Family-Friendly Things to Do During Screen-Free Week

From now through Sunday, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood urges families to turn off their TVs, video games and computers for Screen-Free Week.

The CCFC is a national organization dedicated to "limiting the impact of commercial culture on children," according to its website.

There’s plenty of non-screen entertainment in Encino. Here’s a list of 10 family-friendly activities to encourage children to do something other than watch the tube.

Play games. Nurture your child's vivid imagination with costumes and props. Games are also a great way to teach a child math, science, reasoning, reading and logic skills without feeling too educational.in Encino has a large selection of toys, games, costumes, action figures, dolls and puzzles for kids of all ages.

Make arts and crafts. Arts and crafts activities stimulate creativity and imagination in children. You can make projects using materials found around the house, such as egg cartons, cardboard, paper, boxes, string, crayons, paint and  glue. Or, head to Michael's at the Encino Town Center for supplies and craft ideas.

Bring a meal to life. Take one of your child's favorite stories and create a menu around it at home. Or, visit , where your child can learn basic cooking lessons through fun recipes.

Run in the park. This is the best time of year to take your kids to or Woodley Park. Encourage them to run around, meet other children in the neighborhood and play on the playground, swings and slides.

Get physical. Head to and take advantage of the baseball diamonds, basketball courts, children’s play area, football field, handball courts, soccer field tennis courts and volleyball courts. Children can also try skateboarding at in Encino. Don’t forget your helmet!

Look to the sky. If your child wants to know how planes work, head to Lake Balboa to watch the . The Valley Flyers are model aviation enthusiasts from all over Southern California who enjoy building and flying radio-controlled model aircraft here in Encino.

Grow something. Wander through theor with your child. Teach them about the fruits, vegetables and plants that you see together. You can even try planting something at home. Studies show that children are more likely to actually eat vegetables when they plant and care for them.

Visit the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve. Listen to the calls of ducks, Canada geese, herons and egrets as they take flight after resting at the wildlife lake. There's also a on the first Sunday of every month from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to view and study more than 200 different species of birds seen in the reserve.

Take a nature hike. We’re surrounded by the great outdoors in Encino. Take advantage of local trails such as San Vicente Mountain Park or Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park for a hike, stroll or picnic in designated areas. Collect seeds and leaves and enjoy the fresh air.

Visit the Encino-Tarzana library. You don't have to spend money to borrow some new books or learn a lesson. Check calendar for story times and teen programs.