Weekends, holidays, school breaks, and summer are typically popular times for family get togethers. These may be conventional, unconventional, familiar, or surprising. Parents and kids often relax, laugh, share, read, and learn incidentally—while making the most of experiences in water, on wheels, in nature, or wherever else they happen to be. (Keeping safety and health protocols top of mind, of course. This includes applying sunscreen, staying hydrated, wearing insect repellant where needed, not sampling things like mushrooms or berries, and making proper use of equipment such as helmets and floatation devices.)
The emphasis is on participation, engagement, unstructured activities, and FUN!
Encourage children’s play, explorations, discoveries, and understandings.
Incorporate art, music, action, mystery, whimsy, reflection, controversy, or silliness into activities.
Serendipitously mix and match materials, venues, and ideas.
ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILY FUN AND CREATIVITY!
“There is no better time than now to open up to all your wonder and possibility.”
~ Dr. Nicole Tetreault
Here’s a list of suggestions:
INDOORS
- CRAFTS – use wool, wax, words, wire, wood… and consider holidays, special occasions, family traditions, various cultures, and new-fangled ideas
- KITCHEN FUN – cook, bake, decorate food in funny ways, and create new food combinations or frosty treats
- GAMES – puzzles, all kinds of board games, simulations, and role play
- REDECORATING – poke through old things, change up rooms with personal touches and handmade decor
- MANUAL DEXTERITY – origami, calligraphy, jewelry-making, mosaics
- READING – choose a book, and settle into a comfy spot to read together or independently
- MUSIC – sing, listen, dance, harmonize, compose, try different instruments, perform
- VALUES – find ways to be kind to others, be neighborly, show generosity, and contribute to the community
OUTDOORS
- PICNICS –theme-based outings with inventive fare and collaborative efforts from food preparation to creative set-up (and maybe even a scavenger hunt, too)
- STRUCTURES – design and build—including sandcastles, tree houses, forts, and obstacle courses
- SKYGAZE – identify constellations, look at cloud formations, check moon movements, watch for shooting stars, take pictures of sunsets and sunrises
- EXERCISE – swim, skate, bike, scooter, rollerblade, run, hike, slip and slide; try Zumba, yoga, and aerobics; participate in sports activities
- CAMPFIRES – sing-alongs, storytelling, making s’mores
- NATURE HIKES – trail-blazing, photography, wildlife, orienteering, journaling
- FLYING THINGS – kites, paper airplanes, bubbles (blowing, chasing, and catching), water balloons
- RAIN WALKS – jump in puddles, splash, observe, listen
- NEW VENUES – different parks, splashpads, campgrounds, landmarks, street fairs, markets, neighborhoods, beaches, playgrounds, conservation areas, community centres
- DRAWING – with chalk or watercolor, paint on rocks, driveways, fences, sidewalks
- GARDENING – unusual plants; flowers, fruits, vegetables—and insects, too
LAST WORDS
“Self-confidence, a positive attitude toward learning, and the drive to achieve are all strengthened when parents encourage their children’s curiosity, creativity, and emerging needs to know and experience more about themselves and the world.”
~ Matthews & Foster, Being Smart about Gifted Learning. p. 292
There are endless opportunities for family fun and learning. Help children awaken their senses and appreciate their surroundings, whether inside or outside. Embrace each day, and be open-minded, safe, playful, and creative—all year long!
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
This piece is adapted from one written by Dr. Joanne Foster, and that appeared in issues of Best Version Media’s Neighbours’ Magazines, distributed across Ontario, Canada.
