At Escape Adventures, we always look for the silver lining in any situation. As we all do our part and stay home with our families, we recognize the unique opportunity to bond with family members like never before. There are many family bonding activities that can help build closeness among family members without requiring much time or preparation. Bonding as a family can be quick and simple, and most of the time, not require anyone to even leave home. Everyone knows we LOVE riding bikes, but over the next few weeks, our staff is going to share some other examples of what we will be doing in our down time. We hope that you will join us during this time and find some unique ways to bond with your family as well. (PS – We are still gonna be out there on our bikes as well)
Doing little things together can help bond parents and children to each other and can strengthen the family bonds. There are many activities to consider such as:
Movie Night
Have a weekly family movie night at home. You can rent a movie or choose one from your home collection. Ask each person what movie they would like to see and give each person a chance to choose one of their favorites. To complement your movie night, serve popcorn and candy to make it feel as if you are at the movies.
Sit Down To Dinner
Sitting down to a dinner is a great way to connect with each other and share the details of your day. You can cook together to increase the bonding time or make it as simple as ordering a pizza and enjoying it together.
Go on a Picnic
Take the family on a traditional picnic with all the trimmings. Let everyone pack one of their favorite foods. While picnics are common in the summer, you may want to plan a winter picnic for something new and different!
Play Games
Board games can bring tons of laughter and fun to your family bonding time. Game night can bring out the inner child in everyone. Some board games to consider playing are Monopoly, Pictionary and Trivia Pursuit. Create a family game collection and take turns picking out a game to play.
Games that can played on the Wii or Play Station are other options to consider. Also consider going outdoors and playing a game such as basketball or catch. Exercise can be a part of family fun and offers everyone benefits.
Take A Walk
Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can be a great stress reliever as well as a fun way to get everyone together to talk and enjoy the scenery. You can take a walk around your neighborhood or go to a local park or hiking trail.
Backyard Camping
Family camping for one night can take place right in your own backyard. For this family night activity you’ll want to buy or borrow a tent or sleeping bags, as well as items like bug repellent and a flashlight. Keep it simple and plan to cook hotdogs and marshmallows over a hot grill or fire pit (if zoning allows) on a long skewer. Once inside the tent for the night, become a storyteller or sing songs together.
Watch a Sunset
If your kids are older, planning a walk at sunset is a fun way to spend time together. If possible, choose an elevated location from which you can see the sun’s descent, or for the ultimate sunset experience, opt for a west-coast beach.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is an ideal way to get the whole family outdoors and involved. Buy a field journal to help identify birds and keep a family log of all the birds you spot or take or draw pictures and start a family bird-watching scrapbook complete with images.
Make A Craft
Arts and crafts can be fun for kids and adults. There are many craft projects that are simple, yet can still be a great way to bring everyone together. For example, during Christmas have each person make an ornament to hang on the tree.
Create a Family Tree
Begin a family tree based on the information you have on hand. Ask the older kids to do some online research about the family history or write to long-lost relatives to fill in the branches of the tree. Discuss the geographic and ethnic origins of the family and how they have influenced present day practices, beliefs and celebrations.
Journaling
Start a family journal. Designate one night a week to make a new entry and take turns on who gets to write the information, letting her add her personal observations to the events of the past week and comment on people and places. If a relative from the past has left behind a diary or journal, pass it around, read it aloud and discuss the events and people that shaped the writer’s life.
