Making Canang Sari: Screen-Free Activities Your Nanny Will Do in Amed

In our hyper-connected world, one of the biggest challenges for traveling parents is managing screen time. You book a dream family holiday to Bali, hoping to disconnect and bond, only to find the iPad is still the easiest way to keep the kids occupied while you unpack, shower, or try to enjoy a quiet coffee.

But a family vacation in Amed offers a unique opportunity to completely unplug. Surrounded by volcanic black sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich local traditions, there is a world of offline discovery waiting for your children.

The secret to unlocking this? A professional Amed holiday nanny. Far more than just a supervisor, a great local nanny is an expert in screen-free, culturally immersive play. Here are some of the engaging, hands-on activities your nanny will do to keep your kids entertained and off their devices.

1. The Art of Making Canang Sari

One of the most iconic sights in Bali is the daily offering, or canang sari. These beautiful little baskets woven from palm leaves and filled with colorful flowers are placed everywhere, from temple steps to villa entrances.

Instead of watching a cartoon, your children can learn this beautiful craft. A local nanny will bring fresh coconut leaves and vibrant local flowers (like frangipani and marigolds) to your villa. They will patiently teach your kids how to fold and pin the leaves into a square basket and arrange the petals. It is a fantastic sensory activity that develops fine motor skills while gently introducing them to the Balinese concepts of gratitude and mindfulness.

2. Pebble Art on Amed’s Unique Beaches

Unlike the white sands of the south, Amed is famous for its smooth, volcanic pebble beaches. This unique landscape is a natural playground.

Your nanny can take the kids on a morning beachcombing adventure to collect the most interesting stones, smooth glass, and shells. Back at the villa or under the shade of a local warung, these treasures can be used for pebble painting, stacking competitions, or creating beautiful mosaic art on the ground. It is creative, tactile, and completely tied to the local environment.

3. Traditional Balinese Games (No Wi-Fi Required)

Balinese childhoods are deeply rooted in physical, imaginative play. Your nanny can introduce your children to traditional games that have entertained local kids for generations:

• Congklak: A traditional wooden board game played with shells or seeds that requires counting and strategy, perfect for a quiet afternoon on the villa terrace.

• Layang-Layang (Kite Flying): Kite flying is practically a serious sport in Bali. Your nanny can help your kids assemble a traditional kite and take them down to the coast to catch the late afternoon sea breeze.

• Tarik Tambang & Balap Karung: For energetic kids, simple games like tug-of-war or sack races on the lawn are an easy way to burn off energy before nap time.

4. Tropical Garden Explorations

Balinese villas are typically surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping. A nanny can turn your accommodation’s garden into a fascinating nature walk. They can teach your children how to identify local plants, show them how a banana leaf can be folded into a makeshift umbrella, or help them safely look for friendly geckos and beautiful local butterflies.

The Gift of Unplugged Memories

When you hire an Amed nanny, you are not just buying yourself time to relax; you are giving your children the gift of genuine, unplugged experiences.

By replacing screen time with hands-on crafts like making canang sari and engaging in traditional play, your kids connect deeply with the beautiful culture of Bali. They return home with new skills, sensory memories, and a genuine appreciation for a world beyond the screen, making your family holiday truly unforgettable.