Family time is a wonderful time for children and parents to explore and engage in activities, learning, and, fun. But often, families have moments when they discover themselves in a boring rut. Between weekly responsibilities and stresses, family weekend activities can become mundane or nonexistent. If this sounds like your family, it may be time to change things up a little. Here are a few fun activities that are sure to add spark back to your family time.
1. Make Crafts Together
Creating something together can be fun for the whole family. From candy making to building birdhouses to painting on canvas, many creative and interesting items can be made at home. These crafts can be used for gifts for friends or grandparents or displayed together somewhere in the homes as a mini family museum. A great deal of crafting ideas for all ages can be found online and at your local craft store.
2. Family Weekend Learning Fun
Learning can be family fun. Try an art or science museum or zoo for family fun for everyone. Museums usually have programs aimed at childhood learning so that kids can become involved with the exhibits and topics. With posted descriptions and exhibit activities, kids will have a great time learning about artists, works of art, culture, history, science, and/ animals. Check at the ticket counter or information desk for available special classes or activities.
3. Hit the Trails
Whether your family is planning your first hike or you are taking your 100th hike as a family, finding the best hiking and nature trails in your area is the first step to a great family outing experience. Most communities have some sort of hiking or nature trails available for family fun. Many have family-friendly trails, picnic tables, and signs along the trail with information about native plants and animals. You could even make the outing into a scavenger hunt game. Play in groups or individually with pre-printed lists of native trees, flowers, butterflies, birds, or rocks. Whoever finds the most at the end of the day wins! Here’s a FREE scavenger hunt printable to get you started.
4. Theme and Water Park Fun
Another great option for family fun is a theme park or waterpark. A good park will have a variety of activities and rides, so every family member will find something they enjoy. From rides to games, there plenty of entertaining activities for a full day of fun. Some parks even have food choices like pizza, hotdogs, and hamburgers available. Make sure to inquire about package deals to save your family time and money.
5. Sleep Under the Stars
Being outside is a wonderful way to bond with your family. Campgrounds have fun and family-friendly activities, like swimming, fishing, and hiking. Eat dinner, make smores, tell ghost stories around the campfire. End the night by stargazing. Car camping is a great way to introduce family members to camping. Alternatively, you could camp under the stars in your own backyard too. Simply throw up a tent or sleeping bags. You could even recreate the campfire experience with a fire pit.
