Quality time with our loved ones is a precious priority. Part of our wellness includes rest and relaxation, plus investing in important relationships.
On a tight budget or not sure what to do? There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities you can try with your family and kids over a weekend that don’t need to break the bank! Here are 10 fun weekend ideas to add to your family’s leisure list to help you all feel more recharged and reconnected.
1. Enjoy a formal dinner at home
Instead of eating out, set up your own home restaurant and dine in style! Indian, Italian, Thai or some good old burgers and fries - pick a theme and cook to it!
Create your own three-course menu, set your table, light the candles, play some music and assign roles of the chef and waiter. Little kids will love dressing up, while mom and dad may even score a night off from dish duty.
2. Go on a family bike ride
Get some fresh air and exercise by taking the family out on a bicycle ride. Maybe your neighbourhood has some streets you’ve never explored, or there’s a nearby beachfront promenade or mountain bike trail.
Don’t have bikes? Rent some out for the day, or even simply enjoy a family walk. Pack some snacks and refreshments to enjoy on a picnic stop along the way!
3. Make your own family tree
How much do you know about your family history? Delve deeper into your roots and make your own family tree. If you don’t have access to your full family tree, dust off the old family albums and share old photographs with your children.
Your kids will appreciate learning more about their great-grandparents and heritage. Stories about your lineage can be beautifully preserved and even used for a school project!
4. Plan a picnic at your nearest park or beach
Soak up the sun by planning a picnic at your local forest, park or beach. Pack your favourite lunchtime snacks along with some blankets and an umbrella. Don’t forget to take your swing-ball set, frisbee or kite and take time out with your family and friends while doing something different.
5. Make your own play dough
For endless hours of entertainment, make your own three-ingredient play dough in just five minutes. All you need is ½ cup corn starch/maizena, 1 cup bicarbonate of soda and ¾ cup water.
Instructions:
· In a saucepan with no heat, add the corn starch/maizena, bicarbonate of soda and water, stirring.
· Place your saucepan on the stove top, turning to a medium heat.
· Continue stirring the mix constantly until it starts bubbling slightly. Very quickly it’ll begin to solidify, so once a ball starts forming (after 4-5 minutes), remove your pan from the heat.
· Place your dough onto a piece of baking paper or a silicone mat. It will be VERY hot, so allow it to cool. Tip: To speed up the cooling process, flip it over and knead it a little as it cools.
· Once the dough is cool you can either add a colour or scent and knead it into the dough.
Tip: 2-3 drops of essential oils or 4-5 drops of food colouring are a fun addition for creative and sensory play. Grab your cookie cutters, lollipop sticks and let your kids’ imaginations run wild!
6. Set up your own scavenger hunt
Come rain or shine, a family scavenger hunt is a brilliant activity to enjoy in your home, garden, on a walk around your neighbourhood or drive around town.
For an egg-cellent and creative twist, get your kids to decorate and paint hollow eggshells. Once dry, fill them with tiny treats like nuts and sweets and then seal the bottom or hole with tin foil. Hide them in the garden for your kids to find.
7. Explore your city together
Take a trip into town and help your kids get to know their own surrounds better. Visit your library to find some books that you can read together or go to a museum to learn more about your local history.
You could also spend the morning on a nearby nature hike and finish off with a congratulatory takeaway ice cream.
8. Compile a “family favourites” recipe book
It’s time to put all your favourite recipes onto paper! Get creative with scrapbooking paper, pens and magazine cut outs. Each family member can choose their top starter/salad, main and dessert/baked treat to add into your very own homemade “family favourites” recipe book.
9. Volunteer together in your community
What better way to some free time than giving back to the community? Walk dogs at a local animal shelter, help out a soup kitchen or join a park or beach clean-up. You’ll all get out the house and make a difference while being mindful of others and your environment as you serve.
Slow down the frenetic pace of life a little by trying out some of these fun family weekend activities. Once your creative juices start flowing, you and your young ones will have plenty more future family dates to look forward to!
Why not take turns? Each family member can have the chance to pick a weekend and activity they’d love everyone to enjoy. The bonus? You’ll all feel happier, healthier and more connected.
Date Published: 01 September 2021
