Lately, there’s been an uptick in people searching for analog activities to do and things that allow them to disconnect from their phone for a few hours. I think part of the increase in this is because people are overwhelmed with being so connected to technology and are longing for the nostalgic days of the late 90s and prior when there wasn’t so much of it. One of my favorite things about living in the Delaware Valley is that there is no shortage of things to do and therefore is the perfect place to find ways to disconnect with technology and connect more with the world around us. In today’s post, I thought I would share some of my recommendations for things to do if you’re looking to spend most of your summer doing analog activities.
Analog Things To Do This Summer In the Delaware Valley
Grab Your Camera and Go on a Photo Walk:
Something that I enjoy doing is going for walks with no real destination, but with the purpose of taking pictures. Whether it be of things or people, I love having my camera on hand and snapping images that speak to me or inspire me. There have been so many times that I have gone on walks and thought, “wow, this would be such a beautiful photograph,” but my camera is at home and my phone camera doesn’t quite capture the essence as much as I’d like it to. It is such a fun way to get your creativity flowing.
Visit a Local Museum:
What better way to get in touch with your local amusements then to head to a museum? You can learn so much about the history or culture of the area where you live and stay cool. We love browsing around art museums, galleries, history museums, and will eventually venture to a children’s museum with our family.
Participate in an Outdoor Ropes Activity:
Who says outdoor rope courses are just for team-building opportunities? There’s a few organizations like Outward Bound or Treetop Quest that have places in the Delaware Valley where you can go allow your athleticism to run free. Whether you’re interested in doing zip-lining or looking some opportunities to connect with your friends in a new way,
Draw a Picture of Some Delaware Valley Sights:
Something I’ve started doing a little more recently in an effort to stop doomscrolling as much is to pick up drawing again. I am far from where I could’ve been had I never stopped drawing, but it’s been so fun reconnecting with that creative side of myself. Whether you’re using Procreate or drawing on a sketchpad, you’d be surprised how calming and enjoyable it is to just draw something.
Visit the Zoo:
There are so many zoos in our area that you can visit to view and learn more about the animals in them. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable zoo like the Brandywine Zoo (or the Cape May Zoo if you’re willing to travel further into Southern Jersey and head to the shore) or if you’re willing to pay a little more for closer zoos like the Elmwood Park Zoo or Philadelphia Zoo, it’s such a fun way to fill your day. Every time we go to the zoo, I find myself not desiring to be on my phone at all and really leaning into the moment as a family. Regardless of how often we’ve visited in the past couple of years, we still get so excited about our visits to the zoo and enjoy going.
Take a Pottery Class at Yay Clay:
I took a pottery class with some folks from work a while back and it was so much fun. I’ve never gone to a pottery class, but I learned so much about the process and got to take home what I made. Head to Yay Clay or another pottery class in Philadelphia and make something that you’ll be able to hold dear to you (and/or use in your home) for years to come.
Visit a Board Game Cafe:
One of my husband and I’s first dates after deciding to be exclusive was at a board game cafe (that is now closed), but so many have popped up since then. Visit one of the local ones in Philadelphia such as Queen and Rook or Board and Brew. No technology needed.
JOIN A CLUB:
Whether you join something on Meetup or utilizing Join Philly, if you’re looking for something more local, there’s groups out there with people who are always interested in the same things that you are. There’s everything from knitting clubs to dance groups and more.
