The week of May 4 is National Screen-Free Week—a nationwide invitation to pause from digital devices and rediscover the joy of real-world connection. While screens play an important role in work, school, and daily life, taking intentional breaks can support both physical and mental well-being.
“Screen-Free Week is a good opportunity to think intentionally about our use of screens,” said Shauna Schultz, a registered dietitian with Nevada County Public Health. “Screens play an important role in many of our lives, but we also know the benefits to both physical and mental health of screen-free activities like reading, going for a hike, or sharing a cooked meal with loved ones.”
This year, Nevada County is embracing the movement with a full slate of fun, engaging, and family-friendly activities designed to help residents of all ages unplug. Residents can look forward to a variety of screen-free options each day, including hikes, cooking, yoga, access to state park passes, and more:
- Monday, May 4 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: PARTNERS Family Resources Community Picnic
- Tuesdays, May 5, 12 and 19, 4:15-5 p.m.: Nevada County Public Health Chair Yoga through Connecting Point (registration required)
- Wednesday, May 6 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Nevada County Library Outdoor Games at the Library
- Wednesday, May 6 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.: PARTNERS Family Resources Bailotheraphy/Bailoterapia Movement Class
- Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon: Bear Yuba Land Trust Project on Preserve: Chicago Park
“Taking screen-free moments to just ‘be’ can be so soothing for the nervous system,” said Nevada County Public Health’s Jennifer Winders.
The Nevada County Library has bookmarked a selection of books about unplugging to help community members learn more about the impact of screens. They will also have grab-and-go activity bags available at Bear River, Grass Valley, and Penn Valley while supplies last.
Screen-free activities are available all year. Library cardholders can check out outdoor games from the Recreation Collection, borrow free passes to parks and museums, or explore nature backpacks filled with local trail maps, field guides, binoculars, and a microscope. Check out their full schedule of events for Screen-Free Week!
“We love highlighting screen-free activities at our libraries!” said Grass Valley Library’s Adult Programming Coordinator Brittany Blake. “Families coming to Storytimes, kiddos building incredible Lego creations, teens doing volunteer hours, and adults making art together are just some of the ways we build community, and it’s so much fun to celebrate them for the whole week. We love seeing our neighbors coming together and really building relationships over everything from bubble machines to yoga.”
Explore upcoming library events at nevadacountyca.gov/libraryevents or visit your local library branch.
Residents can discover new healthy recipe options by visiting Nevada County Public Health’s Healthy Bites playlist on YouTube.
About Screen-Free Week
Offline Oasis Nevada County is a coalition of local organizations promoting healthy screen habits. Organizations supporting the 2026 Screen-Free Week include the Nevada County Library, Nevada County Public Health, PARTNERS Family Resources, and Bear Yuba Land Trust. For activity details, ideas for participating at home or school, and additional screen-free inspiration, visit the Offline Oasis Nevada County webpage or explore national resources at ScreenFree.org.