If your kids groan over “family time,” don’t take it as an insult. Instead, take it as a sign that you need to ramp up your creativity and try some new experiences together. For instance, if you have space in your home, you may consider getting a pool table from a ​Pool table delivery company. Here are some more activities that will get everyone in on the fun.

Camping at Home

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Image via Flickr by Chris Penny

You don’t have to pack up the car and head for the wilderness to have a bit of a camping trip. Pitch a tent in your own backyard and enjoy a family night away from technology. Tell stories, lay out stargazing, and cook your meals outside for the night. Avoid the temptation to bring your laptop or tablet out, even though you’ll still have Internet access. Just step away from it all and pretend you’re really in the wilderness for the night.

Themed Dinner and Movie Nights

Plan a special movie night for the family and choose a film everyone will enjoy. Then plan a special dinner that goes along with your theme. Have a royal dinner before watching a Disney princess movie and dress everyone up like princes and princesses. Have green eggs and ham before a Seuss movie marathon and encourage everyone to talk in rhyme through the meal. Get creative and you can easily build an enjoyable evening.

Creating a Work of Art

Paint a mural on your backyard fence or in a bedroom, spray paint the furniture a fun color, or create special stepping-stones for the garden. Get everyone involved in a fun home decorating project that really dresses up your space. You’ll have fun with the project and the finished piece will add a distinctive flair to your home. If you’re not ready for a permanent work of art, have a chalk art contest in your driveway.

Getting Active Outside

Participating in outdoor activities or summer camp is a great way for families to bond. Find the nearest Phoenix golf courses and enjoy a game of golf with your family. Check out what’s available in your local parks and if they have the right Golf Trolleys for you to move everything around. Grab some skates and explore your neighborhood or get mountainbikes to traverse more challenging terrain. The number of paths that are available to explore around town or in parks may surprise you. Check out Mountain Bike Hangout blog for all mountain bike related recommendations.

Checking Out Local Museums

Many people think of museums as dry and boring, but there are some fascinating options that are far from ordinary. Keep up with your local museums so you’ll know if a special exhibit comes along that peaks your family’s interest. Go try out a new place when they’re running a promotion for free admission. Many museums are always free, so there’s nothing lost with a little experimentation. If the museum isn’t for you, your family can still discuss your impressions and opinions together afterward.

Doing Good Deeds

Volunteer together for a touching family experience. If you have small children, put together shoeboxes of essentials for the needy or holiday gifts for other children around the holidays. Older children can serve in the community at various volunteer events. You may even consider training together for a family marathon that benefits a meaningful charity.

Spending time together as a family with these activities is a great opportunity to have an educational, entertaining, and enriching experience.

 

Guest Contributor Amanda Brown is a freelance writer whom enjoys playing and coaching volleyball. She loves her friends and family including her dog, Charlie; as well as traveling all around the world.