Easy Ways to Create Family Time

I admire the moms out there who can come up with super creative and involved activities for their kids and their families. I am not one of those moms though. With a full-time job and a full-time home, I am not inclined to track down all supplies and come up with highly involved activities. Easy, pre-packaged and cheap-ish is my preference. 

Here’s a round up of some easy and cheap-ish activities for the year that my family does.

Note: Many of these activities are geared towards younger kids, but you can easily adapt them for older kids.

Month	Activity	Things You’ll Need
January	DIY Science Experiments: Create volcanoes, slime, or fizzy reactions using household items.	Science experiment book or ideas Basic household chemicals and supplies
February	Indoor Camping: Create an indoor campsite with blankets, pillows, and tents. Share stories, play games, and enjoy some indoor camping fun.	Kids sleeping bag Indoor s’mores maker Games Blankets and pillows
March	Spring Planting: Start a small indoor garden by planting seeds in pots or containers.	Indoor gardening kit (herbs, veggies, flowers) Kids gardening tools Optional: Hydroponic Growing System
April	Head to the Park: Fly a kite, play on the playground, play tag, play ball. Never underestimate the joy of just heading to the park. Let’s admit it, I enjoy the slide and swings just as much as my kids.	Any outdoor toys - kites, balls, chalk, jump ropes Bikes and scooters (don’t forget helmets)
May	Picnic in the Park: Enjoy a family picnic at a nearby park, complete with sandwiches, snacks, and outdoor games.	Picnic basket and blanket (I prefer a backpack) Snacks Outdoor games (bocce ball, cornhole)
June	Water Play: Set up a sprinkler in the backyard, play with water balloons, or have a fun afternoon at a local splash pad.	Water balloons (I prefer refillable) Sprinkler/splash pad Swimsuits, sunscreen and towels
July	Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a projector, grab popcorn, and watch family-favorite movies under the stars.	Projector and screen Movie Blankets Popcorn and snacks
August	Stargazing Night: Set up blankets outside, identify constellations, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.	Constellation guide (app or book) Blankets Optional: Telescope
September	Nature Scavenger Hunt: Hunt for items in nature. Discuss how the leaves and plants have changed for fall.	Scavenger hunt game, book or printable sheet
October	Zoo Trip: Just like the park, the magic of the zoo is reliable. We go a lot and my kids love it every time.	Zoo tickets Snacks and water
November	Game Night: Unleash your competitive spirit with laughter-filled board games and friendly card challenges.	Any family friendly game - Uno, Monopoly Jr. (or regular), Yatzee, Go Fish, etc. Snacks
December	Baking Together: Let the kids measure ingredients, mix, and decorate. Not only does it create delicious treats, but it also teaches them valuable skills in the kitchen.	Baking supplies like ingredient, festive cookie cutters, icing bags, and sprinkles

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