Family Fun Days

In our family, we hold what we call 'Family Fun Days' every week or two. It's usually on a Saturday after we get all our have-to's done. Here's how they work: for a set amount of time (a few hours, or even an entire day!), we each take a turn selecting an activity for us to do as a family. The rule is that we have to do what the person choosing wants to do, no matter what. We rotate through the members of our family until time runs out. Sometimes we include extended family members in select activities, but not always.

This is a great exercise for our family for many reasons. First, we get to do things we personally wouldn't normally do. Second, everyone gets a chance to do something they enjoy. Third, we spend quality time with one another in a variety of settings. Fourth, we learn how to take turns and respect what makes other people happy. Fifth, we connect and bond during and after, as we create happy moments and remember the good times we've shared together.

One of our more recent Family Fun Days looked like this:

A trip to the art museum because, duh. Art museums are the best. Even the baby got an eyeful of creative beauty.

Next up, a visit to the nearby petting zoo. Because animals are the best too, even if the ostriches and emus are sometimes scary.

Then, a quick frozen treat at a grocery store because a four-year-old doesn't care if it's winter. Chocolate ice cream is always a grand idea.

Then, a hot dog roast in our back yard to wash down our ice cream appetizer. It's good for us to shake things up for dinner because I find it makes our normal everyday rituals exciting and memorable.

And that's it for this mini round of Family Fun Day activities! Most of our activities include doing things outside, going to new or favorite places, or getting treats. Sometimes it's something as simple as each picking our favorite book to read together or sometimes it's an expensive night out for dinner. No matter what we do though, it makes me happy to spend the best times with my family.