Fun without phones

Families stepped away from technology and into the Laurel Packinghouse for the kickoff to Unplug and Play Week on Saturday.

“The goal is to generate awareness and celebrate families unplugging and playing and finding a healthy balance between technology and other things in their lives, like spending time with friends and family and engaging in outdoor activities,” said Amanda Turner, organizer of the event.

“There is a wide world of things to explore and learn when you turn off the phone and put it down.”

More than 100 families came out to the event in the first half an hour of the event, which involved craft making, face painting, drumming and games for kids of all ages.

Unplug and Play Week is hosted by Interior Savings and continues this week with events across the Okanagan.

“The point is not that technology is bad, but that we need to be mindful of balance,” said Kathy Conway, CEO of Interior Savings.

“We use technology to improve health, quality of life and to free up time. But many of us are spending that newfound time and energy staring at screens rather than connecting with others or with nature. For us to be healthy, for our communities to be healthy, we need balance.”

For a full schedule of events, go online to unplugandplayweek.com.

ANDREA PEACOCK/The Okanagan Sunday Francis Badinski, 2, and mom, Sarah, took part in the Unplug and Play event at the Laurel Packinghouse on Saturday.

The Okanagan Sunday Devyn Trainor, 6, and mom, Trish, were two of the more than 100 families who turned out Saturday.