SHARE THIS POST: 25 Family Fun Activities Most Parents Don’t Think Of
Add this to your parenting toolbox!
As my wife and I started raising our children, one thing I wish we had was a database of suggestions for activities. Especially for summer months.
"I’m bored," is the constant irritation to me. I usually reply, "It's summer, you can do anything," but they often counter with, "Like what!?"
Do you also have lazy-brained, media-obsessed children? I’m not saying that my children don’t play outside, or read, or whatever…I just think there’s a huge, lopsided pull towards media. If it doesn’t come in some electronic form, it isn’t a valid suggestion for my youngest kids. Honestly, I won’t put that on my wife — I think this is MY fault — and it hurts my heart to think I’ve hindered my children.
I want to fix that.
Not just to expand the imagination and independence of our kids, but to become the fountain of fun. To have, in reserve, suggestions to cover the entire 13 weeks of Summer vacation for when those frustrating moments arise. I’ve been working hard to give us both a deck of Aces up our sleeves, to save the day. So here’s what I’m going to do.
“Parents should be heroes in the lives of their children. We can do this by crafting unique experiences that will live forever in their memory.
The key to making these experiences stick, is making them personal.
This isn’t about money. It’s not about vast resources. It’s about you, taking personal time, paying direct attention to your child, and crafting experiences together.”
- Jaime Buckley
The Plan
I'll post 11 weeks of articles with summer activity ideas attached as a bonus for you and your children.
For those wanting to support our efforts here at kidCLANS, I’m crafting a guide to provide 325 specific activity ideas in 13 categories. Something you can use year after year, broken down into actionable suggestions, in both a printable PDF and eBook. Readers can tailor these suggestions for families with financial difficulties and special needs children. 325 activity ideas, plus 325 low-cost and 325 physically disabled suggestions, all in one document.
That’s 975 ideas, in your back pocket, to save you from the ‘I’m bored’ experience.
Look for that soon, here in kidCLANS.com.
In the meantime, let’s start this summer with an article that encompasses all our needs, and stand tall as super-parents…
SHARE THIS POST: 25 Family Fun Activities Most Parents Don’t Think Of
When my grand-kids come over to visit, have moments of feeling nostalgia. I still remember when I was in my mid twenties, crawling around the front room of our tiny home, laughing with my little children. Blankets strewn across the couches pushed together, cardboard box stages and sock puppets. The endless laughter from my children, because dad just couldn’t get that shadow-bunny to look less like an alien and more like a bunny.
Why did those times have to end? Was it just because the kids grew up?
Or maybe it’s because we, as parents, allowed the world to invade our homes. We let stress in, scaring both patience and creativity out the back door. To cover our tracks — or our lack of commitment — we succumbed to electronics and media. Now we let Disney or Cocomelon baby-sit the kids, so we can get more work done to pay the bills.
But is that who we want to be?
It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with summer boredom, lack of funds, a rainy day, or you simply want to spend time with your family, you’ll love this article. kidCLANS has a list of super-fun activities perfect for any family wanting an adventure, at home,…together.
NOTE: The following list is doable in most circumstances, using (hopefully) what’s already around the home. You may not use all the suggestions, but that’s exactly why we listed 25 and not five — for variety. Many of us are feeling the crunch of the economy, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice fun and connection time with our children.
Remember the goal: fostering laughter, creativity, and connection in unexpected ways.
Here are our 25 activity ideas…
#1 Unleash the Fluffy Fortress
Pillow Fort Construction: Get ready for an epic adventure as you unleash your inner architect and construct a cozy pillow fort. With blankets as your walls and pillows as your building blocks, let your imaginations run wild. Create the ultimate hideout for secret meetings, storytelling sessions, and endless laughter-filled moments of family fun.
#2 Mad Scientists Unite
Science Experiments: Prepare to be amazed as you dive into the fascinating world of science with hands-on experiments. From creating gooey slime to making volcanoes erupt, each experiment will spark curiosity, ignite excitement, and inspire laughter as you observe, question, and learn together as a family.
#3 Sweet Treat Showdown
Cupcake Decorating Contest: Let your creativity take the cake in this delectable competition of cupcake decorating. With an array of colorful frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations at your disposal, unleash your artistic talents and see who can craft the most visually stunning and scrumptious cupcakes. Get ready for a sweet and delicious adventure filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and finger-licking goodness.
#4 Backyard Bonanza
Backyard Camping: Who says you need to venture far for a camping adventure? Transform your backyard into a campground and embark on a night under the stars. Pitch tents, share stories around a pretend campfire, gaze at the night sky, and revel in the joy of family bonding amidst the comforts of home. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience filled with s'mores, ghost stories, and endless memories to cherish.
