Even though it has helped us stay connected through the pandemic, most of us are tired of being online and patiently waiting to return to normal. But, between social distancing recommendations and excessive weather conditions in the Southwest, we are limited to what we can do as families. Take a look below for some family quality time activities:
Outdoor
- Create your own outdoor garden or painted rock garden. Plant seasonal herbs and teach your kids how to care for them. Or, find some smooth rocks in your neighborhood, paint colorful designs or write inspirational quotes, let dry, and place them in your front or backyard. Invite your neighbors to take one as a gift or repaint and bring back!
- Play balloon tennis. Instead of a tennis ball and racquets, use an inflated balloon and your hands. See how long you can volley!
- Design a family obstacle course. Use hula hoops, chalk, tape, towels, etc. Get creative and see who can complete it the fastest! For a team-based course, add in a potato sack race (using pillowcases), three-legged race, or egg race.
- Get your hands dirty. Digging or playing in the dirt can be fun and relaxing. Research shows that contact with soil and soil bacteria can trigger the release of serotonin in our brain, which can make us feel happier and strengthen our immune system.
- Blow bubbles. The deep, pursed-lip breathing required to blow bubbles is great for stress relief and relaxation. Create your own bubble solution at home with water, dish soap, and corn syrup. Experiment with different shapes or see who can blow the biggest bubble!
Photo Source: crazylaura.com
Indoor
- Camp inside. Set up a tent or fort with all your blankets, sheets, and pillows. Decorate the tent/fort with items from around your home, including stuffed animals, Christmas lights, flashlights, etc. Create a bed with comforters or use sleeping bags if you have them, tell family stories, sing campfire songs, and play games!
- Hunt for treasure. Hide "treasure" around your home and create clues for your kids to decipher before searching. Or, play a "find it fast" home scavenger hunt. Gather everyone in one room and list items, one by one, to find and bring back. Items can be random (like a cup of water) or sentimental (like a favorite family photo). On the count of 3, let the search begin. Whoever comes back with the item first wins a point!
- Learn about science. Lead fun science experiments using items you have around the home. Experiments can include learning about engineering through crafts, environmental science, or food science (i.e., cooking, baking). Search here for ideas.
- Host a singing competition or karaoke night. Are you a fan of American Idol or The Voice? Host your very own singing competition at home! Invite your family members to pick their own solo songs or sing some fun duets. After each song, provide some optional performance feedback. For karaoke, find lyric videos on YouTube for singing along.
- Compile memories or explore your family history. Time to download and print those family photos! Make a family photo album: invite your kids to create their own page and/or decorate the album with colorful drawings and stickers. Or, tell stories about your family history through a family tree activity.
Ideas adapted from The Center for Discovery & Kids Out and About
