Sunscreen, beach balls, and… cellphones? With the rise of cellphone usage and screen time worldwide, it’s hard to find ways to stay off your phone. However, with the approaching summer heat and the end of school season, there are many opportunities to get outside and spend time with the people you love the most. Here are seven ways to spend time outdoors, without your phone:
The first way to limit your phone use is to tan with a book. Instead of taking your phone out to sunbathe, replace your cell phone with a good book. This way, when you’re tanning your back, you’re keeping your mind engaged over the summer. If you’re assigned summer reading, this is a good way to get it out of the way while doing something you enjoy.
One way to spend time with loved ones over the summer, away from your phone, is to go to a carnival. There are many summer carnivals held in the area, including Homer Fest and Canal Days. For a weekend pass, Homer Fest costs $65 in advance and $75 onsite, and Canal Days costs $70 in advance and $80 onsite. This is a great way to spend the day off your devices.
Another way to spend time outdoors is to go to a nearby beach. Some beaches close to us include Montrose Beach in Chicago, Centennial Beach in Naperville and Indiana Dunes in Porter, Indiana. Going to these beaches is an off-the-grid way to get a taste of the ocean in the Midwest.
Having a picnic is another great way to connect with nature. Socializing over good food and beautiful scenery takes your mind off technology. We have many parks nearby, including Heritage Park, Pilcher Park, and Dellwood Park. You can even lay a blanket down in your backyard and have a picnic with your friends or family. A picnic creates an easy and cheap way to stay off your phone and enjoy the good weather.
Another entertaining option may be catching a sports game. Living near Chicago, there are a multitude of options to see a game. Because baseball is in season, you can catch a Cubs or Sox game this summer. You could also see a minor league game for a slightly cheaper option, like the Joliet Slammers or the Chicago Dogs. For an option free of cost, you can always come to support our very own Porters Baseball team.
Throwing a pool party is one more way to be with your friends and family this summer. Tanning, eating snacks, and swimming with loved ones is a fun way to get off your phone and have fun doing it. You can even bring out board games to add another activity to pass the time. If you have little family members, you can play games with them in the pool. Having all of your loved ones together allows for a great time away from technology.
Lastly, visiting local zoos provides yet one more way to step away from your phone. Brookfield Zoo Chicago in Brookfield, Illinois and Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois are two of many amazing zoos nearby that offer not only the animals, but also experiences (all of which phones are not necessary). These experiences include feeding the giraffes, playing with the penguins, and much more.
With these options in mind, consider the potential benefits of reducing your screen time in favor of outdoor activities by yourself, with friends, or with family this summer. Ditch the endless scrolling and step into the sunshine!
