In a day and age that feels constantly connected to the internet and the digital world, a day without technology can be a welcome invitation. While everyone needs to unplug now and again, it is not always easy to remember a world that does not revolve around devices and technological advances. If you and your family need a respite from technology, these eight family-friendly ideas will be sure to thrill and be fun-filled “green” ways to spend the day.
America’s Favorite Pastime
If the weather is nice, grab your baseball gloves and head to your local park. Enjoying America’s favorite pastime is a great way to embrace your competitive side and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Whether you have enough friends and family to play a full game or practice your catches and give the bat a good swing, spending time outside playing baseball will always be time well spent.
Beach Volleyball
Another sport that can be an excellent time for the whole family is volleyball. Ideally, you can make an entire day of it and enjoy a beautiful day at the beach. Unplug from the rest of the world and enjoy each other’s company over some healthy competition.
Kayaking
If you are looking to enjoy another body of water, spend the day kayaking. Getting out on the water not only requires your full attention, but this is an idyllic way to reconnect with nature and distance yourself from the busyness of everyday life.
Slow things down as you kayak along a peaceful body of water. Depending on your family’s skill level, strength, and experience kayaking, you may even be able to up the ante and increase the difficulty level to add some challenge and adventure.
Hiking
Another wonderful way to connect with nature that requires little to no technology is hiking. When you choose a trail or park with an abundance of trail maps and trail markers, there is no need to bring your technology along.
Instead of distracting yourself with the buzz and pings from notifications throughout your day, spend the time appreciating the sounds of nature and these pleasant noises ground you. It’s a true “green” activity to do with friends and family.
Sky Scenes
If you want to experience nature’s beauty, spend time staring at the sky instead of staring at a screen. Whether you wake up in time for sunrise, eat dinner during sunset or stay up to watch a meteor shower, the skies have an abundance of beauty. If you want to make lifelong memories with your family, don’t forget to put down the screens and stare up at the skies.
Gardening
There are also ways to disconnect from devices and connect with nature from the comfort of your home. Consider spending the day cultivating or tending to a garden.
Cultivating life as a family is a powerful way to deepen your relationships and appreciate the growth of new life. Not to mention that you can teach important lessons on environmental impact and sustainability as you go about the day.
Adventures at Home
Not all unplugged adventures need to be placed outside of your home. If the weather is not cooperating or you want to spend time indoors, you can do so without technology.
Have an impromptu living room dance party, sleep in, erect a massive pillow fort or conduct science experiments. There are plenty of ways to bring “green” entertainment and fun to your family without ever leaving your house.
Volunteering
For those who want to make the most of their family time, volunteering is a great activity for the whole family. Not only can you help your surrounding community, but you can also spend quality time together away from technology.
Helping others is invaluable. So the benefits that your family will experience will far outweigh any other aspects of the experience. To volunteer in a “green” way, consider a beach cleanup.
Unplugging from devices can be an essential part of reconnecting as a family. If you want ideas for zero technology time and family fun, start with these options. They will be sure to bring you together and give you the quality time that you have been searching for.
Author: Finnegan Pierson
