When it comes to screen time, I’m usually the worst offender in my family. My kids don’t have phones (yet), but they have iPads, and if we’re home too long, those tablets magically become the default activity.
And me? If I’m not scrolling, I’m “working” (translation: also scrolling). Occasionally, we all need a hard break to reset and swap screen time for green time–because the truth is, terrible reception almost always leads to better connection.
Why go screen-free?
It’s easier said than done, but we all need breaks from screens. For kids, it’s about giving their brains space to get creative, their bodies a chance to move, and their friendships room to grow beyond group chats and Minecraft builds.
For parents, it’s about remembering how to be present without constantly reaching for your phone, to model healthy habits, and to rediscover your family outside the distraction of notifications. A weekend off screens feels a little like a cleanse (minus the green juice and pizza cravings).
Research backs this up: screen-free time outside improves mood, reduces stress, improves social skills and emotional regulation, and increases attention span, for both kids and adults. Studies have also shown that adults report greater happiness and focus after just 48 hours without their phones.
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How to set yourself up for success
Before attempting a screen-free weekend, a little prep never hurt. First, set ground rules, such as GPS and audiobooks while driving are okay–but mindless scrolling is not. My kids love calling me out if I break my own rules. (Humbling, but effective.)
Stock the house with analog options: puzzles, board games, crafts, and decks of cards. Strategically place them around the house, ready for action, so kids can jump right in. If you’re driving somewhere, pack non-screen activities to fend off the “are we there yets?” (and snacks, of course).
And don’t underestimate the power of people. Arrange playdates, invite cousins, or plan a neighborhood cookout. Real-life, face-to-face connections are what kids crave (even when they think it’s Roblox).
What to do (and where to go) around St. Louis
The easiest way to make a screen-free weekend happen is to go somewhere or do something so active (or out of service) that picking up a screen isn’t even an option. Involve your kids in choosing what to do. If they have buy-in, you’ll get less whining and more actual fun. Some of our favorite activities include:
Fishing: Perfect for kids of all ages. Fishing keeps hands busy, teaches patience, and guarantees excitement when a fish finally bites. Our go-to is Westover Farms in Steelville, where trout practically jump onto your line. Bonus: You can rent a house for the weekend if you want to turn it into a bigger getaway.
Mountain biking: For big kids and teens craving adventure, mountain biking is a thrill ride that leaves zero time for TikTok. Once they hit the trails at Eureka Mountain Bike Park, screens don’t stand a chance. For smaller kids, check out the awesome pump track and trails at Kinetic Park.
Skiing and tubing: Winter weekends at Hidden Valley Ski Resort are some of our family’s favorites. We’ve spent entire days skiing into the evening and never once thought about our phones. It’s hard to text when you’re bundled in gloves and flying down a hill.
Creeking: This is hands-down one of the easiest and cheapest screen-free adventures. Let kids splash, catch crawdads, and get wet. Great local spots include Mastodon State Park, Indian Camp Creek Park, and Powder Valley. It’s messy, it’s simple, and it works.
Camping and glamping: If you want to go all in, spend the whole weekend outside. Camping guarantees a complete break from screens (especially in places with spotty service). We love Klondike Park in Augusta, where you can pitch a tent or rent a primitive cabin, paddleboard on the lake, and bike the Katy Trail into town for dinner.
Tips for making it stick
Will there be whining? Yes. Will you be tempted to sneak a peek at your phone? Also yes. But here are a few tricks:
- Invite friends—kids crave real-life connection.
- Keep everyone active so screens aren’t tempting.
- Start small—maybe it’s just one day, not a whole weekend.
- Give yourself grace. If you cave and check the weather or your email, that’s not failure–it’s life.
The bottom line
You don’t need a trip to a national park to create screen-free magic. Sometimes it’s as simple as a puzzle on the dining room table, a campfire in the backyard, or a day in a creek. The point isn’t perfection–it’s presence. Put down the screens, get outside, and see what happens. My bet? You’ll discover your kids (and you) are more fun without them.
