Trade Endless Screen Time for Endless Skies with a Family-Friendly Digital Detox in Wyoming
If “reducing family screen time” topped your list of New Year's resolutions, you are certainly not alone. Many children ages 8–18 spend seven-plus hours a day on screens, and it’s harder than ever to fully switch off. But a true digital detox isn't just about what you’re putting down—it’s about what you’re picking up.
But where do you start? A digital detox family vacation might be just what you need to break the habit of constantly reaching for your phone, and it’s a simple way to ditch the tech and improve the well-being of you and your family. In fact, according to a 2025 study at the University of Texas at Austin, researchers found that blocking mobile internet for two weeks improved well-being and attention. Most participants improved on at least one measured outcome.
In Wyoming, we trade notifications for nature. Whether it’s the silence of a snow-dusted trail or the roar of a summer rodeo, the Cowboy State offers the kind of magnetic experiences that make checking your phone feel like an afterthought. Read on to learn more about what exactly a digital detox is, and why Wyoming might just be the perfect place to take your family to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other.
What you’ll learn in this article
- What a family digital detox really is (and why it works better than “no phones at dinner”).
- A simple, realistic detox plan you can use on vacation—offline hours, one exception and kid-friendly backup entertainment.
- The best Wyoming outdoor adventures for unplugging, from winter snow days to summer rodeos and horseback rides.
- Water and trail ideas that keep everyone busy—rafting, fishing, hiking, camping and glamping options.
- Where to find big-sky stargazing moments, including a night at Devils Tower and the stories that come with it.
- Screen-free indoor attractions for any weather, featuring museums, fossils, history and Western culture.
- Quick answers to common planning questions, so you can choose the right season and set your family up for success.
A Simple Family Digital Detox Plan (That Actually Works)
- Set Expectations Together: Choose your “offline hours” (example: meals, mornings, the first hour after dinner).
- Pick One Exception: Photos, navigation or emergency check-ins.
- Pack Offline Backups: Cards, a travel journal, audiobooks for the drive and a “kid camera” so they’re not borrowing your phone.
- Swap the Habit: Every time someone reaches for a screen, they pick an activity from the list below.
- Make it a Game: Track streaks and let the kids choose tomorrow’s adventure.
Why Your Next Family Vacation Should Be Offline
It isn't just the kids who are doomscrolling; nearly half of American teens report that their parents are just as distracted by their devices. Breaking that cycle requires more than a “no phones at dinner” rule—it requires a total change of scenery.
A digital detox—a set time where access to phones is drastically reduced or eliminated altogether—allows your brain to reset and find joy in the tangible. And Wyoming is the perfect place to take the plunge. With year-round activities, non-stop cultural events and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, you don’t need to worry about anyone in your family having FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). After all, in the West, the best moments aren’t always captured behind a lens, they’re lived in the moment.
Unplug and Explore: Essential Wyoming Outdoor Activities
Underneath the vast open skies of the Wild West, you can find year-round outdoor adventures that will make the whole family forget the internet even exists, and maybe you’ll even find a spot with no cell service to really dive headfirst into your digital detox.
Winter Wonders
- Snowshoeing in the Bighorn Mountains
- Snowmobile the Continental Divide Trail System
- Ice Fishing at Flaming Gorge
- Relax in the Thermopolis Hot Springs
If you visit in the winter, you can get the whole family out to enjoy one of many snowy activities. Try snowshoeing in Bighorn, explore the Continental Divide Snowmobiling Trail System on a snowmobile, try ice fishing in Flaming Gorge and sink into the hot springs at Thermopolis for a relaxing end to the day. And if you’re still not sure there’s enough to keep everyone distracted from their phones, we still haven’t even mentioned snowboarding and skiing, dog sledding and sleigh rides, ice skating and ice climbing.
Summer Traditions
- Try a legendary rodeo like Cheyenne Frontier Days
- Explore Wyoming on Horseback
- Stay at an Authentic Dude Ranch
The warmer seasons in Wyoming are just as packed with fun as the fall and winter, so if you prefer your digital detox with a side of sunshine, then there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. The whole family can embrace the spirit of the Cowboy State at one of the many rodeos taking place across the state, like the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days. Or find a horseback riding tour or dude ranch experience that matches your family's ages and abilities for an unforgettable adventure in the saddle. Plus, when both your hands are busy with the reins, no one can reach for their phone.
Water & Trails
Spend some time out on the water on a rafting tour, go fishing for your supper or spend a peaceful afternoon canoeing through the calm waters at one of our state parks. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails for all abilities to explore, and there are camping options for families who like to feel miles away from everyone, for those who prefer “glamping” over camping and everything in between.
Dark Sky Magic and Ancient Legends
Wyoming offers some of the darkest skies in the United States and unmatched stargazing. Lay back and count meteors, contemplate the vastness of the galaxy under the Milky Way and share the myths and legends of the stars overhead. At Devils Tower National Monument, look for the Pleiades star cluster. According to Lakota legend, these stars represent seven sisters who were chased into the sky by a giant bear, and the marks in the rock formation we see today are from his enormous claws.
Beyond the Trails: Screen-Free Indoor Fun
Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, Wyoming’s history is more captivating than any app.
- Ancient History: Discover the giants of the region at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.
- Dig Into the Past: Try your hand at archeology at Fossil Butte National Monument.
- Indigenous Culture: Visit the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark to learn about the Native Americans who have called this land home for thousands of years
- The Path West: Trace the footsteps of those who traveled the westward migration at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper.
- The Spirit of the West: Head to Cody, where the whole family can get lost for hours in the remarkable history of the Wild West at Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
After a full day of learning and exploring, there’s no better way to create new memories with your family than sharing stories from your day around the dinner table or in front of a cozy fire. Wyoming offers charming accommodations for families of all shapes and sizes, including sustainable private cabins and immersive dude ranch experiences.
Have a burning question?
Is Wyoming a good place for a family vacation?
Yes! Wyoming is a great pick for families because you can build a trip around outdoor adventures, hands-on museums, wildlife watching, rodeos, and scenic drives, with options that work for a wide range of ages.
What are the best months to visit Wyoming with kids?
The best time depends on your family’s style. Try summer for rodeos and lake days. Visit in winter for snow sports and hot springs.
How to prepare my family for a digital detox trip?
The first step is to come together to establish goals and discuss why it’s important. To make the adjustment smoother, you might start reducing phone time leading up to your trip, even something small like 15 minutes per day. Discuss what phone use will look like on the trip (no phones? An hour a day?) and be proactive in removing temptation by deleting any apps that you have a hard time regulating use of or that you don’t need, like social media apps.
Stay Phone Free in the West
A digital detox in Wyoming can help you stay present, reconnect with your family and create a million new memories together. Start planning yours today.