#5 Hilarious Moments Captured
DIY Photo Booth: Strike a pose and let the silliness unfold in your very own DIY photo booth. With an assortment of props, costumes, and a camera at your disposal, capture hilarious and memorable moments as you don wigs, goofy glasses, and outrageous outfits. Whether it's a pirate adventure, a superhero showdown, or simply showcasing your fun-loving spirits, this photo booth extravaganza promises laughter, creativity, and an abundance of treasured family snapshots.
#6 The Great Puppet Shadow Spectacle
Shadow Puppet Show: Enter a world of enchantment as you create captivating shadow puppet shows using only your hands and a flashlight. Let your imaginations take center stage as you bring animals, characters, and magical landscapes to life through shadows on a makeshift screen. Prepare for a dazzling display of creativity, storytelling, and laughter, all illuminated by the glow of your family's imagination.
#7 Trash to Treasure Extravaganza
Family Art Gallery: Embrace the artist within and turn your home into a stunning gallery of family artwork. From paintings and drawings to sculptures and crafts, display each masterpiece with pride, creating a colorful and awe-inspiring exhibition that showcases the unique talents of each family member. Get ready for an art-filled journey that celebrates self-expression, creativity, and the joy of sharing your artistic endeavors as a family.
#8 Rhymes, Laughs, and Nonsense Galore
Poetry Slam: Unlock the power of words and let your inner poets shine in a lively and energetic poetry slam. Prepare to be mesmerized as each family member takes turns performing heartfelt verses, amusing rhymes, and imaginative lines. This poetic extravaganza guarantees laughter, applause, and a delightful exploration of rhythm, language, and the pure joy of expressing oneself through poetry.
#9 Family's Got Talent
Family Talent Show: It's showtime! Unleash your hidden talents and prepare to be wowed in a dazzling family talent show. From singing and dancing to magic tricks and comedy acts, each family member gets a chance to shine and showcase their unique abilities. Prepare for an evening filled with applause, cheers, and unforgettable performances that highlight the incredible talents and boundless creativity within your family.
#10 A Tale of Laughter and Adventure
Story Chain: Embark on a storytelling adventure, where each family member adds a sentence or phrase to an ever-evolving story. Watch with delight as the narrative takes unexpected twists and turns, fueled by your collective imaginations. Get ready for a tale full of laughter, suspense, and pure creative spontaneity, where every sentence adds to the tapestry of a remarkable story spun together as a family.
#11 Building Blitz Bonanza
Lego Challenge: Brace yourselves for a brick-building extravaganza with timed Lego challenges. Set your imaginations free and put your building skills to the test as you compete to create the most innovative and awe-inspiring structures within a given time limit. Get ready for a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled race of creativity and engineering that promises to push the boundaries of your Lego-building skills.
#12 Trash Becomes Artistic Treasure
Recycled Art: Discover the magic of upcycling and let your creativity soar as you transform recyclable materials into unique works of art. From bottle cap mosaics to cardboard sculptures, unleash your eco-friendly ingenuity to create stunning pieces that showcase both your artistic abilities and your commitment to sustainability. Get ready to marvel at the endless possibilities of turning trash into treasure, all while having a blast as a family.
#13 Family Fumbles and Tumbles
DIY Indoor Obstacle Course: Prepare for an action-packed adventure right in your living room as you design and conquer a thrilling indoor obstacle course. With pillows as stepping stones, cushions as hurdles, and tunnels as secret passages, navigate your way through a maze of excitement and challenge. Get ready to test your agility, balance, and teamwork in a heart-pounding obstacle course extravaganza that will leave everyone cheering for more.
#14 The Fabulous Family Fashion Frenzy
Family Fashion Show: It's time to strut your stuff and let your inner fashionistas shine in a fabulous family fashion show. Raid your closets, mix and match outfits, and create stylish ensembles that showcase your individuality and flair. Prepare for an unforgettable parade of fashion-forward outfits, hilarious runway walks, and a celebration of personal style that will have the whole family laughing, applauding, and feeling like superstars.
#15 Chasing Shadows in Hilarity
Shadow Tag: Step into a world of playfulness and adventure with an exciting twist on traditional tag. Instead of tagging each other, chase and tag each other's shadows, creating a magical and comical game of shadow tag. Get ready to run, jump, and giggle as you try to outsmart your opponents while immersed in the joyous dance of light and shadow.
