As a busy parent who is most likely juggling a multitude of things at any given time, how can you plan activities for your family that are engaging, affordable and practical? It may be easier than you think! While kids now have access to video games, TV, 3-D movies and computers, what they need most is quality time with YOU! Adding playtime with your children into your daily routine is beneficial for the entire family. Play allows family members to re-connect, have fun and enjoy each other’s company. Here are some ideas for family time that can help add some excitement to your home!
1. Follow the leader: Pick one family member at a time to be the “Leader.” The leader stands in front of everyone else (make a line). For 1 minute everybody follows the leader and does what the leader does. Once the minute is up, pick a new leader. This activity is easy, doesn’t require any materials and gives each family member the chance to be in charge. This activity is most practical for kids ages 3-10. To modify the game for older kids, have everyone sit in a circle. Each person is asked to do one thing (make a sound, move a body part etc.). Ask participants to remember what each person before them did and do each thing in order, adding something of their own at the end.
2. Family Play: Use puppets or stuffed animals to create a family production. Kids and parents can choose who they want their character to be and work cooperatively to tell a story. Work together to form the plot and then put on a performance! To add more fun to this game, split up the family into groups so that each group can perform for the other! Kids can make “tickets” and offer snacks at their performances.
3. Family Carnival: Set up a carnival in your home! Create stations or booths for different activities such as face painting, bobbing for apples, water balloon toss and pin the tail on the donkey.
Use your imagination-most games can be easily modified to be played with minimal supplies. If you want to bowl use any soft ball you have around the house and substitute things like empty soda cans for pins. For an easy activity with no planning, put on some music and sing and dance together. When playing outside set up an obstacle course in your backyard or organize a scavenger hunt.
Kids love to play and they really love to play with parents! Joining in on fun activities with your kids is a great way to strengthen the relationship and celebrate one another.
