Unplugged Family Fun: Activities to Do Without Screens

19 January 2026

Let’s be honest — screens have snuck their way into just about every corner of our lives. From tablets at dinner to phones in our pockets 24/7, it’s almost like they’ve become another family member... one that doesn’t talk much but constantly grabs our attention. If you've been feeling like your household could use a little digital detox, you're not alone.

Unplugging doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. In fact, getting back to the basics can lead to some of the most memorable and laughter-filled moments with your family. So, let’s dive into a list of screen-free activities that bring everyone closer, spark creativity, and make those devices totally forgettable — at least for a while.

Why Go Screen-Free, Anyway?

Before we jump in, it’s worth asking — why even bother unplugging?

Well, constant screen time can zap our attention spans, limit real conversation, and even mess with sleep. Kids glued to screens might miss out on crucial developmental skills like emotional regulation, creativity, and face-to-face social interaction. And adults? We could all use a little breather from the constant pings, dings, and scroll-holes.

So, turning off the screens isn’t just about eliminating something — it’s about making space for connection, laughter, and lifelong memories.

1. Game Night (The Old-Fashioned Kind)

Remember board games? They're still awesome! Dust off classics like Monopoly, Clue, or Scrabble, or try newer options like Ticket to Ride or Exploding Kittens (yes, it’s a real game and hilarious).

Games teach patience, critical thinking, and teamwork — plus, nothing beats the joy of beating Dad at Uno or seeing Grandma get way too competitive with Jenga. Make some popcorn, throw on some cozy socks, and let the dice roll.

Make It Even More Fun:

- Rotate who picks the game each week.
- Add little prizes for the winner (maybe they get to choose the next family meal?).
- Turn it into a tournament with a scoreboard on the fridge.

2. Backyard Adventures

You don’t need a five-star vacation to create outdoor magic. Your backyard (or even your local park) can be the setting for some epic family bonding.

Build a fort, set up a scavenger hunt, or camp under the stars. Got a tent and some sleeping bags? Instant adventure. Don’t forget the s’mores — even if you roast them over the stove and pretend.

Ideas to Get Started:

- Nature Bingo: Make cards with items like “red leaf,” “acorn,” or “birdcall” and see who can find them all first.
- Family Obstacle Course: Use whatever’s on hand — cones, ropes, sticks — and time each other running the course.
- Bug Hunt: Who can find the weirdest (but harmless) bug?

3. Kitchen Chaos & Cooking Together

There’s something incredibly bonding about making a meal—or junk food—from scratch as a team. Let the kids pick a recipe, assign everyone a role, and get messy.

It’s not just about the food. It's about the laughs when the flour explodes, the pride when something actually tastes good, and the memories you’ll make while licking the bowl.

Family Favorites to Try:

- Homemade pizza (everyone makes their own mini pie)
- Pancake art breakfast-for-dinner nights
- DIY sushi or taco bars

Bonus tip? Let them help plan the meal calendar for the week — it builds responsibility and gives them a sense of control.

4. Creative Craft Time

You don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to bust out the glue sticks and glitter. Just grab some basic craft supplies and let imagination take the lead.

Crafting is amazing for developing fine motor skills and encouraging kids to express themselves. Plus, it gives you some fridge-worthy artwork to show off.

Project Ideas:

- Make friendship bracelets or beaded necklaces.
- Create a family scrapbook with photos, drawings, and silly captions.
- Build a cardboard city from old boxes. (Start saving those Amazon packages!)

Not crafty? No problem. Just make silly crowns and have a royal tea party. It’s not about perfection — it’s about fun.

5. Family Book Club

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo sport. Pick a book to share as a family, read it aloud together, and talk about it afterward like your own private book club.

Mix it up with voices, act out scenes, or bring the book to life with themed snacks or activities. It’s a super cozy way to end the day — way better than another round of mindless scrolling, right?

Book Suggestions by Age:

- Young Kids: “The Gruffalo,” “Where the Wild Things Are”
- Tweens: “Charlotte’s Web,” “Percy Jackson”
- Teens: “The Giver,” “Wonder”

6. Old-School Family Talent Show

Everyone’s got a silly skill or hidden talent. Why not show off a little?

One night a month, set up your living room like a stage. Have each person prepare a little “act,” whether it's a goofy dance, magic trick, or stand-up comedy set. It might feel cheesy at first, but trust me, it’ll be the kind of thing your kids talk about years from now.

Pro Tips:

- Use costumes and props — the weirder, the better.
- Judge each performance with funny (and always positive) scores.
- Record it for your own personal family blooper reel.

7. Puzzles, Lego Marathons, and Building Challenges

Forget screens — let your hands and brain get to work.

Family puzzles can be surprisingly addictive. Dump a 1,000-piece set on the dining table and just chip away at it over a few days. Or challenge each other to the fastest Lego creation with a theme like “spaceships” or “dream house.”

It engages the brain, encourages problem-solving, and helps kids practice patience (something they might not even know they’re doing).

8. Acts of Kindness Together

Doing good feels good. And it feels even better when you do it as a team.

Think of ways your family can give back — without the phone in hand.

Easy Ideas:

- Make care kits for the homeless.
- Write letters to grandparents or people in nursing homes.
- Bake cookies for your neighbors.
- Clean up litter together at a local park.

These tiny efforts plant big seeds of compassion and gratitude.

9. Storytelling and Memory Sharing

Sometimes, the best entertainment is just sitting around and telling stories. Light a candle, grab some snacks, and pass around a “story stick” — whoever holds it tells a favorite memory, a made-up tale, or even a completely ridiculous story.

Kids love hearing about mom and dad’s childhood escapades — especially the embarrassing ones. And someday, they’ll laugh telling your stories to their own kids.

10. Family Goals & Dream Boards

Okay, this one might sound a bit serious, but it’s actually super fun.

Grab some magazines, scissors, glue, and poster board, and create a family dream board. Fill it with cut-outs of things you want to do together — camping trips, learning a new language, planting a garden, whatever lights you up.

Goal-setting becomes way more exciting when it’s visual, colorful, and taped up where everyone can see it.

Tips to Make Unplugging Easier

We get it — going screen-free isn't always easy. Here's how to make the transition smoother:

- Have a set unplugged time each day — maybe after dinner or for 2 hours on Sunday morning.
- Put devices out of sight — out of sight, out of mind.
- Introduce one new activity at a time — don’t overwhelm yourself or your kids.
- Celebrate wins — if your family manages a full day without screens, cheer about it! Maybe even get ice cream.

Wrapping It Up

Unplugging doesn’t mean sitting in a quiet room twiddling your thumbs. It’s a chance to press pause on the digital noise and press play on real connection.

Whether it’s building a fort, playing a goofy game, or just sharing stories by candlelight, these moments stick. They create a rhythm of togetherness that no app or stream can match.

So, go ahead — shut off the Wi-Fi, grab your people, and let the real fun begin.