How Do You Create Entertainment Without Modern Technology.
Imagine a World Unplugged
Picture this: your phone is nothing but a brick, the TV sits eerily silent, and the Wi-Fi password is a meaningless jumble. Maybe there’s a rainstorm knocking out the power, or perhaps you’ve just decided to take a break from screens. Suddenly, you’re faced with a question that’s both thrilling and daunting: what do you do for fun when modern technology is off-limits.
If you’re anything like me, the idea might make you a little anxious at first—after all, statistics show Americans now spend over seven hours per day staring at screens, according to a recent eMarketer report. That’s a lot of scrolling, streaming, and swiping. But let’s take a cue from the past: think of your grandparents gathered around candlelight, swapping stories during a blackout, or pioneers entertaining themselves on the frontier with nothing but their wits and a deck of cards. Before TikTok, PlayStation, or Netflix, people found countless ways to keep boredom at bay and build memories together.
In this multi-part series, we’re going to dig into the lost (and not-so-lost) arts of non-digital entertainment. From classic games and creative crafts to outdoor adventures and communal gatherings, you’ll discover that fun doesn’t need a battery—and sometimes, it’s even better unplugged.
Let’s kick things off by dusting off some timeless games and rediscovering the power of our own imagination.
Rediscovering Classic Games and Pastimes
Long before there was Candy Crush or Mario Kart, families and friends gathered to test their luck, wits, and agility with simple, enduring games. Have you ever played charades and laughed until your sides hurt trying to guess your uncle’s attempt at “astronaut”. Or maybe you remember a summer night game of hide-and-seek lasting until the fireflies came out. These experiences aren’t just nostalgic—they’re powerful ways to connect.
Timeless Games for Every Occasion
Board games like chess, checkers, and Monopoly have stood the test of time for a reason. Chess, for example, is over 1,500 years old and still challenges players with its blend of tactics and strategy. A deck of cards can turn into hundreds of games—try the suspense of Go Fish, the rivalry of War, or the teamwork of Spades. Don’t overlook simple games like tic-tac-toe or hangman, which need only paper and a pencil.
Outdoor favorites like “kick the can,” “capture the flag,” or “red rover” are perfect for burning off energy and sparking friendly competition. Use rocks as game pieces, sticks to draw a hopscotch grid, or invent your own rules—half the fun is in making do with what you have.
Fostering Laughter and Connection
Why are these games so enduring. Besides being fun, they draw people together. A 2022 study found that 70% of adults say playing games with friends and family improves their relationships. There’s something special about the laughter and teamwork that happens face-to-face, without digital distractions.
Don’t forget the magic of storytelling circles, where everyone takes turns spinning a yarn or sharing a riddle. You might be surprised by the creativity that bubbles up when the only “app” in the room is your imagination.
Pro Tip: Keep a “game box” handy—fill it with a deck of cards, dice, scraps of paper, and a few homemade score sheets.
It’s an invitation to spontaneous fun whenever you need it.
The Power of Arts, Crafts, and Imagination
Entertainment isn’t just about competition—it’s also about creating, expressing, and getting your hands a little messy. When you step away from screens, you make space for artistic pursuits that can be both soothing and surprisingly joyful.
Hands-On Fun for All Ages
Think about drawing, painting, or even learning origami. Did you know origami has been practiced in Japan for over a thousand years. All you need is a piece of paper and a bit of patience to transform the ordinary into something beautiful. If you knit, crochet, or sew, you already know how absorbing—and satisfying—it can be to make something with your hands.
DIY crafts are another wonderful way to pass the time. Try making friendship bracelets, building a birdhouse, or creating holiday decorations from recycled materials. If you’re with kids, try a challenge: what can you build using only items found around the house. The possibilities are endless.
Homegrown Theater and Storytelling
Who says you need a stage to put on a show. Recruit family or friends for a living room puppet show, a backyard skit, or a homemade talent showcase. Even solo, you can write poems, journal your thoughts, or invent short stories featuring your favorite characters.
These creative activities don’t just chase away boredom—they build patience, sharpen focus, and help you discover new talents. In fact, research shows that engaging in crafts or art can reduce stress levels by up to 75% (according to the American Journal of Public Health). That’s a win-win, if you ask me.
