Kids are using technology more than ever before. Can they turn it off? Can you?
National Day of Unplugging is an awareness campaign promoting a 24-hour respite from technology. It is annually observed during the first weekend in March.
The organization behind National Day of Unplugging, Unplug Collaborative, says more than 135,000 people have participated in events hosted by over 1,000 schools, religious institutions, and businesses worldwide over the last 13 years.
The 2024 challenge takes place from March 1st to March 2nd
Want to take part but not sure how to get your family to fill those hours without technology? Check out our 8 ideas to go screen-free as a family:
1. Get outside
Take a hike, visit a park, or hit the slopes. Get outside and enjoy nature together!
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2. Host a friendly competition
Gather the family for a board game bonanza! Break out the family favorites or introduce a new game or two.
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3. Build
Build with cardboard boxes, LEGOs, blocks, toothpicks, or whatever else you can think of! Hold a family building competition or work together to create an epic project.
4. Read
Crack open those books and cuddle up together on the couch for a reading marathon. Or start a book together as a family!
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5. Clean
It's never too early to begin spring cleaning! This is a great time of year to declutter, sort, and donate. Your kiddos can definitely help with the process and feel great donating some unwanted items to those in need!
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6. Discover a new hobby together
From knitting to playing an instrument, and everything in between — what have you always wanted to learn, but haven't? Now is the time! Older kids might want to participate as well — a great way to connect with your kids as you learn together.
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7. Create art
Consider not giving your child a craft or end goal — just let them create! This is called process art, which is open-ended art making. The goal is to give the child the freedom to self-direct, make choices, and give them the freedom to discover and create without expectation. With process art, the end product is always unique — and likely not what you expect! The goal is the creation of the work, not the outcome.
8. Go on a mini adventure around town
Explore! Go on a mural hunt. Visit a museum you haven't been to before or revisit a favorite. Visit our calendar for a list of family-friendly events happening.
Who knows? Maybe you and your kids will have so much fun going screen-free you might decide to make it a regular event for your family. Happy unplugging!
** Some of my favorite local, NW Bergen County outdoor/screen free spots for families are:
Continental Soldiers Park in Mahwah, NJ has a huge walking/biking track as well as a very unique exercise area, filled with static equipment where you can do chest presses, sit-ups and so much more!
Saddle River County Park in Ridgewood NJ has this creepy yet cool, partially "underground" path which will take you from Ridgewood to Glen Rock, without crossing a street. Definitely go with a friend or family member. You can walk or ride your bike along this path and you will likely see some interesting wildlife along the way.
Finch Park in Ramsey, NJ has everything from a baseball field to a unique sandbox just outside the playground. They also have a full basketball court and a brand new pickleball court!
