We live in a fast-paced world saturated with technology and social media; however, every once in a while, it's nice to press pause and enjoy a low-tech family activity.
It seems like "Fun" has been so thoroughly digitized, we can't conceive of anything to do without a WiFi signal. But there is a big world out there, so if you can bear to switch off Netflix and your smartphone for an hour or two, you might actually have a real-live conversation with your own flesh and blood.
Some examples of low-tech family activities are playing a board game (Monopoly, anyone?), having a picnic or even playing a round of cards. Though these activities may seem old-fashioned, there are a range of innovative options out there to keep things interesting.
18 Examples of Low-Tech Family Activities
18
Jungle Gym Recliners
The Abooba Chair Lets Parents Sit Comfortably While Playing with Their Kids
17
Girl Construction Toys
GoldieBlox and The Builder's Survival Kit Teaches Important Skills
16
Wizard Board Games
Harry Potter Monopoly Immerses Fans in a Magically Competitive World
15
DIY Boat-Building Sets
Set Sail and Go On Adventures with Your Own Balmain Sailboat Kit
14
Indoor Play Swings
The Rafa Kids S Swing Allows Kids to Safely Play Indoors
13
Bike Sharing for Kids
The P’tit Velib Program in Paris is an Extension of Its Velib Network
12
Comical See-Through Cards
Laugh Out Lout When You Play with These Poker Face Cards
11
Tofu Stacking Games
The 'Manner Tofu Chopstick' Game from Japan is Fun and Frustrating
10
Artisan Game Board Furnishings
The Congo Quares Chess Board Bench is Inspired By The Strategy Game
9
Foosball Pencil Toys
The Foosball Pencil Eraser Design by Suck UK is Fun and Functional
8
Elaborate Storytelling Playing Cards
This Card Deck is Equal Parts Art, Design and Craftsmanship
7
Medieval Game Board Remixes
The Chainmaille Chess Set Lets You Play Like It's 1399
6
Convertible Picnic Bags
This Stylish Bag From BuiltNY Includes All Your Picnicking Products
5
Retro Console Board Games
This Shogi Board Game is Designed in the Likes of Nintendo Game Boy
4
Illuminated Ping Pong Games
Indigo's Glow In The Dark Table Tennis Set Ensures Hours of Fun
3
Galactic Playing Cards
This Star Wars Card Deck Shows the History of Darth Vader
2
Color-Blocked Picnic Packs
'PiqueNique' Encourages You to Spend More Time with Loved Ones
1
Retro Pixelated Playing Cards
These Pixel Playing Cards are Cute Reinventions of the Classic Deck
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AI-Powered Toy Attachments
The App-Paired ToyPal One Brings Soft Toys to Life for Screen-Free Fun
Lifesize 90s Doll Experiences
Airbnb Presents 'Playdate at Polly Pocket’s Compact'
Family Board Game Promos
Hasbro and Birds Eye Teamed Up to Encourage Family Bonding
Nostalgic Beer Brand Phones
The Boring Phone by Heineken Helps Adults Focus on What Really Matters
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Kid-Powered Imagination Campaigns
Lunchables' A.I. vs K.I. Proves Kids' Limitless Creativity
Lego-Centric Apps
The 'Brick My World' App Turns Reality into LEGO Creations
Emotionally Rewarding Multiplayer Games
Toca Boca Days Helps Tweens Find a Sense of Belonging
Next-Gen Drinking Games
Almost Friday Features Four Mini-Games for Adults & Beer Can-Shaped Cards
Interactive Early Education Toys
Tokidos PlayCubes Have a Screen-Free Design
Deep Focus Desktop Displays
The Conceptual 'SINK' Tabletop Stopwatch is Smartphone-Powered
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Simplistic Distraction-Free Phones
The LoFone Has an E Ink Kaleido 3 Color Display
Space-Exploring STEAM Toys
LeapFrog's Magic Adventures™ Line Arrives for Kids Five and Up
