Unplug and Unwind

Summer’s here. It’s time to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and get some quality time with your kids. Here are a few ideas to get your family’s summer digital detox started. Spend some time disconnecting from technology—and reconnecting with family and friends.

1. Nature walk. Find a local park with walking trails and go exploring. Let your littles explore every rock, leaf, bug, flower or whatever else they find interesting.
2. Cloud watching. Just lie down in your backyard and look up. Let your imaginations go and talk about what shapes you and your kids see up there.
3. Picnic. Pack up your lunch, dinner, or just an afternoon snack, grab a blanket, and hit a local grassy field, park, or even your own front yard.
4. Water war. Even the most pacifist parent can’t help but have a blast when the water balloons and squirt guns come out. Splash, spray, and soak your way to victory!
5. Car wash. Break out the hose, some buckets, and a few sponges. This is one chore that’s so fun, your kiddos won’t even realize that it’s work.
6. Chalk city. Design roads, railroad crossings, gas stations, restaurants, etc. Then have your kids explore this city on a bike or scooter. Diagram a smaller city and let your kids populate it with some of their toys—such as vehicles, dolls, and action figures.
7. Field games. Chances are the other kids in your neighborhood are looking for something fun to do, too. Organize a field day with activities for all ages. Try kickball, sack races, or even a good old-fashioned game of tag.
8. Backyard campout. Enjoy the great outdoors—with all the amenities of home. Pitch a tent, roll out the sleeping bags, and sleep under the stars (but also know the bathroom’s right there, just in case anybody needs it).
9. Watch birds. Put out some bird feeders (store-bought or homemade) and see what kinds of birds stop by for a visit. Get a book about birds to identify the different types you see.
10. Read. Turn off the TV, shut down the video games, and skip the movie theater. Stock up on books from the local library and schedule some outdoor story time under a shady tree.