The National Day of Unplugging has a new meaning in this time of COVID. 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 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 2023 challenge takes place on March 4 and 5.
Want to take part ... but not sure how to get your family to fill those hours without technology? Check out our 10 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!
Click here for 50 family-friendly Berkshire County hiking trails or visit Berkshire Family Hikes for trail reviews, nature activities, and more!
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2. Play
This sounds simple enough, but it's surprising how little time many children have most days for open play. Let your children run wild with imagination by giving them free hours to just PLAY!
Check out the Berkshire County playground guide for places to play! Weather not cooperating? Maybe a visit to Ready, Set, Play is on the day's agenda.
3. 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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4. 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.
5. Read
Crack open those books and cuddle up together on the couch for a reading marathon. Or start a book together as a family!
Need something new to read? Here's our Berkshire County library guide!
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6. Encourage sensory play
This is perfect for either indoor or outdoor play with littles. We love the sensory events Miss Emilee ECE has been running in North Adams and Dalton!
7. 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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8. 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. Have you checked out the Learning Together classes at Berkshire Music School yet?
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9. 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. Visit Berkshire Art Center for drop-in art enrichment programs and classes.
10. 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 event calendar for a list of family-friendly events happening or check out 150+ things to do in the Berkshires with kids for even more ideas!
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!
