Tech-Free Vacations

Fun, tech-free vacations are an excellent way for you to detach from the screen and connect with each other. They can also help you reconnect as a family.

Have you ever taken your family on a dream vacation, only to find everyone scrolling through their phones at dinner? I have. And I realized we weren’t actually together, we were just in the same place. You can have a tech-free vacation and have fun, too.

In a world where screens are everywhere and family members are often in the same room but worlds apart, intentionally unplugging can be the key to reconnecting with your kids and building memories that last a lifetime.

I know what you’re thinking: ‘My kids will lose their minds without Wi-Fi.’ I hear you. That’s why I’m sharing how to make this doable, not perfect, but meaningful. ~ Connie Albers

Tell Your Children You’re Taking a Tech-Free Vacation in Advance

Telling your kids in advance sets the tone and reduces resistance. When it comes to screen-free travel, giving your children a heads-up is one of the most important things you can do. Let them know what to expect and why you’re doing it.

Kids thrive with structure and clear expectations. Telling them in advance gives them time to adjust, prepare, and even get excited. You’re not springing a surprise—you’re starting a conversation. This sets the tone for a positive experience instead of resistance.

Once the idea has been planted, the next step is to invite them into the planning process.

Let Your Children Help Plan the Vacation

Involving your children in planning the vacation gives them a sense of ownership and excitement. When they help choose where to go, what to do, or even what snacks to bring, they’re far more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic about going tech-free.

This doesn’t mean you hand over the itinerary—it means you welcome their ideas. Whether it’s picking a trail to hike, choosing a game to play, or planning a silly talent show, collaboration builds buy-in and connection.

And here’s some good news: making memories together doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Don’t Make it About Money

You don’t need a five-star resort or expensive amusement park tickets to have a memorable trip. Some of the best tech-free vacations happen in cabins, backyards, or small-town hideaways.

What your children will remember most isn’t the cost of the trip—it’s how they felt during it. Did they laugh with you? Did they feel seen? Were they invited to play, explore, and just be?

While tech-free vacations don’t have to be expensive, one of a vacation’s most powerful (and overlooked) parts is the gift of attention.

Give Your Kids Attention

When you put the phone down and truly look your child in the eyes, something shifts. That kind of attention says, “You matter to me. I’m here with you.”

During a tech-free vacation, your focused presence becomes a treasure. Whether skipping rocks, telling stories, or sitting quietly by a campfire, your child notices when you’re truly with them.

Not only will your children enjoy the extra attention from you it also opens the door to something even more exciting: the gift of imagination and exploration.

Encourage Creativity and Adventure

Without screens, children are forced to engage their senses and stretch their imaginations—and that’s good. Tech-free vacations give them space to build forts, create games, tell stories, and explore nature with curiosity.

This might take some getting used to, especially in the beginning. But once they rediscover how fun boredom can be, creativity flourishes.

In addition, when you’re all feeling brave and inspired, it’s the perfect time to try something new together.

Try New Things with Your Kids

New experiences create lasting bonds. Whether it’s kayaking for the first time, cooking over a fire, or learning a dance together, trying something new as a family breaks the routine and builds connection.

You don’t have to go far or do something wild. Even little adventures create inside jokes and shared memories that will last for years.

Also, trying something new together helps your family grow stronger, one small adventure at a time.

Closing Thoughts: Connection Over Perfection

Planning a tech-free vacation might take a little more intention; however, the reward is rich. While not every moment will go as planned—and some may even be challenging—that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is that you’re intentionally choosing to show up for your family in a deeper, more present way.

By detaching from devices, you’re making space to attach to each other. And in the long run, that is the parenting your children will carry with them.

So, give it a try, whether it’s one day, one weekend, or a whole week. You might be surprised at what unfolds when the screens go off and the heart turns on.