Unplugging and reconnecting: 18 favorite family activities in nature
Reconnecting with nature offers families a wealth of opportunities to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. This article explores various outdoor activities that encourage families to unplug from technology and engage with the natural world. Drawing on insights from experts in family dynamics and outdoor recreation, these ideas provide practical ways for families to reconnect and thrive in nature’s embrace.
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- Unplug with Family Camping Adventures
- Create a Backyard Nature Retreat
- Escape on Off-Road Adventures
- Bond Through Boating and Fishing
- Explore Nature on Family Hikes
- Connect on Technology-Free Walks
- Experience Nature Through Barefoot Strolls
- Discover Adventure with Family Geocaching
- Cultivate Wonder in Family Gardens
- Stargaze to Spark Family Connections
- Become Equal Explorers in Nature
- Sketch Nature on ‘Reverse Safaris’
- Build Memories with Outdoor Projects
- Embark on Weekend Bird Adventures
- Play ‘Botanical Bingo’ at Markets
- Travel to Disconnect and Explore
- Camp Off-Grid for Genuine Connections
- Create No-Phone Zones for Nature
Unplug with Family Camping Adventures
When my phone buzzes with texts from clients during family time, I’ve learned the hard way that truly unplugging requires physical distance from technology–like our annual Joshua Tree camping trips where we leave devices locked in the car and rediscover conversation around a campfire. Nothing beats watching my kids’ faces light up when they spot their first bighorn sheep or see the Milky Way without light pollution, moments I nearly missed while checking email on past adventures.
Kayaking has become our family’s moving meditation, especially along the serene Russian River where paddling silently allows us to spot river otters, ospreys, and even the occasional steelhead–a dramatic difference from our first chaotic attempt when everyone was more focused on taking photos than experiencing the journey. The rhythm of paddling together creates this natural flow state that’s impossible to achieve when our attention is fractured by notifications.
I tell my clients that nature isn’t just a vacation backdrop but a relationship that requires presence–what I call “the five-minute rule”: spend five minutes observing one small natural detail before reaching for your phone, and suddenly three hours pass without a single digital craving. California offers endless opportunities to reset your family’s connection to each other and the natural world, but only if you’re brave enough to silence the devices first.
Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor
Create a Backyard Nature Retreat
One of my favorite ways to disconnect from technology and truly reconnect as a family is by creating simple, intentional outdoor experiences right in our own backyard. There’s something incredibly grounding about stepping away from screens and stepping into nature–even if that “nature” is a thoughtfully designed backyard retreat.
For us, the magic really starts around the fire. Whether it’s a built-in gas fire pit or a portable wood-burning model, gathering around the flames invites genuine connection. No phones, no distractions–just stories, laughter, and that peaceful crackle in the background. It’s amazing how quickly the stresses of the day melt away in that environment.
Another favorite activity is enjoying an evening soak in the hot tub. It’s more than just a luxurious way to unwind; it’s an opportunity to talk, laugh, and relax under the stars. The combination of warm water, open air, and good company has a way of making time slow down. You start to notice the rustling trees, the cool breeze, the sound of crickets–it reminds you just how beautiful and restorative nature can be.
And for those quieter moments, a well-placed Adirondack chair under a pergola or beside a garden is perfect for morning coffees or winding down with a book in the evening. You don’t have to go far to appreciate the natural world–sometimes, it’s right outside your patio door.
Helping families build those kinds of spaces–ones that foster connection and a deeper appreciation for nature–is exactly why I do what I do. With the right layout and the right leisure pieces, your backyard can become your sanctuary.
Kyle Sawyer, Owner, Canadian Home Leisure
Escape on Off-Road Adventures
Running an off-road adventure company means I’m always on the phone or computer, balancing logistics, monitoring customer experiences, and managing gear maintenance. So when it’s time to decompress, I turn to the very thing we specialize in: getting outside and going off the grid.
For me, the best way to reset is by hopping on an ATV or UTV and hitting Arizona’s rugged backcountry. Whether I’m navigating the red rocks of Sedona or exploring hidden trails in the Tonto National Forest, off-roading gives me the space to breathe, recharge, and reconnect with what drew me to this business in the first place.
