It's "Screen-Free Week"

Could you go screen-free for one week?

That's the challenge being put forth by a group of Winneshiek County organizations looking to celebrate Screen-Free Week this week.

The coordinated effort aims to help kids and adults alike take a break from digital entertainment by turning off televisions, smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles for seven days, and instead tuning in to the community around them. Screen-Free Week is a chance for everyone to read, play, create, be more physically active, and spend more time with family and friends.

Winneshiek County Conservation, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative, and local libraries, businesses, and organizations are joining forces to create and promote events that offer fun, engaging alternatives to screen time.

The events, scheduled throughout the week, range from children's story times and community walks to craft activities and performances, and are meant to appeal to a broad age range