Screen-free games, flashlight activities and calming routines that keep children busy and relaxed during a power outage, without draining batteries.
- Give children small jobs and keep routines to reduce worry.
- Pack an outage box with cards, paper, pencils and a puzzle.
- Keep kids away from flames, heaters and generators.
Children can handle a power outage better than most adults, as long as they stay busy and feel safe. Boredom and worry are the real problem. When the screens go dark, kids look to you for cues. If you treat it like a small adventure, they usually follow your lead.
This guide gives you simple ideas for different ages, plus tips to save batteries and keep everyone calm. Pack a few of these items into a small "outage box" before you need it.
Set the tone first
Explain what is happening in plain words: the power is out, helpers are working on it, and the family has a plan. Let children help with small jobs, such as holding a flashlight, counting batteries or setting up the sleeping area. Giving a task reduces anxiety. Keep routines such as meals and bedtime as normal as you can.
Set a few safety rules at once: flashlights only, no candles for kids, stay inside the lit area, and no touching anything hot or any heating equipment. If you do use candles, read our candle safety guide and keep children away from open flames.
Screen-free games
- Cards and board games: Keep a deck and one or two simple games in the outage box.
- Story time: Read aloud by lantern light, or make up a story where each person adds a sentence.
- Guessing games: Twenty questions, charades, "I spy" and riddles need no supplies.
- Drawing and writing: Paper, pencils and crayons are cheap and endless. Draw a map of the house, write a letter to a relative or keep an "outage diary."
- Building: Blocks, building sets, pillow forts and cardboard boxes keep younger kids busy for a long time.
- Puzzles: Jigsaws and word puzzles suit all ages, and they are quiet.
Flashlight and dark fun
Darkness can be fun when you control it. Try shadow puppets on a wall, a flashlight scavenger hunt in one room, or "flashlight tag" where the person with the light freezes others. For safety, keep activities inside a small, cleared space, and avoid stairs. A battery lantern in the centre of the room makes a good campfire substitute for songs and stories. See our lighting guide for light options that suit children.
Move your body
Kids burn energy, and a tired child sleeps better. Play indoor games such as "the floor is lava" with cushions, simple yoga, dance to songs you sing yourselves, or race with balloons. If it is safe and not freezing, go outside for a short walk in daylight and look for neighbours who might need help (see neighbour check-ins). In cold weather, keep activity gentle, so no one gets sweaty and chilled. Check how to stay warm without power if the house is cooling.
Use batteries wisely
Screens are not off limits, but they should be a treat. Decide ahead how much phone or tablet time is allowed, and make sure devices are in low power mode. Download a few offline videos, audiobooks and games before storms. Save your power bank for communication and the radio. For charging tips, see how to keep phones charged. A hand crank or battery radio can also be a fun activity when kids tune in for updates (see emergency radios).
Calm bedtime
Bedtime in the dark can be hard. Use a dim battery nightlight, keep a flashlight within reach, and let children sleep near you. A familiar toy, a short story and slow breathing help. If someone is frightened, stay close and keep the explanation simple.
Afterward, ask kids what they liked best. You may find that the outage becomes a favourite family memory, and you will have learned what to add to your outage box for next time.
Quick answers
How do I keep a toddler busy without screens?
Offer blocks, pots and spoons, picture books, safe pillow forts and simple songs. Keep them close and supervised.
Should I let kids use tablets in an outage?
In moderation. Use low power mode and keep your power bank for phones and the radio.
How can I help a scared child?
Stay close, keep the explanation simple, use a battery nightlight and keep normal routines where possible.