Even after all these years, it never gets old. I might stop to take in a killer view, hike out to a quiet creek, or just soak in the silence where there’s zero cell service. It’s more than just a break from the daily grind–it’s a reminder of why adventure matters.
Ryan Kading, Owner, Extreme Arizona ATV, UTV & Jet Ski Rentals
Bond Through Boating and Fishing
One of my favorite ways to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature is by spending time on the ocean with my family. There’s something grounding and restorative about being on the water–no screens, no constant notifications, just the rhythm of the waves and the open sky. Boating naturally creates those moments of stillness and connection, whether we’re anchored at a quiet sandbar, exploring a mangrove trail, or cruising along the coast at sunset.
Fishing is one of the activities we love most. It’s not just about the catch–it’s about the quiet conversations, teaching the kids how to tie knots or cast a line, and appreciating the marine life around us. We’ve had dolphins swim alongside the boat, watched sea turtles surface, and seen some of the most breathtaking sunrises you can imagine.
What I love about boating is that it gives you access to parts of nature most people never get to experience up close. The ocean isn’t just a destination–it’s a reminder of how vast, powerful, and beautiful the natural world is. Every trip out reinforces why protecting it matters, and why unplugging for a few hours on the water is one of the best ways to feel fully present with the people you care about.
Jani Gyllenberg, Innovation & Business Development Manager, Marine Connection
Explore Nature on Family Hikes
A good old-fashioned hiking trip. For me, one of the best ways to unplug and reconnect with nature is hiking. Nothing fancy, just boots or muddy sneakers, snacks, and a trail that doesn’t have cell phone service. My wife, two daughters, and I have a favorite trail a few miles outside the city where the only thing buzzing is the sound of cicadas.
Hiking has become our little ritual over the past few years. We pretend to be forest explorers, compete in spotting wildflowers, and negotiate how many gummy bears are fair compensation for walking “just ten more minutes.”
There is something relaxing and comforting about being out in the woods together: no screen time, no notifications–just dirt, genuine conversation, and curiosity. Slowing down to match my daughters’ pace helps me notice things I’d normally blow past: a snail crossing the trail, how the sun rays filter through the trees at the golden hour, the shape of a leaf, etc.
The quiet, slightly messy, and beautifully unscripted moments remind me of what being a present father and caring partner means.
Paul Zalewski, Co-Founder, Fathercraft
Connect on Technology-Free Walks
Our family has always loved going for walks. Not only for fitness goals or to check off a to-do list, but because it’s where we feel most connected–to each other and to the world around us. No screens buzzing in our pockets, no distractions pulling us away. Just the rhythm of our footsteps and the steady unfolding of conversation.
There’s something almost magical that happens when we’re walking together. Conversations flow more naturally when we’re side by side, not face-to-face. There’s less pressure to make eye contact or fill every pause. Sometimes we talk a lot, sometimes we don’t. But there’s always connection. Always presence.
Even when we take the same route, it’s never the same walk twice. Each day, each season brings its own surprises. Maybe it’s the first brave crocus peeking through after a long winter. Maybe it’s the crunch of leaves underfoot or the sound of geese overhead. We’ve learned to notice the small shifts–the way the light hits the sidewalk, the scent of rain coming, the hush that falls just before snow.
These walks have become our quiet ritual. A way to reset. To check in. To breathe.
Phones away, we notice more. We notice each other. We notice the way someone’s dragging a bit more than usual and might need a listening ear. We notice how laughter comes more easily when we’re not competing with a screen for attention. We notice the beauty in the ordinary–a squirrel darting across a fence, a neighbor’s front porch decorations, the way the trees bend slightly in the wind.
Over the years, these simple walks have woven themselves into our family story. They are a part of our big talks and small joys, for processing and celebrating, for being together in a world that so often pulls us apart.
Nature has a way of meeting us where we are, exactly as we are. And when we meet it with open eyes and no screens, it offers us something invaluable: presence, perspective, and peace.
Phones away. Hearts open. We walk.
