17 Great Places and Ideas for Unplugged Family Vacations

In today's digital age, it can be difficult for families to disconnect from technology and enjoy quality time together. With smartphones vying for our attention, it's important to take a break and engage in unplugged activities.

Family vacations offer the perfect opportunity to do just that. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, visiting small historical towns, or taking in the sights and sounds of a new city, unplugged family vacations provide a chance to bond and create lasting memories. 

We will explore great places and ideas for unplugged family vacations, and offer tips for navigating the world of technology and kids.

Stay Connected on Your Adventures

When you’re out in nature, it’s important to stay connected with your family. Staying connected with your kids on outdoor adventures without a cell phone can be a challenge, but there are alternatives that can help. 

One option is a smartwatch phone, which offers many of the same features as a cell phone, including the ability to make calls, send messages, and even video call, while being age appropriate for kids without internet, games, or social media. 

With GPS tracking capabilities, parents can easily keep tabs on their kids' whereabouts while they're out exploring. 

Another option is to set up a designated meeting place and time in case anyone gets separated from the group. This can provide peace of mind for both parents and kids. 

Communicating beforehand with your kids about the importance of staying together and how to handle any potential situations can also help ensure that everyone stays connected and safe during outdoor adventures. 

The key is to plan ahead and think creatively about how to stay connected with your kids in the absence of traditional cell phones.

National Parks

For families looking to enjoy unplugged vacations, national parks are an excellent option. With so many parks to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to visit. 

To help narrow down the options, here are some of the best national parks for families:

Yosemite National Park

Located in California, Yosemite is known for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. This park offers a variety of activities for families, including hiking, rock climbing, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Grand Canyon National Park

This iconic park, located in Arizona, offers breathtaking views of one of the world's most famous natural wonders. Families can hike to the bottom of the canyon, take a scenic drive along the rim, or join a ranger-led program to learn about the geology and history of the area.

Yellowstone National Park

Spanning across three states, this park is the first national park in the United States and is known for its geothermal features, such as geysers and hot springs, as well as its diverse wildlife, including wolves, bison, and elk.

Acadia National Park

Located on the coast of Maine, this park offers families a chance to explore the rocky coast, hike through dense forests, and enjoy scenic drives along the coast.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This park, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the United States and is known for its breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and its diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, and turkeys.

Historical Towns

For families looking for a more relaxed and historic vacation, small historical towns are an excellent option. These towns offer a glimpse into the past and provide families with an opportunity to disconnect from technology and enjoy a slower pace of life. 

Here are some small historical towns that are worth considering:

Savannah, Georgia

This charming town is known for its historic district, which is filled with beautifully preserved homes and public squares dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Savannah offers families a chance to explore its rich history, including its role in the Civil War, as well as its vibrant cultural scene, including its food, music, and arts.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This town is a living history museum that offers families a chance to step back in time and experience what life was like in colonial America. From costumed guides who bring history to life to hands-on activities such as blacksmithing and pottery making, Colonial Williamsburg is a unique and educational experience for families.

Fredericksburg, Texas 

Known for its rich German heritage, Fredericksburg offers a variety of historic attractions. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and wildflowers, making it the perfect place to disconnect and explore the great outdoors. 

Families can visit the Pioneer Museum Complex, which showcases the history of the region, or take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside to see the sights and sounds of the Texas Hill Country. 

If you’re visiting this charming town, make sure to check out the best places to eat in Fredericksburg, TX. 

Fredericksburg, Texas is known for its delicious cuisine, which showcases the area's rich German heritage and its focus on farm-to-table dining. The town is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bistros that offer a range of traditional German dishes, such as schnitzel and sauerkraut, as well as classic Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. 

Beach Vacations

For families looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, beach destinations are a great option. With their sun, sand, and surf, beach vacations offer families an opportunity to unwind and recharge. Here are some of the best beach destinations for families to consider:

Hawaii

With its stunning beaches, warm waters, and lush landscapes, Hawaii is a popular destination for families. From snorkeling and surfing to hiking and horseback riding, there's no shortage of activities for families to enjoy on the islands.

Florida

With its long stretches of sandy beaches and sunny skies, Florida is a popular destination for families. From the bustling atmosphere of Miami to the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys, there's a beach for every type of family in Florida.

California

With its gorgeous beaches and sunny climate, California is a popular destination for families, and home to our headquarters. From the iconic surf culture of Southern California to the rugged coastline of Northern California, there's a beach for every type of family in California.

The Caribbean

With its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, the Caribbean is a popular destination for families. From the bustling atmosphere of the Dominican Republic to the laid-back vibe of the Bahamas, there's a beach for every type of family in the Caribbean.

Outdoor Adventures

For families looking for an adrenaline-fueled vacation, outdoor adventures are a great option. These types of vacations allow families to challenge themselves and experience the great outdoors in a new and exciting way. 

Here are some of the best outdoor adventures for families to consider:

Whitewater Rafting

This exciting activity is perfect for families who love a thrill. With guided trips available on rivers of varying levels of difficulty, there's an option for families of all experience levels.

Rock Climbing

This activity provides a great workout and an opportunity for families to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. Guided rock climbing trips are available for families of all experience levels, and equipment is typically provided.

Zipline Tours

Zipline tours provide an exciting way for families to experience the great outdoors from a different perspective. With guided tours available in forests and canyons across the country, this activity is perfect for families who love a thrill.

Mountain Biking

This activity provides a great workout and an opportunity for families to explore scenic trails and picturesque mountain roads. With guided trips available for families of all experience levels, mountain biking is a fun and challenging activity for families to consider.

Kayaking

Whether you're kayaking down a gentle stream or navigating rapids, this activity provides families with an opportunity to explore waterways and experience the great outdoors in a unique way. With guided trips available for families of all experience levels, kayaking is a fun and exciting outdoor adventure for families to consider.

Unplugged family vacations are a great way to disconnect from technology and spend quality time with loved ones. 

From the beauty of national parks to the relaxation of beach destinations and the excitement of outdoor adventures, there is no shortage of places and ideas for unplugged family vacations. 

Whether you choose a bustling city or a peaceful small town, the goal is to create lasting memories and build strong relationships with your family. 

With a little planning and creativity, you can have a successful and memorable unplugged family vacation.