20 Ways to Unplug and Spend More Time Outside This Spring

Photo by Daniel & Hannah Snipes

Spring is the perfect time to step away from the screens and soak up the fresh air. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, people are more cheerful and nature is just waking up. If you’re looking for ways to unplug and enjoy the season, here are some simple but meaningful ways to make the most of it.

1. Start Your Mornings Outside

How you begin your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Instead of reaching for your phone first thing, step outside. A bit of fresh air can improve your focus and reduce stress. Sip your coffee on the porch, do a few stretches in the morning sun or take a short walk before work.

2. Plan a Picnic

Meals feel different when you enjoy them outside. Pack a simple lunch — sandwiches, fruit, pretzels, maybe a thermos of tea — and head to a nearby park. If you’re short on time, even eating in your own backyard can feel like a treat.

Leave your phone in your bag or on silent so you can focus on your surroundings. Bring a book to read rather than scrolling.

3. Take a Walk Without Headphones

It’s tempting to fill every quiet morning with music, podcasts or audiobooks, but try taking a walk without anything playing. Listen to the birds, the wind in the trees, the crashing waves or the distant hum of life around you. Not only does this help you feel more connected to nature, but it also gives your brain a break from constant input.

4. Try a Screen-Free Hobby

Spring is the perfect time to start a hobby that doesn’t involve a screen. Gardening lets you get your hands dirty and watch something grow, while biking gives you the freedom to explore new areas. Hiking helps you disconnect while also getting exercise.

Even something as simple as flying a kite or pressing flowers can be a great way to unwind. Find something that feels good and make time for it.

5. Get Out on the Water 

Spring is a fantastic time to enjoy the water before the peak summer crowds arrive. There are plenty of ways to unplug and make the most of lakes, rivers, dams and oceans, whether you’re cruising, fishing or soaking up the sun. If you’re looking for more active fun, try one of these water activities:

• Kayaking: Go out with a partner for some great physical activity while appreciating nature.
• Paddleboarding: Paddleboarding is a great core workout and a peaceful way to admire the views.
• Sailing: Learn the art of harnessing the wind for a relaxing or adventurous ride.
• Snorkeling: If you’re near clear water, explore the underwater world and spot marine life.

6. Make a Tech-Free Evening a Habit

Pick one night a week to turn off your screens after dinner. Instead of watching TV or scrolling, spend time outside. Take a walk at sunset, sit around a fire pit or play a game on the patio. The key is to make it a ritual — something you look forward to and protect as part of your routine.

7. Explore a New Place

Changing your surroundings can make a huge difference in how refreshed you feel. Look up local trails, parks or scenic drives you haven’t visited before. Even a short trip to a botanical garden or a nearby lake can feel like an adventure. The excitement of exploring a new place makes it easier to forget about checking your phone.

8. Set Boundaries With Your Devices

Unplugging doesn’t have to mean a complete digital detox. It can be as simple as keeping your phone inside while you garden or putting it on silent when you’re out for a walk. Try setting time limits on certain apps, turning off notifications in the evening or dedicating “no-screen” zones in your home. The more intentional you are, the easier it gets.

9. Join an Outdoor Fitness Class

Spring is the best time to take your workouts outside. Many communities offer yoga in the park, outdoor boot camps, running clubs or group hikes. Exercising in fresh air feels better than being stuck in a gym, and the social aspect can make it even more enjoyable.

10.  Watch an Outdoor Movie

Take movie night outside for a fun, screen-free twist. Set up a projector in your backyard or head to a local park that offers outdoor screenings. Bring blankets, pillows and your favorite snacks to enjoy a cozy evening under the stars. It’s an excellent way to enjoy nature while still getting the entertainment you love.

11.  Start a Backyard Project

Having a project to work on outside can make it easier to spend more time in nature. Build a raised garden bed, hang a hammock or create a cozy outdoor seating area. Even small projects — like planting herbs or setting up a bird feeder — can give you a reason to step away from screens and enjoy the outdoors.

12.  Go Camping — Even in Your Backyard

If you don’t have time for a full camping trip, set up a tent in your backyard. Sleep under the stars, roast marshmallows, have meaningful conversations and enjoy a night without technology. If you have kids, it’s a great way to introduce them to the fun of being outside without distractions. Plus, camping can be a really romantic activity for couples, offering private time in natural surroundings.

13.  Take Up Outdoor Photography

Instead of scrolling on your phone, use it to capture the beauty of nature. Challenge yourself to find interesting textures, colors or wildlife. It’s a great way to notice the little details you might otherwise miss.

14.  Try Birdwatching or Stargazing

Sometimes, simply observing the world around you is enough. Bring binoculars to a local park and see how many birds you can spot, or head outside on a clear night and try to identify constellations. Both activities encourage mindfulness and make you appreciate the natural world in a new way.

15.  Host an Outdoor Game Night

Swap out your usual screen time for a backyard game night. Play cornhole, badminton, frisbee or even an old-fashioned game of tag. If you have a bigger group, organize a scavenger hunt for some friendly competition.

16.  Visit a Farmer’s Market

Spring means fresh produce, and there’s no better place to find it than a local farmer’s market. Instead of ordering groceries online, spend a morning browsing stalls, chatting with local vendors, trying new produce and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Some seasonal produce you can pick up during the springtime include:

• Asparagus
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Strawberries
• Rhubarb
• Kale
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Swiss chard

17.  Volunteer for a Cleanup Event

Join a community cleanup at a local park, beach or trail. It’s a meaningful way to give back, get fresh air and be active while making the outdoors more enjoyable for everyone.

18.  Take Mealtimes Outdoors

Rather than eating indoors, take your meals outside whenever possible. Breakfast on the patio, dinner under string lights or even just a snack on the grass can make mealtime feel more special.

19.  Visit a National Park 

The U.S. has a total of 433 national park sites spanning all 50 states. Spring is one of the best times to visit — before the summer crowds arrive and while everything is in bloom. Whether you go for a weekend camping trip or just a day hike, spending time in a national park helps you disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.

Many parks have limited cell service, making it even easier to leave your phone behind and fully immerse yourself in the scenery. Take in the fresh air, spot wildlife and enjoy the peacefulness only nature can offer.

20.  Spruce Up Your Patio

If you have a patio or balcony, now is the perfect time to refresh the space. Set up a table and some chairs, hang string lights and enjoy a cozy backyard haven. Use the space to read, drink your morning coffee or host friends as the weather warms up. 

The Benefits of Ditching the Screens for the Outdoors

Spending less time on screens and more time outside isn’t just refreshing — it’s good for your body and mind. Here’s why unplugging and stepping into nature is worth it:

• Reduces stress and anxiety: Fresh air and natural scenery can lower stress levels to boost your mood.
• Improves sleep: Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate your sleep cycle, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
• Boosts creativity: Time in nature can clear mental clutter and inspire fresh ideas.
• Enhanced fitness: Activities like walking and hiking can improve overall well-being.
• Strengthens relationships: Spending time outdoors with family or friends can encourage conversation and deeper connections without digital distractions.

Step Outside and Soak It All In

Spring is a season of renewal, and there’s no better way to embrace it than by spending more time outdoors. Whether you hike, picnic, boat or simply enjoy your morning coffee in the fresh air, unplugging allows you to be more present and connected to the world around you.