Unplugged Activities
The Global Day of Unplugging on March 6 -7 is almost here and we wanted to share some thought starters for outdoor, indoor and travel activities for the entire family. All these ideas provide opportunities to connect away from screens - now and in the future.
The Global Day of Unplugging is a year-round program operated by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supporting people and communities in unplugging with intention and gathering with purpose. Each year, on the first weekend of March, the world celebrates the Annual Global Day of Unplugging. It is a worldwide 24-hour digital pause where people power down devices and power up real-life connection. To learn more about this annual event, click HERE to visit the website and read about the mission behind the event.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
We are fortunate to have many local options for exploring the outdoors here in New Canaan. You likely know about all of these, but its a great reminder of the resources available right here in town.
Take A Walk
- New Canaan Nature Center - With well maintained trails and a wide range of outdoor activities, the New Canaan Nature Center is the ultimate place to enjoy the outdoors and escape from technology. From the upcoming Maple Syrup Saturday on 3/14/26 to the annual Fall Fair, they have year round activities for the whole family.
- New Canaan Land Trust - This local non-profit manages several wonderful properties all over town such as the Bristow Bird Sanctuary and the Browne Preserve on Valley Road. For a real treat, make a date to visit the Firefly Sanctuary in late June and early July, when the light show from the insects is most intense. For something sooner, check out this local event coming up at the end of March:
- "Last Saturdays on the Trail: Ribbit Rhapsody" Hunt for red-backed salamanders, observe frog egg masses up close and listen to the call of wood frogs and spring peepers. We will begin with a Raffle Drawing for participants completing the Winter Hiking Challenge. We’re joined by Sarah Breznen, Director of Education at the Woodcock nature Center. Click HERE to register.
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 10 AM
- Location: Still Pond Preserve
- "Last Saturdays on the Trail: Ribbit Rhapsody" Hunt for red-backed salamanders, observe frog egg masses up close and listen to the call of wood frogs and spring peepers. We will begin with a Raffle Drawing for participants completing the Winter Hiking Challenge. We’re joined by Sarah Breznen, Director of Education at the Woodcock nature Center. Click HERE to register.
- Waveny Park & Irwin Park – The trails at Waveny and Irwin Parks are well maintained year round, providing excellent opportunities for fitness or just a chance to spend time outdoors in nature.
Visit A Playground
- Mead Park - With a playground for toddlers and older kids, this playground appeals to everyone. And in the summer, lunch from The Apple Cart makes an outing to the park even better!
- Kiwanis Park- While the swimming pond and sandy beach are the main attractions at Kiwanis, there is a sandy playground as well tucked under the Pine Trees. In the heat of the summer, this playground is delightfully shady thanks to the big trees.
- Ed Dixon Memorial Park - Located on Hoyt Street, this mini-playground is a quiet outlet with a simple playground feature. Ideal for young kids when looking for a quiet escape.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
From Board Games to Building Kits, there are many ways to entertain kids without screens. You probably already have many of these at home and if not, they are easily acquired.
- Family Friendly Board Games - In addition to classics like Monopoly, Scrabble and Clue, newer games offer fast paced family fun, such as Rat-a-Tat-Cat, Sleeping Queens, Quick-Quick-Quick, Taco/Cat/Goat/Cheese/Pizza , Throw Throw Burrito, Telestrations and more!
- Building Kits - From engineering to crafting, collaborative kits provide a great way to connect with your children and create open-ended play. Here are just a few of the many options available: Crunch Labs Creative Kit (ages 6-10), Crunch Labs Build Kits (ages 8-12+), Crunch Labs Hack Pack (ages 14+), and Woobles Crochet Kits. Explore more options through the New York Times Wirecutter review of kids subscription boxes (Click HERE to read).
ACTIVITIES WHILE TRAVELING
Every parent knows that keeping kids entertained while traveling can be a challenge. To do it without technology can be even harder! We offer some suggestions to try...
- Podcasts - Thankfully, there are many terrific kids podcasts available today. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Greeking Out - Well known myths from around the world are re-told in an entertaining way in this podcast from National Geographic. Each episode is less than 30 minutes long.
- Wow in the World - This Science and nature focused podcast with hosts Guy Raz, Mindy Thomas and a cast of friends create a new adventure by exploring different themes in each episode.
- Circle Round - From NPR, these 15-25 minute podcasts adapts carefully selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids. Each episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity and ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.
- Audio Books - Books that the whole family can listen to while traveling can foster conversation and connection long after the car trip has ended. Here are two of the most popular:
- Harry Potter - The first four books of this classic series were recently re-released through Audible with full-cast recordings. Even though the original audio books narrated by Stephen Frye are hard to beat, these new recordings offer a great excuse to listen to the series again. The remaining books will be re-recorded with the full cast later this year.
- Percy Jackson Series - Another series that will take you through multiple trips, this exciting story brings greek mythology to life through the adventures of a "half blood" and his group of friends.
- Road Trip Games - It is impossible to list them all, but hopefully this partial list sparks some happy memories of the games you used to play while traveling.
- Road Sign Alphabet Hunt: Find letters A-Z on road signs, billboards, or storefronts - you have to spot the letter A, then B, then C in order
- Last Letter Game: Someone says a capital, state or country and the next person has to start their word with the last letter of the previous word (i.e. Tallahassee – Ecuador – Rhode Island)
- Oldies but Goodes: I Spy, License Plate Bingo, Road Trip Bingo, Car Karaoke, Punch-Buggy, 20 Questions
We hope you enjoy these activity recommendations to help you and your family get the most out of your time away from devices. They are great for this weekend's celebration of the Annual Global Day of Unplugging but also terrific year round. Please help us celebrate this Friday into Saturday, March 6-7, 2026 with a 24-hour digital pause together! To learn more about this annual event, click HERE to visit the website and read about the mission behind the event.
Help New Canaan Unplug
If you are interested in creating a healthier relationship with technology for our children, please check out our survey HERE to let us know how you can help.
New Canaan Unplugged is a parent-run group completely independent from the New Canaan Public School System and the Town of New Canaan.
