Need to Get Out? Here’s 8 Family-Friendly Activities Good for All Ages
Almost any family, no matter how close they are, is going to have a range of preferences when it comes to leisure activities. I know that growing up, my family was no different. Some of us preferred attending sports games while others in the family just wanted to stay home and binge movies. And all of that is OK – it can just become a bit overwhelming finding a mutually agreeable activity. We understand this is a common dilemma within families, and with this, we’ve put together a guide of eight different family-friendly activities that are suitable for all ages.
1. Picnic in the Park
On a crisp fall day, nothing beats laying out a blanket on the lawn, bringing along some delicious sandwiches, and enjoying a nice peaceful nap under the warmth of the sun. While adults are relaxing and maybe reading a book, children in the family can run around the grassy area, exploring any playgrounds in the area and mingling with any friends that joined them for this picnic outing. Additional activities to do at a picnic include playing a sport – even as simple as a baseball catch, flying a kite, or playing a card game.
2. Visit a Local Zoo or Aquarium
A local zoo or aquarium is the perfect way to get close to animals you would not see in the wild otherwise. To make this day even more enjoyable, plan the zoo visit around what your child is currently learning in school. For example, maybe they just did a class lesson on large cats of the jungle. Aligning with what they learned, check out any tigers, lions, and jaguars at the zoo. Or, if your family has more of an interest in deep sea life, see what stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks await beneath the water behind the aquarium’s glass tanks.
3. Explore a Children’s Museum
Children’s museums are made with the interests of young explorers and learners in mind, but adults are often just as enthralled with the interactive displays and hands-on activities within these museums. Each museum is unique, but what they have in common is a wide variety of exhibits that range in topic from science to art to sports. Again, while these are labeled as “children museums”, there is something to learn in these spaces for people of all ages.
4. Go Bowling
Bowling is the type of sport that you can be doing for the first time and still have a wonderful time. From my experience at the lanes in bowling near me, it’s definitely a sport that requires practice and consistency to improve (just like any other sport), but what makes it unique is that the sport is more of a fun social activity than a competitive sport. A typical bowling lane at the alley can accommodate 4-6 people, so either your family can get a lane all to themselves or you may have to split up into two different groups. When going together as a family, nothing beats the thrill of watching someone in your group bowl a strike and witnessing the pure joy on their face!
5. Attend a Local Fair or Festival
Depending on where you live, there may be a range of fairs or festivals in your area. This can range from featuring local music groups, food vendors, amusement park rides, performers, celebrity meet & greets, or a number of other fun attractions. These events are great ways to get a close-up look at your city’s local culture, meet new people, and enjoy a day outside alongside your family.
6. Take a Family Bike Ride
One of my favorite activities to do outside is go on a scenic bike ride. I personally prefer bike trails that are off road and away from any vehicular or pedestrian traffic so that I can solely focus on the bike ride and the trail ahead of me. Either way, there are bike trails in almost all areas of the country, ranging from along busy city streets to high up in the thin air of the mountains. If the path is wide enough, your family can talk while riding alongside each other, but if not, having the family together while riding in a single file line is still a fun family experience that improves both mental health and your physical aptitude.
7. Have a Movie Night Under the Stars
This activity really brings me back to my childhood. Growing up at the beach, my family used to attend weekly movie evenings at a local park that showed a movie – for free – on a large projector screen while viewers got to enjoy the surrounding stars in the sky above with the 4k projector making the experience truly unforgettable.. This is an activity you can do similarly, or watch the movie in the comfort of your own backyard. Bring blankets, camping chairs, and pillows to really feel relaxed during the starlit movie session.
8. Visit a Local Farm or Farmers Market.
Whether it’s a farm or farmer’s market, either is a great way to sample and buy new produce to enjoy at home. I’ve been to many farmers markets throughout my life, and each offers an array of food, from delicious desserts to sweet fruits and savory desserts. You can always just visit the grocery store of course, but a farm or farmer’s market provides a more unique set of culinary items while allowing you to shop in the enjoyable outdoor setting.
The next time you’re in a pickle of what to do on a Saturday afternoon with your family, check out one of these activities. Who knows? You may just end up developing a lifelong passion for bowling or biking by simply taking a chance out of your comfort zone.
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