It’s frequently debated these days whether or not all this technology is harmful to the younger generation. Between cell phones, tablets, and computers, it seems like most kids spend more time looking at screens than they do outdoors. Even adults are glued to their technology and less likely to spend weekends and weeknights out socializing, opting for emailing, texting, instant messaging, video chatting, and every other form of communicating that doesn’t involve real life interaction.

It’s gotten to the point where “Nature Deficit Disorder,” a term coined by Richard Louv, is becoming a harsh reality. Luckily, with all the beautiful scenery in Minnesota, it’s a little easier to get our kids and ourselves outside and enjoy the activities that generations past have experienced growing up in the North Star state. So let’s get back to basics and enjoy some of these great activities that Minnesotans have loved for years, and don’t involve a smartphone, memes, or cat videos.

1. Spending quality time in and on the lakes.
Flickr/Fabrice Florin
Sure we still get out on the lake, but it's definitely not as much as before!
2. Or swimming at a pool or waterpark!
Flickr/Tim Wilson
Winter is coming, and it's the perfect time to enjoy our indoor waterparks!
3. Bowling
Flickr/Thirteen Of Clubs
Who else hasn't been in a while? It is historically one of MN's most popular family activities.
4. Hiking
Flickr/Jeff Wilson
Minnesotans are pretty good about getting out for daily fitness, but the trails just aren't as packed anymore, especially on weekdays.
5. Sitting on the porch
Flickr/delius98
This classic evening activity has now moved to the couch or the desk in front of some screen.
6. Reading real books!
Flickr/ J. Lindsay
Not e-books on a Kindle, but real paperbacks! Lakeside reading is the best!
7. Lawn games
Flickr/Matt
There's even room in downtown Minneapolis for lawn games at Brit's!

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8. Playing in the park
Flickr/Michael Hicks
Even in the winter, we have so many awesome activities to do in the park, it's a shame when people stay in all season to watch movies.
9. Crafts
Flickr/Amanda Sicard
Arts and crafts time for kids, scrapbooking for adults. Scrapbooking was a massive trend, and then Facebook happened.
10. Walking
Flickr/Wouter van Erve
This is probably the only activity that is still just as popular, and a great way to get daily exercise in MN with all these amazing public trails!
11. Bonfires
Flickr/Thirteen of Clubs
The best MN summer activity!
12. Live theater
Flickr/Tony Webster
Forget the movies and TV for night and see live actors in amazing performances. MN has a huge theater community!
13. Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Flickr/USFWS Midwest
Enjoy those walking trails in the winter! There are even some lighted ones so you can go after work!
14. Golfing
Flickr/Geoff Alexander
Another activity that used to be way more popular in MN! There is still a large golfing population (most golfers per capita in the US goes to Minneapolis) and even when it's cold it's a great activity!
15. Hanging out at the local hotspots!
Flickr/ J. Lindsay
Getting outside the house to be social just doesn't happen as much. Netflix has a way of getting between us and movement.

Head outside, it’s possible even in the cold, and enjoy what Minnesota has to offer besides public WiFi! What’s your favorite activity during the MN winter?

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