Healthy Habit Smartphone Accessories
The 'FIKA' Smartphone Enclosure Concept Helps with Relaxation
Adult-Exclusive Reimagined Board Games
Hasbro Transforms a Classic with the Monopoly Board Crawl
Family-Friendly Interactive Museums
LEGO's Superpower Studios is Devoted to Hands-On Play
Multifunctional Magnetic Folding Tables
The 'FoldPlay' Folding Table Works Anywhere in the House
Cannery-Inspired Phone Boxes
LookUp Makes Digital Detox Tools in the Shape of Fish Tins
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Child-Friendly Camera Concepts
The Camera for Kids Concept Reimagines the Digital Camera
Playfully Renovated Homes
This Home Has a Slide, Swings and Rock-Climbing Wall
Interactive Gaming Phone Cases
Bitmo Lab Introduces the Protective GameBaby Transformative Case
Interactive Video Game-Themed Tours
The Play Nintendo Tour Runs from June 13 to September 2, 2024
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Monetizable Mobile Gaming Apps
'Playbite' Enables Players to Win Gift Cards and Prizes
AI-Powered Family Story Books
Life Story AI Will Help Users Preserve Their Family's Legacy
Digital Board Game Tables
The Arena from Game Theory Tables Enables Smart Tabletop Gaming
Memory-Making AR Experiences
Rokid Celebrated Dads This Father's Day with AR & AI
Phygital Fairy Toys
The HOLOBRITE Pixie Lantern Mixes Physical and Digital Play
AI Bedtime Stories
Storyville Helps Parents by Creating Magical Experiences for Their Children
Kid-Friendly Tech Frames
myFirst Recently Unveiled Two New Digital Frames
Smartphone-Concealing Books
The 'GATBOOK' Keeps Smartphones Out of Infant View
Anthropomorphized Gaming Systems
The 'Playdate' Handheld Gaming Device Has a Charming Function
Brick Builder Community Apps
The LEGO Play App Provides a Kid-Safe Space for Builders of All Ages
Mindful Low-Tech Smartphones
The Mudita Kompakt Reduces Distractions and Screen Time
Gen Z-Focused Board Games
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together for Non-Competitive Gen Z Consumers
Five-Minute Family Meals
Kevin's Natural Foods Helps Families Conquer "Irritable Parent Syndrome"
Phone Breakup Newsletters
The Guardian's 'Reclaim Your Brain' Newsletter Helps Reduce Screen Time
Personalized Christmas Books
Manimal Tales Launches an Exciting Advent Calendar-Style Book
Mindful Smartphone Usage Apps
The 'Intenty' App Prompts Users to Rethink How They Use Their Phone
AI-Powered Lullaby Apps
The 'Baby Bond' App Uses AI to Read Lullabies to Kids as Family Members
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Updated Traditional Game Experiences
Admiral Clash Reimagines Battleship in New Angle
Kid-Friendly Digital Coloring
PalettePlay.art Has Customizable Coloring Book Templates
Waste-Minimizing Food Apps
"Oh, a Potato" Suggests Meal Ideas Based on Inventory
90s Toy Holiday Trees
Furbtrees are Introducing the Next Generation of Furby Across the UK
Distraction-Free Digital Keyboards
The Micro Journal is a Convenient Whimsical Writing Device
Minimizing Phone Usage Initiatives
Heineken's Latest Campaign Addresses Phone Use at Music Events
Anti-Distraction Student Smartphone Features
Google School Time Limits Features During Class
Casual Mini Games
This Online Hub Allows for Players to Easily Learn Engaging Games
Twisted Storytelling Games
Storiado is a Bizarre and Hilarious Alternative to Board Games
Confidence-Promoting Conversation Cards
TableTalk is a Card Deck of Mealtime Conversations
Wizard-Themed Board Games
The Monopoly Harry Potter Edition is Hogwarts-Inspired
Consolidated Family Organizers
Jam Offers To-do Lists, Calendars, and More, All in One Place
Screen Time Reduction Apps
BePresent Gamifies Limiting Phone Usage with Daily Challenges
