In the midst of work and housekeeping and gardening and cooking and trips to the store and bathtime and bedtime… we sometimes feel that although we spent most of the day or week together, we actually saw very little of each other.
Do you feel that way too sometimes? Like much of life is spent maintaining our lives?
We try as much as possible to dedicate Friday night (or if life gets the better of us, Saturday night) to doing something special as a family. Here’s our top simple ideas for family night!
1. Take a walk
It doesn’t get much simpler. Or much better, in my opinion! Taking walks together means the weather is nice, we’re enjoying fresh air, the kids are more or less contained (haha!), and we’re disconnected from technology. Mostly we walk the neighborhood, but sometimes we’ll drive down to the river trail for a scenic walk. It’s free, good exercise, and the kids get to see something other than the walls of our house!
2. Get a treat
Oh this might be my favorite. We love to hop in the car after dinner and head to a local ice cream place (we always try out new ones that pop up like the recent Cherry Berry!). Last night we visited our favorite spot – Mozzicato’s, an Italian Bakery & Cafe. Our wedding cake was made by them, and I love the old Italian look of their cafe. Gelatos and tiramisus, cappuccinos for us and milk for our toddler. It’s a quick and easy trip.
3. Visit the mall
If the weather isn’t nice but we just want to get out of the house, we go to the mall – there’s a carousel, bookstore, and coffee shops! We can also get a little walk in by circling the mall a few times.
4. Have a campfire
well, we only do this in the summertime, but we do love to make toasted marshmallows and s’mores!
5. Play a game
Matching, alphabet sorting, block building… playing a focused game brings us together as a family and helps the kids learn, too. I especially like to reserve some games just for “family night” so they seem more exciting. Other times, we’ll work on a more complicated project that requires our assistance and direction – it’s helpful to set aside a good chunk of time for those toys too, instead of relegating them to the, “Oh let’s not bring that toy out now,” category!
What activities do you do for family nights? Do you have a regular night of the week?
Simple Ways to Enjoy the Holidays as a Family - Maggie Bags
Monday 18th of November 2013
[…] found that less is more, especially with youngsters in tow. I’ve written on my blog about simple family night ideas that work for us. With the idea of simplifying (and enjoying) the next 6 weeks of the holiday […]
Simple Ways to Enjoy the Holidays as a Family - Maggie Bags
Monday 18th of November 2013
[…] found that less is more, especially with youngsters in tow. I’ve written on my blog about simple family night ideas that work for us. With the idea of simplifying (and enjoying) the next 6 weeks of the holiday […]
Crunchy Beach Mama
Friday 14th of June 2013
I love all of these ideas because we do them all too! We did a hike last weekend to a place we saw an alligator at last time and P wanted to see that alligator again so bad but we didn't but I was impressed that he remembered! Family memories. :)
This Picture Maker looks awesome. I recently got out this old set from Discovery Toys that is kind of like this where you match up different shapes to make pictures. I love watching those little fingers and minds go to work.
Crunchy Beach Mama
Friday 14th of June 2013
I love all of these ideas because we do them all too! We did a hike last weekend to a place we saw an alligator at last time and P wanted to see that alligator again so bad but we didn't but I was impressed that he remembered! Family memories. :)
This Picture Maker looks awesome. I recently got out this old set from Discovery Toys that is kind of like this where you match up different shapes to make pictures. I love watching those little fingers and minds go to work.