Ideas for family fun

The first month of the New Year is coming to an end. (I am still in shock)

For the last four weeks, millions of homes have been working toward new goals/resolutions – whether it be following a new schedule, living within a new/revised budget, eating healthier or maybe just redefining priorities.

Whatever your new focus for the New Year, make time to slow down and have fun as a family.

Making memories doesn’t have to cost {an extra} penny.

It’s time that is invested in one another that will give you the greatest return.

Here are ten simple, hands-on ways to spend time together and have fun as a family, on any budget.

• Let the kids cook! – (age appropriate, obviously) Let the kids make menus of available food and beverages readily available and treat mom and dad to a night-off in the kitchen.
• Go for a walk – around your neighborhood, or at a local park. There is much to see and learn in nature. And the fresh air and change of scenery is good for any soul after a long day of work.
• Family game night (y’all know I am a huge fan) – Whether it be Pictionary, Tic-Tac-Toe, or whatever deck of cards you have on hand. Playing games with children encourages not only good sportsmanship, but also conversation. You’d be surprised what you may learn about your child over a good game of Scrabble.
• Volunteer in your community – Serving together as a family, helping others in need is an incredible way to build family bonds. Making a difference in someone else’s life is always time well spent.
• Hopscotch – Supplies needed: chalk and concrete. Not available? Here’s a great idea I found on Pinterest for making an indoor hopscotch.
• Family read-aloud – What better way to end a busy day than snuggled up with a good book?
• Pitch a tent – Whether it’s in your backyard or in your living room, what a fun treat this is for kids! (without the hassle of packing the vehicle) Spend the night enjoying Smores, sharing stories, and searching for constellations.
• Picnic at the park – Family time doesn’t have to always be in the evenings. Spend a Saturday morning at the park, bike riding, throwing the frisbee and wrap it up with a picnic lunch.
• Movie marathon – Together, choose a fave family movie or sitcom, grab your favorite snacks and, with the help of Netflix or your local movie rental store, settle in for a night of R&R.
• Unplug – There is no better way to enjoy your family than to be fully present. Try it for at least 24 hours and see how much more relaxed and happy everyone is. I guarantee you will make this a regular event.

Over the next few months, I look forward to sharing at The Homeschool Village ways to foster fun family togetherness! In the meantime, you can follow our crazy adventures on our family blog, or on Facebook, or for a dose of my daily randomness, on Twitter.