Community-Focused Movie Screenings
'Join or Die' Screenings Aims to Foster Real-Life Connections
Multi-Generational Travel Deals
easyJet Holidays' Grans Go Free Supports Affordable Family Travel
Distraction-Blocking Apps
The 'FlowBuddy' App Helps Users Cut Down on Screen Time
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
Mess-Free Eco Craft Kits
Brainstorm's Create N Colour Let Kids Magically Paint with Water
Finger-Sized Throwing Games
Tactic Games Launches the New Mölkky Minipeli Skittle-Throwing Game
Gaming Ads-Inspired Video Games
D3 Publisher and Monkeycraft Present the Ironic Those Games
Family Entertainment Apps
The Chick-fil-A Play App Shares Shows, Games, Activities and More
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
AI Family Management Tools
ParentEase Combines AI Assistance with Task Management Tools
Resourceful Digital Platform Events
Meta will Host an Immersive Instagram Family Pop-Up in NYC
Thoughtful Conversation Cards
Lumitory's Conversation Cards Offer Thought-Provoking Prompts
Compact Dexterity Games
Oink Games' DroPolter Challenges Players to Drop Charms Quickly
Nature-Inspired Playdate Card Games
The Spilled Mushrooms Card Game is a Puzzle Game
Senior Technology Tutors
Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning Helps Seniors Improve Digital Literacy
Playful Dinner-Inspired Challenges
Mrs. T's Pierogies Has Launched the Go-Fun-Me Challenge
Family Organization Apps
Rejoy Merges Calendars, Lists, meal Planners, and More in One Place
Family Organizational Apps
FamHive Incentivizes Family Chores and Organization
Age-Inclusive Board Games
Hasbro Revamps its Classic Board Games to Accommodate Aging Consumers
Youth Movement Competitions
The PLEZi Absurdly Good Games Encourages Summer Activity
Daily Trivia Games
Daily Fact or Fiction Challenges Players With True or False Statements
Simplistic Dynamic Game Experiences
Joelle Tindall Created the Unique Touch Egg Game
Slacking Support Tools
Office Slacker Helps Workers Pretend to Be Busy
Interactive Football Game Venues
TOCA Social Delivers a Blend of Sports, Entertainment, and Dining
Collaborative Daily Word Games
Netflix and TED Talks Join to Create the TED Tumblewords Game
Skill-Building Play Kitchens
The Real Life Play Kitchen by Lovevery Safely Sharpens Motor Skills
Personalized Bed Time Reading
BlissFable Lets Kids Be the Protagonists of Their Own Stories
Family Game-Sharing Platforms
Valve is Introducing 'Steam Families' to Replace 'Family Sharing'
In-Car Conversation Cards
Kelley Blue Book's "Car-fessional" Cards Inspire Family Connection
Kid-Friendly Portable Projectors
Little Tikes' Story Dream Machine Supports Early Literacy
Kids Safety Gadgets
Pinwheel's Plus 3 and Slim 5 Keeps Parents and Kids Connected Through a Device
Memory-Based Adult Card Games
Hasbro Introduces a New Party Card Game Dubbed Arschmallows
Personalized Bedtime Stories
StoryGenius Let's Parents Insert Their Children Into Books
Personalized Keepsake Storybooks
My Life in a Book Captures and Preserves Personal Stories
Friend-Finding Dinners
Timeleft Fights Big-City Loneliness by Matching Strangers for Dinner
AI Family Management Apps
Tasha is an AI Management Tool Integrating Into Busy Families Lives
Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets
The Funphix' 'Standard' is an Educational Outdoor Playset
Date Night Card Decks
Date Night Deck Offers 50 Creative Ideas for Quality Time Together
Engaging Science-Inspired Activities
The Ontario Science Centre is Engaging Families During Winter
Relationship-Strengthening Dating Ideas
Perfect Dates is an App Inspiring Stronger Bonds
Magnetic Building Tiles
Magna-Tiles Introduces its 'MicroMags' Product Line for Young Builders
