Screen-Free Play

We've put 10 popular screen-free toys and activities side-by-side so you can compare prices, features and age ranges at a glance. Find the best option for your family and budget with our independent comparison.

✓ Independently researched 3 products 1 buying guides Updated August 2026
Top picks in Screen-Free Play
Crayola Inspiration Art Case
Crayola #1
Crayola Inspiration Art Case
mum. Approved
$39.99 at Toymate
Read review →
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel
Melissa & Doug #2
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel
approx. RRP $90
Read review →
Faber-Castell #3
Faber-Castell Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin
approx. RRP $25
Read review →

Buying guides and reviews 1

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Start here: our in-depth, head-to-head guides for this category.

All screen-free play 3

Tick any to compare side-by-side.

Crayola Inspiration Art Case
Crayolamum. Approved

Crayola Inspiration Art Case

★ Best for budding young artists
from$39.991 retailer
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel
Melissa & Doug

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel

Best permanent art station
approx. RRP $90
Read review →
Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin

Best for sensory explorers
approx. RRP $25
Read review →

Also price-tracked 27

Stocked at two or more retailers we track, so you can compare prices. We have not reviewed these, so they carry no mum. Approved badge.

Tidy Magnetic Drawing Board
Boori

Tidy Magnetic Drawing Board

from$89.955 retailers
Tidy Pikler Climbing Board V23
Boori

Tidy Pikler Climbing Board V23

from$91.953 retailers
Honeysticks Beeswax Crayons Originals 10pk
Honeysticks

Honeysticks Beeswax Crayons Originals 10pk

from$19.953 retailers
Tent (for Tidy Climbing Gym)
Boori

Tent (for Tidy Climbing Gym)

from$85.953 retailers
Tidy Balance Board
Boori

Tidy Balance Board

from$69.953 retailers
Oh Flossy Magic Garden Face Paint Set
Oh Flossy

Oh Flossy Magic Garden Face Paint Set

from$39.953 retailers
Tidy Climbing Gym
Boori

Tidy Climbing Gym

from$411.953 retailers
Nuage Interiors Ludo Tumble Mat
Nuage Interiors

Nuage Interiors Ludo Tumble Mat

from$3003 retailers
Nuage Interiors Qubo Block Playset
Nuage Interiors

Nuage Interiors Qubo Block Playset

from$2493 retailers
Nuage Interiors Arche Playset
Nuage Interiors

Nuage Interiors Arche Playset

from$3993 retailers
Nuage Interiors Tobo Block Playset
Nuage Interiors

Nuage Interiors Tobo Block Playset

from$5493 retailers
Nuage Interiors Quincy Ball Pit
Nuage Interiors

Nuage Interiors Quincy Ball Pit

from$3193 retailers
Nuage Interiors Arlo Slide
Nuage Interiors

Nuage Interiors Arlo Slide

from$3503 retailers
Done by Deer Sand Play 5 Piece Set
Done by deer

Done by Deer Sand Play 5 Piece Set

from$51.962 retailers
Tool Set
FLEXA

Tool Set

from$47.962 retailers
Two Nomads Ultimate Mat
Two Nomads

Two Nomads Ultimate Mat

from$31.992 retailers
Honeysticks My First Paint Brush Set, 3 Pack
Honeysticks

Honeysticks My First Paint Brush Set, 3 Pack

from$12.952 retailers
Washable Crayon Pens
HeyDoodle

Washable Crayon Pens

from$13.802 retailers
InkRedibles Colour Burst Gabby's Dollhouse
Inkredibles

InkRedibles Colour Burst Gabby's Dollhouse

from$9.992 retailers
Tidy Pikler Climbing Triangle & Ramp 2 Piece Set
Boori

Tidy Pikler Climbing Triangle & Ramp 2 Piece Set

from$2092 retailers
Groceries
FLEXA

Groceries

from$49.952 retailers
Boucle Ball Pit
Nuage Interiors

Boucle Ball Pit

from$2992 retailers
Silkies Paint Sticks | Set of 12
My Creative Box

Silkies Paint Sticks | Set of 12

from$19.952 retailers
Boori Tidy Climbing Triangle
Boori

Boori Tidy Climbing Triangle

from$119.952 retailers
Boori Tidy Climbing Arch
Boori

Boori Tidy Climbing Arch

from$99.952 retailers
Nuage Interiors Léon Activity Table
Nuage Interiors

Nuage Interiors Léon Activity Table

from$7992 retailers
Tiger Tribe Dot Paints
Tiger Tribe

Tiger Tribe Dot Paints

from$19.992 retailers

How to choose screen-free play in Australia

When choosing screen-free play products, look for age-appropriate items that genuinely hold your child's attention. Art supplies should be non-toxic and meet AS/NZS ISO 8124 safety standards (check the packaging). Washable options from brands like Crayola save serious headaches with toddlers, while older kids might appreciate quality materials from Faber-Castell that grow with their skills. Craft kits offer great value if they include enough supplies for multiple sessions, not just one-and-done projects. Consider your storage space and mess tolerance too. Large easels are brilliant for keen artists but take up room, while compact activity sets work better for flats or rotating toys in and out. Australian retailers like Big W and Kmart stock affordable everyday supplies, while specialty stores often carry open-ended materials that encourage creative play over following instructions. Whatever you choose, products that can be used in different ways typically deliver better long-term value than single-purpose items.

How we compare. mum.com.au reviews are independent. We research every product and compare them honestly. A ✓ Verified price is one we’ve checked live at the named retailer; approx. RRP is an indicative recommended price from our research, not a live retailer price. Always check the retailer for the latest price.