Ready to keep exploring. In the next part, we’ll turn up the volume on music, dance, and performance—all without plugging in a single device. Let’s discover just how lively and entertaining an unplugged life can be.
Music, Dance, and Performance: Turning Up the Fun—No Outlets Required
As we saw in Part 1, creativity flourishes when we put down our devices. Now, let’s bring even more energy into the room with music, dance, and a bit of showmanship. If you think you need a Spotify playlist or a TikTok routine to cut loose, think again. For centuries, people have entertained themselves—and each other—with nothing but their voices, a few household items, and ample imagination.
Make Your Own Music
You don’t need a grand piano or a guitar to get musical. Kitchen percussion is a time-honored tradition: grab a couple of pots, wooden spoons, and maybe a glass jar or two, and you’ve got yourself an instant drum set.
In fact, folk music around the world often relied on homemade instruments—think of washtub basses, jugs, or simple hand clapping and stomping for rhythm.
Singing together is another staple of screen-free entertainment. Whether it’s belting out folk songs, lullabies, or making up silly tunes on the spot, group singing does wonders for both mood and connection. Studies have found that singing with others can boost endorphins and even synchronize heart rates, making everyone feel more in tune—literally and figuratively.
If you’re feeling inspired, try inventing your own lyrics or performing a “name that tune” challenge with the simplest of melodies. Even if you’re off-key, the point is to have fun and let loose.
Dance Like (Literally) No One’s Watching
Dance is perhaps the ultimate unplugged entertainment. No gadgets required—just a little space and a willingness to move. Teach each other classic dances like the waltz or the twist, or invent new moves as you go. Don’t be shy: hold a living room dance-off or a mini “dance party” in the kitchen.
For families with kids, freeze dance (stop and go when the music does) is always a hit—even if the only “music” is someone humming or beatboxing. And remember, traditional dances like square dancing or folk reels often emerged as communal entertainment long before recorded music.
Stage Your Own Show
You don’t need tickets (or an audience of thousands) to enjoy the thrill of performance. Try a round of improv, where you make up scenes on the spot—just shout out a scenario and see where it goes. Or, dust off classic monologues, practice mime, or challenge each other to the silliest talent show acts you can dream up.
These unplugged performances spark creativity and laughter, and they’re the kind of memories that linger far longer than the latest viral video.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature-Based Fun
Of course, not all unplugged entertainment happens indoors. Mother Nature offers a playground that’s open 365 days a year—no subscription required.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Classic outdoor games like tag, frisbee, hopscotch, or hide-and-seek never go out of style. They’re great for groups of all ages and have the added bonus of getting everyone moving. If you’re feeling adventurous, organize a scavenger hunt or a backyard obstacle course using sticks, rocks, or whatever you can find. These games help kids (and adults) develop problem-solving skills and physical coordination.
Nature itself offers endless inspiration. Try birdwatching (how many species can you spot. ), cloud-watching (what shapes do you see. ), or stargazing on a clear night. Building forts from branches or crafting “nature art” from leaves and stones are simple yet satisfying creative projects.
Sports and Invented Games
Not into traditional sports. Make up your own. Use a ball and a few buckets for a homemade target game, or invent new rules for “backyard Olympics.
” The only limit is your imagination, and the focus is always on fun, not competition.
Time outdoors isn’t just entertaining—it’s good for you, too. Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, children who spend just 20 minutes outside each day demonstrate better focus and lower anxiety levels.
By the Numbers: Why Unplugged Entertainment Matters
Let’s pause for a moment and look at the stats behind screen-free fun and its surprising benefits:
- Average Daily Screen Time: The typical American now spends 7 hours and 4 minutes per day on screens (eMarketer, 2023). For kids aged 8-12, it’s about 4-6 hours per day, while teens average up to 9 hours (Common Sense Media, 2022).
- Creativity Boost: A study from the University of Michigan found that children who engaged in unplugged, imaginative play scored 20% higher on creativity assessments than their screen-using peers.
- Mental Health: The American Journal of Public Health reports that regular participation in arts, crafts, or music can reduce stress-related hormones by up to 75%.
