🌟 Screen-Free Week is Coming! May 2 - 8, 2026 | Macaroni KID Woodbury - Oakdale - Cottage Grove

As a busy mom, I know how tempting it can be to hand over a tablet or turn on a show just to get a moment of peace (and hey, sometimes we need that!). But with Screen-Free Week coming up, I'm really looking forward to a fresh excuse to unplug and just be present with my family—no pings, no buzzing, just real, messy, wonderful time together.

SoWashCo Community Education is making it even easier with some great family events planned. Some need registration and others you can just drop into. Be sure to check their website for full details, but here’s a quick look at some of the activities they’re offering:

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At home, we’re keeping things simple but packed with easy outdoor fun that the whole family can enjoy. We made a list of activities that don’t take much planning but promise lots of laughs, fresh air, and memories. Some ideas we’re excited about are:

Start a Garden Together - Whether it’s flowers, veggies, or herbs, gardening teaches patience and gives little hands something to care for.

Play with the Neighborhood/School Kids - Set up an old-school playdate with tag, hopscotch, or bikes.

Build Forts - Indoors, outdoors, using blankets, boxes, sticks—you name it. Kids love having their own "secret spot."

Explore a New Playground - Try visiting a park you’ve never been to before. Bonus points for bringing snacks and staying for an outdoor lunch!

Go for a Hike and Picnic - Hiking + food = happy kids. Even little nature walks turn into adventures when you add sandwiches.

Backyard Camping - Set up a tent, tell ghost stories, and watch the stars come out—no screens allowed!

Kids playing Jenga with parents at a table

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Of course, spring weather can be unpredictable, so we’re also planning for some cozy indoor screen-free fun. On those days, we’re excited to:

Paint All the Things - Paper, rocks, boxes—anything can be a canvas when you're feeling creative.

Build a Cozy Reading Nook - Stack up pillows, throw in some twinkle lights, and read books together.

Bake and Decorate Treats - Bake cookies, cupcakes, or even a wild cake. Then have a decorating contest!

Write Letters to Family and Friends - A handwritten letter is such a sweet surprise, especially for grandparents.

Play Board Games and Card Games - Dust off Candyland, Jenga, or even learn a new card game together.

Closet Cleanout Challenge - Turn spring cleaning into a game: who can find the most stuff to donate?

Learn a New Hobby - Crocheting, bracelet making, painting rocks—there’s always something new to try!

Have a Family Dance Party - Crank up the tunes and dance like no one's watching.

Screen-Free Week isn’t about being perfect. It’s about hitting pause, getting a little bit messy, a little bit silly, and remembering that some of the best family memories happen when we’re just together—with no screens in sight. I know our devices will still be there waiting when we need them again. But for this week, I’m excited to unplug, reconnect, and maybe even start a few new traditions.

This year, let’s make Screen-Free Week something the whole family will remember.

Macaroni KID Woodbury/Oakdale/Cottage Grove/Stillwater is your ultimate digital resource, delivering a FREE weekly e-newsletter, website updates, and social media posts to keep local families in the know about events, activities, and businesses in the area. Whether you're a resident, work here, or just visiting, we're the trusted guide for families. Become part of our lively community of moms, dads, and grandparents—sign up today!

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🌟 Screen-Free Week is Coming! May 2 - 8, 2026

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