Diwali vacation is finally here!

For children, it means no early-morning school alarms, no homework for a few days and plenty of time for sweets, celebrations, family visits and fun.

For parents, however, there's often another question:

How do we keep the kids engaged during the holidays without letting them spend the entire day on screens?

The good news is that Diwali vacation is the perfect time to bring back simple, interactive activities that encourage children to play, think, create and spend time with their families.

From board games and storytelling to creative activities and family challenges, here are some fun ideas to make the holiday more memorable.

1. Turn One Evening Into a Family Game Night

The easiest way to get everyone involved is to bring out a board game.

Instead of children playing separately on their devices, a family game brings everyone around one table.

For a Diwali-themed evening, Ramayan: Ek Veer Gatha 2.0 is a particularly meaningful choice.

The interactive board game takes players through Shri Ram's journey, from important chapters of the Ramayan to Ram Setu, Lanka, Ravan Vadh and ultimately Ghar Wapasi. Players make choices, complete challenges, collect Vardaan cards and use strategy throughout the journey.

With QR codes that unlock stories, hand-painted character dolls and gameplay designed for 2–4 players aged 7+, it gives children a way to experience the epic through play.

2. Make Mythology Interactive

Diwali is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to Indian stories and traditions.

But instead of simply asking them to read a story, why not make it interactive?

A game such as Ramayan & Mahabharat: Game of Sets can turn familiar characters and stories into a fun family activity.

Children can learn while playing, while parents and grandparents can share the stories and traditions they grew up with.

It becomes a beautiful way to connect different generations during the holidays.

3. Challenge the Family to a Strategy Battle

If your children enjoy competition, make strategy games part of the vacation.

Mahabharat: War of Thrones brings the world of the Mahabharat to the game table through alliances, battles, resource management and strategic decisions.

It can be a great choice for older children, teenagers and adults who enjoy games that require planning rather than simply relying on luck.

Create a family leaderboard and keep track of who wins each game throughout the vacation.

You might be surprised by who becomes the family's best strategist!

4. Have a Bollywood Evening

Diwali vacation doesn't have to be mythology-themed every day.

Pick one evening for some full-on Bollywood fun.

With Bollymania: Lights, Camera, Action!, family and friends can turn into actors, singers and performers as they try to get their teammates to guess different prompts.

It's a fun choice when cousins, teenagers and adults get together.

Add some Bollywood music, festive snacks and teams, and you've got your own mini family entertainment night.

5. Bring Back Traditional Games

Diwali is also a great time to introduce children to games and traditions that have been enjoyed across generations.

House of Gods: Chowka Bara offers a modern way to experience a traditional Indian game.

Activities like these give children an opportunity to discover that entertainment doesn't always need a screen, an app or a console.

Sometimes, a board, a few pieces and the people sitting around it are enough.

6. Create a DIY Diwali Challenge

Set aside an afternoon for creativity.

Give each child a small Diwali challenge:

Make a rangoli.

Design a diya.

Create a greeting card.

Build a festive decoration.

Make a handmade gift for a family member.

You can even turn it into a friendly competition and let everyone vote for their favourite creation.

The goal isn't perfection. It's about letting children use their imagination and create something with their own hands.

7. Organise a Screen-Free Evening

Choose one evening during the vacation where everyone agrees to put their phones and tablets away.

No scrolling.

No gaming.

No television.

Instead, play a board game, tell stories, eat Diwali snacks and simply talk.

This can be especially meaningful when grandparents are around.

Ask them what Diwali was like when they were children. What games did they play? What sweets did they eat? How did their families celebrate?

Children may discover that the best holiday stories aren't always found online.

8. Create a Diwali Game Tournament

Want to make the vacation even more exciting?

Create a family tournament.

Choose three or four games and assign points for every win.

For example:

Round 1: Mythology

Round 2: Strategy

Round 3: Bollywood

Round 4: Family Challenge

Keep a simple scoreboard and announce the Diwali Game Champion at the end of the vacation.

The prize doesn't have to be expensive.

It could be a box of sweets, a handmade certificate or simply bragging rights until next Diwali!

Make This Diwali Vacation More Than Just a Holiday

Diwali vacation is a chance to slow down and spend time with the people who matter.

Children don't necessarily need elaborate entertainment every day. Sometimes, they simply need opportunities to play, explore, create and connect.

Sassy Art Games brings together heritage, storytelling, strategy and screen-free family play, with a collection that includes mythology-inspired games, party games, card games and more.

So this Diwali vacation, try replacing a few hours of screen time with something much more memorable.

Gather around the table.

Choose a game.

Tell a story.

Let the children play.

And make memories together.

This Diwali Vacation, Play Together

From Ramayan: Ek Veer Gatha 2.0 and Mahabharat: War of Thrones to Bollymania and House of Gods: Chowka Bara, there is a game for different ages, interests and family gatherings.

Because the best Diwali memories aren't always captured in photographs.

Sometimes, they're created around a game table, surrounded by family.