Family Fun

If your family is like mine, it can be difficult to find a time when everyone is at home at the same time. Sporting events, practices, play dates, and other extracurricular activities keep most families on the go – especially during the summer. While all these “extras” are fun, it’s important that we not overlook another form of entertainment- family fun! We have a few suggestions to help you get your gang together for a little family time!

Table Time
Whether or not your family normally eats regular meals together, a once a week special occasion meal is sure to be a hit. Once a week during the summer months, gather everyone together for a “theme meal”. Your options for theme meals are limitless. Perhaps your family would enjoy choosing a different country each week and eating recipes specific to that nation. Take this ethnic theme a step further and play music from your chosen country and learn some words and phrases in the country’s native tongue. If you want to do something a little different, choose a book to center your meal around. For instance, you could prepare a meal based on the popular children’s book, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Kids are sure to enjoy eating a big plate of meatballs while listening to Dad read the story aloud! What theme would your little ones enjoy centering a meal around? Ask for some opinions and pick a night to enjoy some food, family, and fun!

Game Get-Together
Summer is a great time to stay up a little bit late and play games together. With so many fun family games available to choose from, you could surprise your family once a month with a new board game. My family has enjoyed playing the Cranium game Cadoo in the past. Some other fun choices are Apples to Apples, Beat the Parents, and Blokus Junior. The game you pick doesn’t matter as much as the playing of it together. Remember, it doesn’t count to buy the board game and leave it for the kids. The point of game night is to play and have fun together. So pop some popcorn and prepare for a night filled with laughter!

Outdoor Olympics
It can be tempting during the summer to shy away from outdoor activities due to the heat; but a little sweat never hurt anyone! Pick a Saturday (or another day that works well for your family) and head outside. Maybe you could go to the park and play a family game of kick ball, or how about going for a family bike ride? If the heat is unbearable in your neck of the woods, a trip to the pool with splash contests may be the order of the day. Wrap up your day with a relaxing picnic. When we go on camping trips, my little ones like to give “awards” at the end of the weekend. Maybe you can incorporate this tradition into your outdoor day of fun by giving awards for the “best bike helmet” or “biggest pool splash” or any other silly awards that are appropriate to your excursion. Create a memory with your family this summer by going on an outdoor adventure!

Pajama Party
Your family time doesn’t have to be extravagant. Kids love just hanging out with their parents. A fun way to spend a relaxing evening together as a family is to have a p.j. party. Have your kiddos put on their p.j.s and pile on the couch or bed with you to watch a family movie. Some snacks and cuddles with mom and dad while watching a show can go a long way to filling up your little one’s love tank. End the evening with a bedtime story. If you want to extend the fun, pull out the sleeping bags and have a sleepover in the living room or in mom and dad’s room. This night time tradition will be sure to produce sweet dreams!

Don’t underestimate the importance of spending time together as a family unit. Your kids need this time of connection with you and their siblings, and…you need it too! Make time in your summer schedule to spend family time together – you won’t regret it!