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It seems like every week, a new study comes out to talk about the dangers of our over-dependence on electronics and too much screen time.

National Day of Unplugging is sundown Friday, March 5, to sundown Saturday, March 6. A 24-hour period sounds like a do-able challenge to put away all electronic devices. In case we have all forgotten what we can do without the electronics, here are 5 ways to enjoy the National Day of Unplugging (please try not to be surprised when they all involve Virginia State Parks).

Go Camping! 

Conveniently, all of our campgrounds that aren't open year-round open on March 5. Get your camper or tent out of storage and make a reservation for your favorite Virginia State Park camping destination. 

March camping at Shenandoah River State Park

Try a Cabin, Camping Cabin or Yurt!

Our full-service cabins are a great alternative if you don't feel the weather is quite right for camping. Camping cabins and yurts don't have heat either (and the yurts are really unplugged with no electricity), but they offer a more indoor experience for sleeping. You will need to commit to a two-night stay for these lodging options.

Bring your board games, card games and puzzles to your cabin since
TVs are practically non-existent in Virginia State Park cabins.

Take a Hike! (or ride a bike)

With 600 miles of trails, Virginia State Parks offer an endless array of hiking and biking opportunities. From a leisurely stroll through the woods to an exhilarating mountain bike ride, we have it all. 

Four-legged family members are welcome.

Go on an adventure!

Check out our program and events list and choose a self-guided adventure. Get a trail pack at a park office to take along with you. Our programs and events database lets you search by type of program, date, and/or park.

Creative play in nature trumps screen time
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/jonlphotography/ on Instagram

Volunteer!

Get the whole family together and come out to one of our Virginia State Parks for a volunteer project. Call the park near you a few days in advance, and they will be sure to have some suggestions. You can sign up as a volunteer online here. 

There are always projects that need doing at a state park.

There is something magical about the outdoors this time of year. The seasonal transition offers some winter-like advantages (leaves off trees so you can see more wildlife) and the excitement of rebirth for spring. The cacophony of birds in our wide-open park spaces is amazing. For every shocking study about the evils of our dependence on electronics, there is a study on how time in nature helps us physically and mentally. 

Caledon's Saucer Magnolia is an early spring favorite.

Wondering which park to choose? Use our park amenity search tool to find a campground, cabin park, or park to explore based on where you want to go in the state and what you would like to do. For camping and cabin reservations, call our Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 (Monday-Friday, 10-4) or check out our online reservations. 

The National Day of Unplugging is a wake-up call reminding us that there are many other things to do beyond staring at a screen. Maybe your family already has some electronics decompression time built into your daily life. If not, going cold turkey for one day is good practice!

By the way, in honor of the National Day of Unplugging, our social media sites will go dark beginning 6:30 p.m. March 5 through 6:30 p.m. March 6 (although you might see one of our ads).