There’s nothing better than Saturday morning when all family members are present in the home. Adventure awaits and the possibilities for some good old fashioned family fun are endless.
For us, the best thing about this weekend day is the fact that we can do almost anything we want without worrying about being home early on a work night.
There are countless activities that the whole family will love. Below I’ve listed my top 25 favorites, some free and others not so much.
hiking trip
We’re no strangers to the excellent workout that is hiking. Like many of these activities this is a great way to burn off some extra energy… and calories (win, win)
Getting outside in the fresh air can vastly improve your mood and energy levels. Yes, you’ll probably be sore and exhausted after a vigorous hiking trip but it is soo worth it.
Don’t forget that it’s not always about the destination but the spectacular views along the way. Whether it’s a hike you’ve done a hundred times, or a new one you’ve always wanted to try, it will be a different experience every time.
That’s what excites me the most. Will we run into a fellow hiker’s furry friend? Will we find something unusual on the trail? Will the weather hold the whole way? How long will it take this time around? You just never know!
Hiking is always fun for the whole family!
go Fishing
Learning to fish is an art form. Some people are naturals, others have to work hard to master it and some will never take to it. Getting a child interested at a young age can set them up for great success later in life.
Learning to string your pole, tie different knots, mastering your cast, spotting honey holes and setting your hook are all valuable skills to teach your child.
But it doesn’t stop there. They have to learn how to identify different species of fish, how to safely remove the hook and the proper way to process their catch. This activity is a very rounded learning experience for a young one.
Don’t forget to get yourself a valid fishing license. In most places if you’re under 16 you’re not required to have one. Make sure to check your local regulations to be sure. That’s great news for the parents of the kids that won’t take to this slow paced sport.
camping trip (Even in Your own backyard)
This is a classic fun family activity. Removing yourself from the daily distractions of life makes family bonding so much easier.
Camping has always been a way to reconnect with yourself and get a break from everyday life. It doesn’t matter if you do an overnighter or a two week excursion, you come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything (at least I always do) There’s no better rest than sleeping out under the stars, or in a tent, in the cool summer air.
If you’re not in a position to take a regular camping trip when the kids want to you can always pitch a tent in your yard. This way your children can have the same sort of fun while you can keep an eye on them from the comfort of your own home. Plus if they get home sick they can just come inside. It’s a win win.
No matter where you decide to camp, don’t forget the smores!
visit a Museum
Have you ever left a museum without a new piece of knowledge? I doubt it. No matter the theme, I can always find something new and interesting I knew nothing about.
We have a military museum close by that I’ve been waiting to visit until my little guy is old enough to appreciate it. I think this summer he will be and I’m very excited to go! Outside they’ve got old planes, tanks and all kinds of cool war machinery, I cannot wait to see what they have inside.
Even if you’re not into history you can find a museum that interests you. There are all types like those focused on art, dinosaurs, astronomy, vehicles and my personal favorite meteorology.
There are also museums directed towards children as the main audience. They cater to the younger crowd by incorporating hands on learning with interactive exhibits. I remember visiting these as a child and I absolutely loved them!
scavenger hunts
You can either buy a premade scavenger hunt game like this one or make your own. Of course my vote is the homemade route because it’s so easily customizable for your area.
No matter what type of environment you’re in, scavenger hunts are a terrific way to get out and explore together as a family. This activity gets you moving both your body and your brain.
I like these because you can make a seperate, more challenging one for older kids and adults to keep them engaged with the family fun.
Some great hunt options for urban areas include: colors, signs that start with each letter of the alphabet, different styles/types of cars, stranger’s outfits, x number of out of state plates, etc..
Hunt options in more rural areas can include specific plants/flowers, feathers, bugs, rocks of specific colors, different animals (farm or wild) farm equipment, etc..
At the end of the day no matter what type of hunt you choose remember to be creative and have fun! This might just turn into a favorite family activity for years to come
go for a Bike RidE
Feel the wind in your face as you take a fun, family bike ride together. It’s a fun and quick way to get around during the summer.
We take our bike rides to the local play ground and down to the water. My little one is just starting to get comfortable on a bicycle so up until this year he was in a pack for our rides.
This year I’m hoping he’ll be able to take his own bike. It will definitely be slow but that’s alright. Before I know it he’ll be faster than me and I’ll miss his slower days.
visit a new town
Want to find something new to do this weekend? Take a trip to a nearby town you’ve always been curious about or make it a whole weekend adventure and go a little further.
Every town has its own hidden treasures you would never find if you didn’t drop in and look for them.
I recommend chatting with locals about their favorite spots in the area (of course most of them won’t tell you about their secret ones) But you should still get some great ideas.
I’m not sure if normal people do this, but I know I have hundreds of places marked as ‘want to go’ on my phone map.
