shall I make next?”