Today, of course, television is but one of many electronic devices that vie for our attention from the moment we wake up to the moment we sink into sleep.  We're surrounded by smartphones, media players, game consoles, eBook readers, laptops and tablets.  "If you're awake, you're plugged in, literally or via wireless signals.

And while today's gadgets offer amazing new possibilities for work and play, it's more important than ever to seize every opportunity to enjoy family fun time.  As always, the activities we've created require low-cost/no-cost materials, provide opportunities to recycle household junk, allow your family members to exercise their imaginations, and - best of all - need no batteries!"

This is just an excerpt of a wonderful new book, "101 Offline Activities You Can Do With Your Child" by Steve and Ruth Bennett.  As a huge proponent of maximizing family fun time in an extremely busy and hectic world, I have to say that this book had me from hello.  Keep reading to learn more!

This concise little book is a wonderful resource to pull off the shelf when it's time for some good old-fashioned family fun!  All of the activities contained within are either no-cost or extremely low-cost and can most of the time be completed using ordinary household materials that we all seem to have lying around.

The single page explanations mean that every activity is easy-to-follow and doesn't contain a lot of rules.  There is a wide variety of ideas presented in this book and most of the crafting suggestions are appropriate for children under age 10 while plenty of the other games and activities are great for any age group.  Here are a few suggestions of what's waiting for you inside this book:

• Pin the Food on the Plate
• Invisible Kids
• Fresh Off the Press
• Two-Bit Tiddlywinks

Since I have a toddler, I really liked the picture index of activities.  Now, Riley can jump right on in and select which activity she'd like to do with us, even though she can't read yet.  I also love the way that each activity is coded at the bottom of the page as to when and where it is best to be completed:  at home, on the road, in the kitchen or anytime/anyplace.  The authors of this book suggest making it a goal to schedule at least 20 minutes of family fun time per day.

Just this small amount can make a huge difference in the memories and bonds created and greatly improve the family dynamic.  I am very happy to have the book, "101 Offline Activities You Can Do With Your Child" by Steve and Ruth Bennett for now I know my family is armed with a terrific go-to guide for family fun every day!  So go ahead...  Unplug, Tune In and Enjoy!