- Family Bonds: A Pew Research Center survey found that 70% of adults feel closer to friends and family after sharing a screen-free activity, such as a game night or group performance.
- Traditional Games Decline: While 90% of adults recall playing games like hide-and-seek, only about 37% of today’s children play these classic games regularly (American Academy of Pediatrics).
- Nature’s Benefits: Nature-based activities are linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety. The National Institutes of Health found that people who spend time outdoors at least once a week report 15% higher overall life satisfaction.
These numbers don’t just prove that unplugged fun is possible—they remind us it’s essential for creativity, health, and building lasting relationships.
As we
move from exploring outdoor adventures and the big-picture benefits of unplugged fun, let’s dive into some of the most surprising and delightful details about creating entertainment without modern technology. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a few conversation starters for your next device-free evening, these fun facts prove that low-tech fun has a rich—and sometimes quirky—history.
Fun Facts: 10 Surprising Truths About Unplugged Entertainment
- Card Games Crossed Oceans: Playing cards arrived in Europe from the Islamic world around the 14th century, and have since spawned hundreds of distinct games—all without a single screen or charger.
- Storytelling Was Prime-Time: Long before Netflix, families and entire villages would gather around fires to share stories. In many Indigenous cultures, oral storytelling was how history, lessons, and even laws were passed down for generations.
- Musical Instruments from Everyday Objects: Simple instruments like spoons, washboards, and jugs have been central to folk music traditions for centuries. The “jug band” phenomenon in early 20th-century America used everyday items to make lively tunes.
- Board Games Date Back Millennia: The oldest known board game is Senet from Ancient Egypt, played over 5,000 years ago. Its rules are lost to time, but the thrill of friendly (or fierce. ) competition is universal.
- Paper + Imagination = Endless Fun: Origami, fortune tellers, and paper airplanes—no two ever exactly alike—have entertained children and adults alike for centuries. The world record for the longest paper airplane flight is over 226 feet.
- Improvised Sports Have Deep Roots: Gaelic football, street cricket, and “stickball” in New York all started as local, low-tech adaptations using what was on hand. Even basketball was invented using peach baskets in a Massachusetts gym.
- Nature Is the Ultimate Playground: The classic game of “poohsticks”—dropping sticks into a stream and racing them under a bridge—was invented by Winnie-the-Pooh author A. Milne and his son. Sometimes, all you need is a creek and your imagination.
- Group Singing Brings Us Together: Scientific studies show that singing together increases oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and can even cause heartbeats to synchronize—a literal “heartbeat of the group. ”
- Talents Unveiled at Home: Some of history’s greatest performers honed their skills during family talent shows or community events before ever stepping on a public stage—like legendary comedian Lucille Ball, who entertained friends and relatives long before she was famous.
- Games Change with Culture: Many traditional games, from “kick the can” to “conkers,” evolved unique regional rules and variations as they spread. This adaptability kept them alive—and still keeps them fresh for new generations.
Author Spotlight: Meet Erin Bried, Champion of Unplugged Fun
When it comes to reviving low-tech skills and fun, few people are as passionate or inspiring as Erin Bried, author and founder of The Adventure Club. Bried’s best-selling books, like How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew, are packed with practical tips for entertainment, crafts, and self-sufficiency—no screens required.
A long-time magazine editor and hands-on mom, Bried has helped thousands rediscover the simple joys of storytelling, crafting, and outdoor play. Her approachable writing makes the old seem new, and her guides are full of playful challenges, classic games, and creative prompts. Erin believes that everyone—kids and adults alike—can benefit from unplugged time. As she says, “The best memories are made when we put our phones down and look up at each other. ”
You can find more of Erin’s wisdom on her website, The Adventure Club, or in her widely praised books that celebrate the magic of doing things the old-fashioned way.
As we’ve seen, unplugged entertainment is anything but boring—it’s inventive, social, sometimes hilarious, and always memorable. But you might still have some questions about how to make it work for your family, what to do on a rainy day, or how to transition kids (and adults. ) away from screens.
Stay tuned for Part 4, where we’ll answer your most frequently asked questions and share practical tips for making unplugged fun part of your everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions: Unplugged Entertainment Made Easy
Taking the leap into screen-free fun can feel a little daunting. But after exploring the creativity, history, and health benefits of unplugged activities, it’s clear that entertainment without modern technology is both possible and rewarding. Let’s tackle some of your burning questions—and set you up for device-free joy.