Amy Boyle, Professional photographer and podcast host, Amy Boyle Photography
Experience Nature Through Barefoot Strolls
My family enjoys disconnecting from technology by taking leisurely barefoot walks through nearby woodland paths to experience nature. Feeling the earth beneath our feet while observing small wonders such as moss patches and the flight of a frog into a creek creates a sense of grounding. We put our phones aside to experience the guidance of silence. While we occasionally pick wildflowers or leaves for pressing at a later date, we primarily focus on sharing tranquil moments together against the backdrop of our fast-paced world. Observing nature’s unhurried pace serves as a powerful prompt to refocus our priorities when we share this lesson with our children and grandchildren. The peacefulness we find in nature comes from moments away from technology where muddy feet become our most prized possession.
Tammy Sons, CEO, TN Nursery
Discover Adventure with Family Geocaching
Geocaching has become one of our favorite ways to disconnect as a family. My work is constant. Being a doctor and running a wellness company keeps me plugged in most of the time. When we geocache, we still use a GPS, but the purpose shifts. It turns an ordinary walk into an adventure, and sharing that with my siblings brings out a kind of energy that’s hard to find anywhere else.
We’ve explored state parks, forest trails, and even quiet spots around our neighborhood that we never paid much attention to before. The search pulls you in. You start noticing the way light filters through trees, the sound of birds you’d usually ignore, or subtle signs of wildlife on the path. Presence like that doesn’t happen in front of a screen or during a packed schedule. Geocaching gives us a reason to be curious, to move with awareness, and to reconnect with the natural world.
Dr. Chad Walding, Chief Culture Officer and Co-Founder, NativePath
Cultivate Wonder in Family Gardens
I personally love gardening for its many benefits. I have found gardening to be an excellent family activity that gets us all outside and working with our hands to create something beautiful. It’s the perfect activity for teaching about the natural world, as well as instilling in children an appreciation for it. It’s a great activity where phones can be left inside, allowing all of us to be outside together. We always see lots of little bugs and critters, which I’ve found can be really helpful for giving children an appreciation for life on all scales, along with teaching about ecosystems and how things like pollinators, spiders, and other creatures all contribute to a healthy garden.
Ryan Farley, CEO, LawnStarter
Stargaze to Spark Family Connections
In my work with families struggling with technology overuse, I’ve found that simple backyard stargazing can be transformative for reconnecting. We grab blankets, lay in the grass, and just take turns pointing out constellations or sharing stories – it’s amazing how the night sky can spark wonder and meaningful conversations. I always suggest starting with just 15 minutes of outdoor family time, since even brief moments in nature can help reset our stressed nervous systems and strengthen family bonds.
Dr. Mareba Lewis, Licensed Professional Counselor, Your Journey Counseling and Wellness
Become Equal Explorers in Nature
Our two elementary-aged boys seem to have an endless supply of innate energy. They play numerous organized sports, which naturally involve parental-chauffeured rides and watching. While joyful, the commotion and meeting their various needs makes me feel that I’m constantly “on duty.” When it’s truly time for us to disconnect from technology, including the kids’ gadgets, we seek not only the outdoors but also activities that place us all on equal “footing”. We do not bring sports equipment, to their initial displeasure. We also do not bring technology except one phone designated as only available for emergencies.
Our plan is for active exploring, be it trails, ponds, old buildings, and sometimes even utilizing our kayak or renting other water gear. The kids readily seem to find magic outdoors, and I find their loud screams and laughter to be much more tolerable than when expressed indoors. I find their physical skills shockingly good, including their tolerance for long hikes and the climbing of available hills. I respectfully appreciate the subtle surprises that nature presents and how we seem to equalize ourselves, transforming into a team of explorers, rather than kids and parents.
Ashley Kenny, Co-Founder, Heirloom Video Books
Sketch Nature on ‘Reverse Safaris’
Every second Saturday, we engage in what we call a “Reverse Safari.” It’s our unique family ritual—no phones, no cameras, just notebooks and sketch pencils. Instead of taking photos, we draw whatever catches our eye. Sometimes it’s a crooked pine tree, other times it’s a beetle crossing a trail as if it owns the place.
We usually do this at a nearby marsh preserve, where the boardwalk creaks just enough to remind you you’re off the grid. My youngest once spent 20 minutes trying to draw a dragonfly in flight. It wasn’t perfect, but that wasn’t the point.
