Backyard Blogging.

Cell phones can be so useful yet so frustrating!

As your kids get older, do you find it increasingly hard to have family time that doesn’t involve cell phone breaks? If you’re like most of us, the answer is probably yes!

It is increasingly more difficult to get the whole family to turn off their phones and get together for a little family time. We decided to put together a list of a few things that will keep the whole family entertained!

Check out this article for five things to do with your family without their cell phones.

#1: Find a New Family Hobby

It’s often difficult to find an activity that everyone wants to participate in. So, sometimes it’s better to come together with something completely new.

A new activity or hobby is a great way to connect with your family, young and old because when you learn something together, everyone starts out in the same place.

You also have a chance to create a shared experience free of expectations. Why? Because it’s new for everyone. For example, you decide to take horseback riding lessons together as a family. Since no one has ever been, you all immediately have something to share.

You’ll find everyone wants to talk about how the new experience on that horse felt for them.

Bond with your family outside, soaking in the hot tub or playing games!

Other ideas include cooking, painting, baking classes, other sports activities, drama clubs, and more. You’ll find so many activities open to you locally that you could be busy all year long with new activities. Ask your friends and co-workers to see what new things they’ve tried around town.

#2: Get Outside for Some Games

Spending time outside makes everyone feel better.  Not only can you get some exercise, but you can have a ton of fun, too.

Invest in some yard games you can play with your kids. The number one rule: phones have to stay inside.

Yard-size Jenga games, volleyball, badminton, basketball, croquet, bocce ball, and others are a few ideas to get you started. You can even get super creative and create your own obstacle course, hula hoop contest, or relay race.

Be sure and add a little music to your outdoor fun, and you’ll soon find everyone looks forward to weekly gameplay outside.

#3: Soak in Your Hot Tub or  Play in Your Endless Pool

These are two areas where cell phones most definitely aren’t allowed.

It’s okay for some of your family activities to be more relaxing than full of exercise. A hot tub provides the perfect spot to relax together as a family. You still get to enjoy the outdoors, but this time, you’re sitting in close proximity without any distractions.

While you sit there in silence, listening to the water as it envelops your family in warmth and hydro massage, you may find your kids and teens start to open up. In this distraction-free environment, you can have a real conversation with your family.

In an Endless Pool, you’ll enjoy much of the same, but you also have the opportunity to work out together and spend some time playing in the pool!

For families looking for a way to bond and spend quality time together in the comfort of their own homes, a hot tub or Endless Pool can be the perfect solution.

#4:  Play Board Games and Cards

Whether you do this inside or out, playing games with your family is a great way to spend an hour. Card games and board games have been a family tradition for hundreds of years, and there’s no reason to abandon them now.

If it’s too cold or hot, set up at the kitchen table. If you have a nice outdoor room, you can play there as well. It’s often fun to play by the pool, too.

Some of our favorite games are  Monopoly, Clue, Yahtzee, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Battleship, and Candy Land!

#5: Get Out and Explore Your City

Many people travel the same one-five-mile radius on a regular basis. From home to school and work, the grocery store, a bit of shopping, and a few favorite restaurants are as far as many go.

It’s time to get out and explore your city. Break out of your routine and do something different in your community. For example, decide you’ll try a new restaurant once a month or do a new community activity once a month.

There are so many things you can do together – new restaurants, art galleries, activities, festivals, events, and even service-oriented activities. Bake cookies for your local fire station? Make bags for the homeless. Again, the possibilities are endless!

Your goal here is to find those hidden gems no one knows about. It’s like your family’s own little secret!

Final Thoughts

At Ultra Modern, we are dedicated to fun, and we want to help your family have fun and spend more time together! Stop by any of our stores, and you’ll find hot tubs, pools (inground and above ground), Endless Pools, patio furniture, outdoor rooms, pool tables, shuffleboard tables, game tables, and more!

We are your favorite new place to visit… See you soon!