1. What’s the easiest way to start unplugged entertainment at home.
Start simple. Pick a familiar game like Uno, Go Fish, or charades for your first tech-free night. Gather everyone and explain you’re trying an “unplugged hour. ” Sometimes all it takes is the leader’s enthusiasm. Prep a “fun box” with cards, dice, papers, and simple supplies for spontaneous play.
2. How do you keep kids interested when there are no screens.
Kids love novelty and attention.
Rotate activities—one night play a board game, the next try a scavenger hunt or craft project. Let kids help choose and even “host” the activity, so they feel invested. And remember, enthusiasm is contagious. As Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) reminds us, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. ” Laughter and play keep everyone’s spirits high.
3. What if my family isn’t used to spending time together without devices.
It can feel awkward at first. Start with short bursts—try 30 minutes of screen-free fun after dinner or on a weekend afternoon. Choose cooperative activities (like cooking a new recipe or building a blanket fort) where success relies on teamwork, not competition. Over time, these moments become easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
4. What are some classic unplugged activities for rainy days.
Rainy days are perfect for storytelling circles, crafting (try origami, painting, or making friendship bracelets), board games, or kitchen “bands” with pots and pans. Hold an indoor scavenger hunt or turn the living room into a stage for a family talent show. When in doubt, invent a game together—kids love making up rules.
5. How can I encourage teenagers to join in.
Give teens ownership: let them pick the playlist (if you allow music) or the game, or challenge them to teach everyone a new card trick or riddle. Activities with a creative twist—like improv games or building something together—often spark their interest. And don’t underestimate the power of some friendly competition.
6. Is unplugged entertainment good for mental health.
Absolutely. Studies show that engaging in crafts, music, nature walks, and group games reduces stress and fosters connection. As we highlighted earlier, regular unplugged activities can lower anxiety and boost creativity. Even the Bible encourages time for play and rest—Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NKJV) says, “And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. ”
7. How do you handle resistance from family members used to screens.
Start with a fun, low-pressure activity everyone enjoys, and don’t force it.
Set clear but gentle boundaries (“Let’s do one hour, then you can check your phone”). Celebrate the wins: when everyone laughs or creates something cool, point it out. Over time, even skeptics warm up to the joy of authentic connection.
8. Are there unplugged activities that work for large groups or parties.
Definitely. Try games like Mafia, charades, Pictionary, or scavenger hunts. Outdoor games like capture the flag or relay races work for all ages. For quieter groups, set up a crafting table or storytelling corner. Having a mix of options ensures everyone finds something they enjoy.
9. What if we run out of ideas.
Keep a family “idea jar”—everyone writes down unplugged fun ideas and draws one out when inspiration runs dry. Erin Bried’s The Adventure Club website and books are packed with creative prompts, classic games, and craft projects for every season.
10. How do I make unplugged fun part of our routine.
Consistency is key. Set a regular family game night, or declare Sunday afternoons “screen-free. ” Tie unplugged time to a meal or routine—like 20 minutes of games after dinner. The more you do it, the more natural and anticipated it becomes. And don’t forget to reflect: ask everyone what their favorite part was and what they’d like to try next.
Pulling It All Together: The Joy of Simple, Screen-Free Moments
Across these four parts, we’ve journeyed from timeless games and crafts to backyard adventures, music and performance, and fun facts that highlight the rich tradition of unplugged entertainment. Along the way, we saw how even the simplest activities—storytelling, card games, a walk in the park—can spark laughter, learning, and togetherness. The science (and scripture. ) remind us: unplugged fun isn’t just possible, it’s profoundly good for our bodies, minds, and relationships.
As you start (or continue) your journey into device-free fun, remember the wisdom of those who came before us: connection grows when we gather, play, and create—no Wi-Fi needed. Take a cue from experts like Erin Bried and explore her site, The Adventure Club, for more inspiration and hands-on ideas.
Why not declare tonight a no-screens evening. Gather your loved ones, pick an idea from these pages, and rediscover the joy of each other’s company. You might just create the memories you cherish most.