The majority of them are in my own country because that seems more feasible that abroad travel. I do also have a few places marked around the world. Every time we’re on a road trip and we end up near a marker we make it a point to stop and check it out. I have yet to be disappointed. Some of my marked spots that I have yet to see are:
- Telluride , Colorado
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
- Hamilton Pool, Texas
- Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, Montana
- Ferndale, California
- Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas
- Orcas Island, Washington
- Picture Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
- Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Kings Landing, Florida
- Bar Harbor, Maine
These are just a few of my marked destinations. If you have any other favorites or places you’d love to see, leave them in the comments below!
visit an Aquarium
Aquariums are the coolest places, especially for kids. They have the tunnels you can walk through while sharks swim over your head, touch tanks and even activities you can do.
When I was young my grandparents took me to one and I got to go scuba diving. I saw all kinds of creatures in a more natural environment. That is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Don’t forget to bring some extra cash for the gift shop. I don’t buy mine toys every time we go out (he has too many as it is) but I definitely would here. I’m almost 30 and I still have a stuffed seal that I got at an aquarium as a child. I still love it.
take a Class
Most communities offer low cost classes that are open to the public.
During summer the school by us offers a variety of art classes from water color and pottery to theater. The ones they offer aren’t really suited for small children but when mine are old enough I’ll definitely be going to take that pottery class.
However, many places do offer classes that are designed to be ‘kid friendly’. Good places to find these are on bulletin boards, facebook and your community’s website.
Our local library also does story time once a week and it draws a huge crowd. This is great because you and your child both get to socialize with humans your age.
fun family Game Night
This can be tricky and sometimes impossible with small children, but it’s a superb idea for those of you with older kids.
We used to have game nights before I had my first and have had to take a break until he’s a little older. We do get to have the occasional game nights during holidays and bbqs when we visit family.
Our game nights have morphed from board games to more physical ones like building with blocks and pillow fights for the time being.
For the families with older children board games are definitely back on the table. Depending on their skill level and interests some good games to include are go fish, connect 4, uno, trouble, yahtzee, monopoly, phase 10, scrabble and chess.
Concerts in the Park
These are a summer time treat where we live since our winters are pretty brutal. Concerts in the Park are free from my experience but be sure to bring some cash with you because there’s usually vendors set up for the event. I don’t know about you but if I smell some good BBQ I have to have it.
We also have movies in the park in our town and those are tons of fun. The community sets up a projector and usually shows old movies.
Depending on your area/space, you can treat it like a drive in and camp out in the back of a truck or you can come equipped with a picnic blanket, some pillows, food and beverages to set up. If you forget the snacks don’t worry, there’s usually vendors here to.
bake/Cook a New Recipe
What else is winter good for but to start up the oven and help heat the house?
Recruiting the whole family to the kitchen is always a blast. You get to spend important quality time together while you receive help with dinner.
In our house we generally cook together and it makes a huge difference….now if I could only get some help with the cleanup afterwards🙃
There are literally thousands of options to choose from when it comes to trying a new recipe. The hardest part for us is figuring out what exactly we’re making. I can spend hours looking online and still can’t decide.
Having some input here can make all the difference.
conduct a Science Experiment
Science experiments aren’t just for chemistry class anymore. There are tons and tons of them you can do right at home.
Experiments for all ages can be easily found online. Some of my favorite kid friendly ones are growing crystals, turning milk into vinegar, elephant toothpaste, rock candy kool-aid and anything involving baking soda and vinegar.
Some of these take time to do and others offer instant gratification for your little one. I’m sure no matter which one you choose, it will be fun for the whole family getting it set up and witnessing the results. You can also search for science experiments online by age if you’re out of ideas.
go on a Picnic
Spring time = picnic time
I have to resist the urge to buy every single picnic basket I see, I love the idea that much. I currently have my old trusty basket and it’s the perfect cross between functionality and elegance.
Picnics turn even the most mundane meal into something enchanting. Providing a new environment may even be the solution for your finicky eater. Packing the right foods for this excursion is key.
If it’s hot and sunny out don’t forget to find a spot with adequate shade or bring your own. The last thing you want is a sunburnt child on your hands.
craft Something
Crafting can mean soo many different things. Are we making a collage? Are we knitting a scarf? Are we building a birdhouse to paint?
You can never run out of options for a new craft to try. Children and adults alike will love this one. You can even hand out your works as gifts to loved ones.
try a New Resturant
Eating at the same old place every time you go out gets soo boring, especially when they don’t update their menu very frequently.
Trying a new restaurant can open the door to your new fun family spot….or slam and lock that door forever!
Eating at a new place can be risky as far as getting a good meal goes but it can be so much fun to have a change of scenery, even if the food does taste like cardboard.
Having a bad experience can be something to laugh at later down the road, I know we have aquite a few resturant horror stories.
Pro-tip: Always look at the menu online beforehand to see if there’s anything of interest.
Go kayaking/boating
The most fun filled summer days revolve around boats on the water. Lake days are always a great way to bond and get some much needed family fun in.