#16 Poppin' Party Pandemonium
Bubble Wrap Fun: Experience the ultimate pop-a-licious extravaganza with bubble wrap as your entertainment canvas. Whether you stomp, roll, or squeeze, this bubble wrap adventure promises endless fun as you compete to pop the most bubbles or create imaginative games and challenges. Get ready to unleash your inner bubble-popping maestro and revel in the satisfying sound of bursting bubbles.
#17 Messy Marvels and Tactile Adventures
Sensory Bin Exploration: Dive into a world of tactile exploration and sensory delight with sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or sand. Dig, scoop, and sift your way through a sensory wonderland as you engage your senses, stimulate your imaginations, and immerse yourselves in endless hours of hands-on play. Prepare for a truly sensorial journey that combines learning, creativity, and pure enjoyment.
#18 Home Olympics Hilarity
Indoor Olympics: Transform your living room into an Olympic arena and embark on a mini indoor sports extravaganza. From mini golf and relay races to bean bag toss and paper plane competitions, get ready to compete, cheer, and celebrate as you go for the gold and award medals for each event. Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled and laughter-filled indoor Olympic experience that will ignite your competitive spirits and create lasting memories.
#19 Cooking, Laughing, and Licking Spoons
Family Recipe Book: Embark on a delicious journey as a family by creating your very own treasured recipe book. From cherished family recipes to personal culinary creations, compile a collection of gastronomic delights that capture the essence of your family's tastes and traditions. Get ready for a heartwarming and mouthwatering adventure that celebrates the joys of cooking, sharing, and savoring delectable dishes together.
#20 Strikes, Spares, and Slippery Slides
Indoor Bowling: Roll up your sleeves and get ready for strikes, spares, and laughter in a thrilling game of indoor bowling. Set up a DIY bowling alley using empty water bottles as pins and a softball as your bowling ball. Aim, release, and watch with anticipation as the pins scatter and tumble. Prepare for a hilarious and competitive bowling extravaganza that will have everyone cheering for strikes and celebrating spares.
#21 Lights, Camera, Family Action
DIY Family Movie: Lights, camera, action! Collaborate as a family to write, direct, and star in your very own family movie or skit. From scripting hilarious scenes to designing makeshift sets and costumes, this DIY filmmaking adventure will ignite your creativity, teamwork, and sense of humor. Get ready for a captivating and side-splitting production that showcases your family's talents and creates lasting memories on the silver screen.
#22 Nature's Treasures Unleashed
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Embark on an outdoor adventure filled with excitement and discovery as you engage in a nature scavenger hunt. Armed with a checklist of items or a list of natural wonders to spot, explore nearby parks, trails, or even your backyard to hunt for treasures and marvel at the wonders of nature. Prepare for a journey that combines the thrill of a treasure hunt, the joy of exploration, and the beauty of the great outdoors.
#23 Spectacular Silliness and Shenanigans
Sock Puppet Theater: Get ready for a theater experience like no other as you bring socks to life in a lively and whimsical sock puppet show. Craft adorable sock puppets using mismatched socks, buttons, and yarn, and let your imaginations take center stage as you put on a hilarious and entertaining performance. Prepare for a display of comedic talents, colorful characters, and laughter that will captivate both young and old.
#24 Flipping Life on Its Head
Backward Day: Flip the rules and routines of life for a day and embrace the whimsical magic of Backward Day. Have dinner for breakfast, wear your clothes backward, and do activities in reverse order, celebrating the joy of breaking free from the ordinary. Prepare for a day of delightful confusion, unexpected surprises, and laughter as you revel in the comical fun of doing things backward.
#25 Burying Memories for Future Laughter
Family Time Capsule: Embark on a time-traveling adventure as you create a family time capsule. Gather meaningful items, letters, and memories that represent your family's journey, seal them in a container, and bury them in a special spot. Get ready for a heartwarming and reflective activity that allows you to capture a snapshot of your lives, preserving memories and creating a time capsule filled with treasures that will transport you back in time when unearthed in the future.
There are so many unique and creative ways to spend quality time together as a family. I suggest you ponder over these activities and see if they spark NEW ideas — variations better fit to the personality and interests of your own clan.
Times are rough. Harder lately than usual, I get that.
That’s why kidCLANS exists. You are not alone. We love you. We believe in you.
You’ve got this.
Remember the goal: fostering laughter, creativity, and connection in unexpected ways.
Let’s have a conversation:
Let me know if you enjoyed these suggestions in the comments section. I’d love to hear if you have your own ideas OR experiences using any of the activities we shared with you =)