Disconnecting this way teaches us to observe, not just look. It’s our way of giving nature the attention it deserves—without filters, captions, or distractions. And somehow, sketching together brings out stories we’d never hear around the dinner table.
We always come home sun-drenched and quieter… in the best way.
Yangyang Li, Co-Operator, ForestPackage
Build Memories with Outdoor Projects
We love getting outdoors every few weekends and working with our hands. We build things with the kids, whether it’s a sandcastle, a BBQ pit, or a log bench. There are no phones involved, just dirt, tools, and a sense of accomplishment. The process isn’t about perfection; it’s about the time spent together.
We once spent four hours building a bench from driftwood. It wasn’t pretty, but it’s still there, and it’s a memory we all share. When you get your hands dirty, you’re not just creating something; you’re disconnecting from the technology and connecting with your family.
Bennett Barrier, Chief Executive Officer, DFW Turf Solutions
Embark on Weekend Bird Adventures
Every weekend, my family and I grab our binoculars and head out for what we call “bird adventures.” It started as a way to get my kids off their tablets, but it’s turned into something we all genuinely look forward to. We keep a worn-out field guide in the car and a running list of every species we’ve spotted. The kids get ridiculously competitive about who can identify a bird first, and I love that they’re learning without even realizing it.
We usually hit local nature trails just after sunrise when the birds are most active. There’s something magical about watching my youngest freeze mid-step because she spotted a bright red cardinal or hearing my oldest whisper, “Dad, look!” when a great blue heron takes off from the marsh. We pack sketchbooks too sometimes. My wife’s terrible drawings always make us laugh, but the kids take theirs seriously.
Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader & Field Area Manager, JDM Sliding Doors
Play ‘Botanical Bingo’ at Markets
We turned our weekly flower market runs into ‘Botanical Bingo’–hunting for specific petals, scents, and textures while leaving phones in the car. Now, even grocery store floral aisles become adventures when we play ‘Guess the Fragrance’ blindfolded. The Royal Horticultural Society found families who engage with flowers this way report 35% less screen-time conflict. Start small: challenge kids to find three different leaf shapes on your block. You’ll rediscover nature’s artistry in the most ordinary places–no hiking boots required.
Nathan Thorne, CEO, Handy Flowers
Travel to Disconnect and Explore
As a lifelong travel enthusiast, I understand perhaps better than most the importance of disconnecting from technology and getting out into nature. For my family and me, a big part of this is travel. Exploring new places is a wonderful family bonding experience, and it’s something that you can’t successfully do when you’re tied to a device.
There are so many beautiful places in the world. Choosing one together as a family gets everyone excited. By getting out to explore nature, we expand our knowledge, and we tend to not even miss our phones.
At home, we spend a lot of time outdoors with our animals. Taking a simple walk around our property or the neighborhood is a good way to clear our heads and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. Heading out to a local park or arboretum is even better.
I believe that with enough exposure to the beauty of nature, the less tied to your phone and other technology you become. And, practice makes perfect, so getting outside to appreciate the beauty of the natural world often will help you disconnect even more.
Helle Brandrup, Veterinarian Medical Expert, Neurogan Pets
Camp Off-Grid for Genuine Connections
Our family’s favorite getaway is camping on remote government-owned land where there’s no cell signal and no services. It’s quiet, simple, and completely unplugged. Without phones or internet, we’re free to just enjoy the moment–playing games, exploring the outdoors, and spending real time together.
There’s something special about being surrounded by nature with no distractions. The days feel slower, the conversations deeper, and the memories stronger.
Keyana Kroeker, CEO, Key Creative
Create No-Phone Zones for Nature
Disconnecting from technology is my favorite thing to do. Even in the house, I make a “no phone zone” in the kitchen. It’s only allowed for showing a picture or video to share for a story.
When going out for a nature walk, or going skiing or swimming, or even taking a walk around the block, phones are not allowed except for using a map and taking photos.
Phones are an addiction, and the more we can disconnect from them, the better it is for everyone.
Everything has a time and place, including a phone. Unless you’re in an emergency in the woods or out in nature, there’s no need for a phone, so it’s a No Phone Zone.
Jessica Glazer, Founder, MindHR Inc
