Hobbies And Interests
Board Games
Although newer board games may have electronic components, classic games require no power to operate. Teach your children a crossword board game to provide entertainment and increase her vocabulary. Trivia games can increase knowledge and mystery-based games can provide intrigue. Institute a family game night so everyone can participate. Don't be shy about offering up a more complicated game; even youngsters can enjoy checkers and its rule-laden cousin, chess.
Puzzles
The whole family can enjoy jigsaw puzzles, and puzzles are made for every age range. An older child who prefers a solitary activity may enjoy a book of word searches or mazes. Puzzles that require the child to build a structure so that it does not fall is another option, as are hand-held cubes that challenge users to manipulate them so that all sides have solid colors.
Blocks, Dolls and Action Figures
Interlocking blocks allow kids to be creative and build miniature houses or vehicles. They can create a mini village for battery-free action figures and dolls. Small cars that must be pushed, or run on momentum, are other options for battery-free toys. To get kids moving, you can buy them sports equipment, such as foam balls for younger children or baseballs and footballs for older ones.
Arts and Crafts
Craft supplies are almost always battery-free. Basic supplies such as watercolor paints, pencil crayons, ink stamps and construction paper are suitable for children. Complete craft kits designed for an entire project are also available. For the budding artist, an easel to create and display artwork is also an option.
Musical Instruments
Many musical instruments require batteries; however, it is still possible to purchase items like a child's string guitar, wooden xylophone, recorder and harmonica to encourage musical experimentation. With a little time spent practicing, a child may grow to prefer performing music to listening to it.