Family Bonding Activities to Strengthen Connections
So we are a family of four with a dog, fish, snail, and a plethora of house plants. Often our schedules are so hectic that we need more time to be together as a unit. We are intentional about spending time together. The key is finding activities everyone enjoys and setting aside dedicated time to do them together as a family.
Family Photo Easter 2023
Family Activities to Create Lasting Memories
Here are some ideas:
Family movie night: This is our weekly family ritual. It is our thing, and we are serious about it. "Don't call me no more, and don't text me no mo" during family time, ok. Watching a movie together can be relaxing and enjoyable for the entire family. Our kids choose a movie everyone can enjoy, and we make some popcorn or snacks to share. As we snuggle up on the couch, one of our family members always takes a quick nap, "But I ain't one to gossip, so you ain't heard it from me." Let me know in the comments if you would like to guess who.
Arts and crafts: Set up an arts and craft station and let your imaginations run wild. We are a family of creatives who can not be trusted to enter and exit a craft store quickly. But we pull out the paint, paper, markers, and play dough and create our masterpieces. Creating something together can be a fun activity that brings the family closer together.
Game night: Set aside a time every month or week to play games together. This can be anything from video and card games to board games. Add a fun twist by making it a tournament. Remember to set some ground rules before game night because the game competition can bring out the best (and sometimes the worst) in family members. Trust me on this one 🙂. Choose different games that everyone can enjoy.
Family vacation: Plan a family vacation and make memories by exploring a new place. Get everyone involved in planning to make it a trip everyone will enjoy. On our travels, we each get to choose an activity that we would like to do. Also, a day trip is a quick way to get in some family bonding time.
Cook together: Cooking together can be an excellent and interactive way to bond as a family, especially if you choose a recipe that allows everyone to help. Our favorite family quick recipes include chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled eggs, and rice crispy treats. You can assign different tasks to each family member and work together to create them. Remember to bake treats together, too (as there are many teachable moments). Besides, cooking is a life skill that helps children learn about nutrition and can foster creativity and independence.
Son Making Scrambled Eggs for Family
Have family meetings: Our four-year-old loves to call a family meeting on a whelm. But seriously, they provide a space and opportunity to celebrate strengths and work together on challenges (like why are all these dirty dishes in the sink?). It’s also a time to discuss doing chores, family rules, schedules, and plan meals. Planning meals in a family meeting is another way to get in that family cooking time.
Take a walk: Going for a walk is a great way to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors. Also, walking is a low-impact exercise that is good for any age and fitness level ( because these knees are not what they used to be), making it a perfect activity for the entire family. We make our walks more engaging by playing games or having impromptu photo shoots on our route. Ok, let’s have a moment of transparency; sometimes, we walk a little during our photo shoots. Ha!
Storytelling: Oral traditions run deep in my family. It is our way of preserving memories and heritage. Sharing family stories can create a sense of identity and belonging and strengthen family bonds. Y'all, I am always surprised by the memories our children share. Try this one during a car ride or over dinner with a memory, poem, or story.
Dance party: In our house, when there is music and two or more are gathered, a dance party will take place. Ok, more like a dance battle for my husband and me, an interpretive dance for our daughter, and a mixture of martial arts and acrobatics for our son. Turn up the volume and get your dance on!
Other Family Bonding Activities You Can Do Together:
Family Plant Shopping for Garden
You can do many things together to strengthen the family connection. Here are seven other ideas:
Garden
Volunteer together
Create a family book club
Do chores together
Go on a picnic
Have a scavenger hunt
Camp in the backyard
Exercise together
Working on family togetherness takes time and, well, work. But, Y'all, there are so many activities that families can engage in to strengthen their connections and create lasting memories. So, which are your favorites from our list? Do you have any ideas for a new activity that we should try? Please let me know in the comments below.
Until next time, remember to mark your life with beauty!
xo Janae’
