After a long work (and school) week, the weekend is finally here! Here are ways you and your family can start the weekend off right with some family fun and bonding time!
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1. Have a 15-minute family meeting. Sit down together and recap the week. Discuss the good and bad, happy and sad, and ways to move forward on a positive note. End the discussion with some ice cream or a fun treat!
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2. Cook together. Whip up a meal that everyone loves, together! For example, make homemade pan pizzas - grab some Pillsbury Pizza Crust, marinara sauce, cheese, and other toppings you like.
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3. Watch the sunset. Play outside to let some energy out, then watch the sun go down, together. Suggested outside activities: bike rides, scooters, roller skates, chalk art, blowing bubbles, etc.
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4. Read books. Have each kid pick out their favorite book. Encourage them to read their book, or help read for them. Big siblings also feel a sense of pride when reading to the family!
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5. Build a fort. Build a fort out of couch cushions, sheets, pillows, those Amazon delivery boxes, and more. Then, once you're all set up, read a good book inside the fort!
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6. Camp in the backyard. If you've got a fenced in backyard, why not camp out back there? Be sure to check the weather for thunderstorms, first.
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7. Make your own superhero cards. Have each family member create a superhero card for themselves! Include their super powers and a silly weakness (i.e. allergic to homework).
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8. Draw together. Our family's favorite YouTube channel is Art for Kids Hub. They have a huge selection of kid-friendly art, with step-by-step instructions to draw and color them!
9. Play outside. Get outdoors and go for a family walk, bike ride, scooter ride, etc. Or just hang around the house drawing chalk obstacle courses, tic tac toe, hopscotch, bubbles, and more!
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10. Family game night. Grab a board game or card game and enjoy! Alternate weekends to ensure everyone gets a chance to pick their favorite game, like charades!
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11. Scavenger hunt. Create a simple scavenger hunt around the house or in the backyard. Have the kids look for things like a worm, leaf on the ground, stick as big as their hand, etc.
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12. Family movie night. Pick a movie that everyone will love, and hunker down with some popcorn or other treats! Bonus points if you make a pallet on the ground with lots of pillows and blankets.
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13. Dance party. Turn on your favorite tunes and dance the night away! Be sure to play at least one favorite song for every family member.
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14. Puzzles. Try out some good old fashion puzzles together! If brain teaser puzzles are more your thing, grab a couple of brain puzzle books to work on!
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15. Legos. Build a fun scene using Legos! Ideas include: a playground, cityscape, hills, zoo, house.
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17. Science experiments. Try out a fun science experiment at home - it'll be both educational and fun for all!
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18. Listen to a kid-friendly podcast. It's true - podcasts are for kids as well! Check some out on NPR.
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19. Paint. You can paint on paper, sure... But why not try painting leaves or rocks that you find in the yard?
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20. Write a letter. Have your kids write a letter (or draw a picture) to mail to a friend or relative. Then, show them how to properly address, stamp, and mail that letter!