To be honest, the only reason I bought my first truck was the throw a couple kayaks in the back. That was a game changer for me. Once I had the ability to easily transport them, I was always on the water.
Whether I was fishing, exploring a new area or simply sunning myself, summer revolved around kayaking. Once my son seems to enjoy it we’ll be out more. I’ve tried a few times with him and he was not having it.
I didn’t have a motor boat but a few of my friends had them and those days of tubing, skiing and wake boarding were always a blast. I haven’t been out on a real boat since my toddler was born and summer just isn’t them same….and neither is my tan.
walk those puppies
Rain or shine walk those doggies!
They need the exercise and the mental stimulation that accompanies regular walks. It can be as simple as taking them for a sniff around the block.
If you’ve got a well trained pup that won’t pull, the kids would probably love to hold the leash…and that makes them responsibe for the not so fun part, picking up after them. It’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air for your family and your pups.
learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill can be a great way for a family to spend some quality time together. It doesn’t matter if one of you is experienced and teaching the others or you’re all learning together, this is a great bonding exercise.
The options here are endless. You guys can learn how to woodwork, bind books, do stained glass, sew, play an instrument, refinish furniture and so much more.
Try to get everyone excited and find something that captivates the whole family. You never know where this new skill will take you or when it might come in handy.
re-paint a room
Slapping a coat of paint on a wall is the easiest, cheapest and quickest way to change the entire room’s ambience.
This simple update (that almost all ages can help with) makes a space feel new and refreshed. In addition to it being a fun family activity, you can also raise the overall value of your home in a weekend
With soo many color and paint options out there these days there’s no end to what you can create. My new favorite paints are the pastel chalkboard finishes.
This way you don’t have to worry about your little ones drawing on the walls after you’re finished, just make sure they’ll be using chalk for it. The down side to these it that they have been quite a bit more difficult to clean than a glossier sheen.
make your own ice cream
I remember doing this in my 7th grade science class and it turned out soo yummy. It was hard work making ice cream in a bag but it was so rewarding. It’s super simple and only takes a few ingredients.
Homemade Ice Cream Recipe:
1 C Half and Half
2 TBS Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
Ice
1/4 C Salt (rock, kosher or canning)
Small Ziplock Bags
Gallon Bags (Optional but ideal)
Steps:
- Mix Half and Half, sugar and vanilla in a sandwich bag and seal well (double bag it just incase)
- Put ice and salt into another sandwich bag or gallon size (will require more ice) and place the Half and Half mixture into that bag. Seal well and double bag this one to.
- Shake. Shake. Shake. You want to do this constantly until the mixture starts to freeze and thicken, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Enjoy your homemade ice cream!
Play around with different flavors. You can add chocolate, mint, strawberry, caramel and anything else you’d like.
At home drawing/painting ‘class’
We can’t always attend classes with our family but we can always bring the class to our family.
It’s as easy as setting up some easels, brushes/pencils and a model to illustrate. You can go the classic route of a fruit bowl or replace it with something more unique to your family’s interests
To make it even more fun designate a member to pose for the rest of your family to draw. Children’s drawings of people are always fantastic!
You never know if you’ve got a baby Michael Angelo on your hands and this might be a great way to find out.
start a Garden
This can be a fabulous way to show your children the importance of hard work and patience.
Starting a garden from scratch is no easy feat. It takes plenty of planning, motivation and sweat.
Tracking your yard’s sun path, preparing the soil and building boxes to fill with quality soil and compost are all necessary steps that your children can help with.
If you already have a plot for your yearly garden, starting seeds indoors is a great way for your little ones to learn about where their food comes from
Most children these days are too busy with daily distractions to really get the hands on experience that they’ll cherish for years to come. They’ll be so excited to get seeds started or pick out starts the next year at your local nursery. I know thats my favorite part of spring.
Not only can your child learn how to grow their own food, they’ll learn about proper plant care, soil additives, pollinators and how to harvest and use the resources they helped grow. This is truly a building block of life. If you ask me digging in the dirt is the definition of family fun!
go Swimming
Whether you prefer lakes, rivers or your local community pool, there’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than taking a dip.
By far my favorite activity as a child was swimming. It was nearly impossible to get me out of the water, no matter how cold I got. Some of my most fond memories revolve around lake days.
Not only is this the best way to cool off, it’s a great way for your wild child to burn off their extra energy. Nothing compares to the good night’s sleep you get after a long day swimming under the sun.
watch the Sunset
This is always such a magical experience, especially for a child.
No matter how many sunsets/sunrises you see no two are ever the same. The colors are amazing and the reason behind them is even more so. This is a great time to teach your little one about how the different lenghts of light waves pass through our atmosphere to create these breathtaking colors.
Don’t forget to look up behind you while the sun goes down. Sometimes they’re more magnificent on the opposite horizon
Bonus points if you go home and paint the sunset you just witnessed
I hope you can have as much family fun as we do on the weekends! Don’t forget to share these ideas with your fellow parent friends!