Gamified Children's Productivity Apps
Kangaroutine Helps Kids Who Struggle with Routines
Child-Centric Online Safety Campaigns
Wondershare FamiSafe Engages Parents with a Contest
Cozy Village Sim Games
The Tales of the Shire Game Helps Villagers Complete Tasks
Mental Wellness Apps
'Pause' Lets You Take a Moment to Regain Control Over Your Emotions
Family Homestay Platforms
'Homestays with Kids' Connects Families to Stay and Share Experiences
Relaxing Brain Teaser Games
Sprinkle Words Takes a Non-Competitive Approach to Phone Games
Social Gathering-Scheduling Apps
Tecatita Light Debuts the Convenience-Focused Momentitos App
Solution-Oriented Holiday Ads
Orange’s Holiday Ad Brings Families Together Over Smartphones
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Childhood Memory Capturing Apps
Dear Little One Allows Parents to Record Messages for Their Child
Smart Life-Planning Apps
Last Plannr is More Than a Traditional To-Do List
Playful Food-Themed Games
Taco Vs Burrito Offers a Fun and Lighthearted Card Game
Online Family Sharing Systems
Steam Introduces the Steam Families Feature for More Sharing Options
Digital Life Path Coaches
My Life Quest Empowers Individuals to Uncover Their True Passions
Parental Gift Generators
The Parent Present Gift Generator Supports Gen Z & Millennial Shoppers
Kid-Friendly Financial Support Apps
Goaly Offers Financial Lessons for Kids and Their Parents
Prehistoric Puzzle Games
'Block Puzzle in the Stone Age' Takes a Refreshing Twist on a Classic
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Interactive Entertainment Board Games
MONOPOLY GO! Transforms Digital Mobile Game into Real Play
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Stimulating Word Association Games
Worlds of Words Challenges Players to Think Outside the Box
Connective Sports Apps
Acti Forges Connections Between Like-Minded Sports Lovers
Intentional Online Experiences
Slow Internet Takes Users Back to a More Enriching Online World
Screen-Limiting Phone Apps
Takebreak Encourages People to Have a Better Work-Life Balance
Mentally Stimulating Game Collections
Fresh Words: Word Game Boasts Engaging and Challenging Games
Fitness-Focused Screentime Limits
Stryde Allows Users to Earn Screen Time Based on Activity Levels
Digital Dartboard Game Systems
The 'Pixeldarts' Electronic Throwing Game Offers Nonstop Fun
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space
Corporate Team Building Parties
It's Game Night Revolutionizes Corporate Team Building in Toronto
Creative Hollywood-Themed Games
'Greenlight' Tasks Players with Pitching Ideas to Studio Heads
Family Travel Documentation Tools
Duckwyn's Travel Journal Offers Digital Scrapbooking
Gamified Productivity Apps
Get Productive Turns Phone-Free Time into a Game with Rewards
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Base-Building Sleep Apps
'SleepTown' lets Users Build a Cartoon Town by Sleeping
Romantic Date Night Questionnaires
LLV: Date Night Questions Poses a More Engaging Date Activity
Comprehensive Sports Apps
OutyPlay Builds Community for Sports Enthusiasts
Daily Word Challenges
CraftWord Transforms Words Strategically with Its Vocabulary Puzzle Game
Personalized Game Show Generators
Quizado Lets You Host Your Own Family Feud-Style Game Nights
Personalized Bedtime Story Generators
Bumble Stories Creates Bedtime Stories Featuring Your Child
Live Board Game Productions
Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern is Theatrically Interactive
Simple Joke Platforms
Gigglet is a Simple Webste that Tells 10 "Dad Jokes" a Day
Family-Oriented Task Managers
Karo is a New Easy-to-Use To-Do App For Friends and Family