Aiming to help families reconnect without digital distractions, Adventure Leisure will switch its venues to “no phone zones” for February half term – and the operator encourages others to follow suit.

Adventure Leisure is set to ban mobile phones during the February half term in an effort to encourage families to spend uninterrupted time together.

The operator of Mulligans crazy golf and Ninja Warrior UK activity centres announced that all locations will become phone-free between 16 and 22 February. Families will be asked to switch devices to aeroplane mode on arrival, while a “phone patrol” will ensure the rule is followed.

The company said the initiative is designed to give visitors the chance to focus on shared experiences rather than screens. In a statement, Adventure Leisure said the move would enable “uninterrupted time to create lasting memories” for parents and children.

“We know how important spending quality time with your family is, so we wanted to create the best environment where our guests can make their memories,” commented Stephen Brown, chief operating officer at Adventure Leisure. “We’re really proud to be the first leisure operator to introduce an official ‘No Phone Zone’, and we hope to see others following suit in the future.”

The phone ban follows growing concern about screen time in the public discourse. Catherine, Princess of Wales, recently warned that excessive smartphone use is fuelling an “epidemic of disconnection”. Writing with Professor Robert Waldinger of Harvard Medical School, she said: “We’re physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us.”