Family Bonding: How to Plan Quality Time Together
Ideas for memorable family nights
Between work, school, soccer practices, cleaning the house, birthday parties and all the other must-dos we get caught up in every week, it can seem challenging to carve out family time for you and your crew. Yet, family time is important and a family night out might be just what you all needed!
Put aside a few hours every week to spend together, whether it’s you and your kids or a larger family get together with extended loved ones. Here are five ideas for your time together.
1. Movie Night
What could be more enjoyable after a long week of rushing to and from events than settling down as a family to watch a film on your TV? Whether you rent the latest blockbuster on Amazon or watch a Netflix original, your entire family will enjoy laughing, crying or holding their breath together during the movie. Add popcorn, movie-sized candy boxes and a frozen pizza, and you have a low-key night in.
2. Game Night
Every family can get a little competitive, which makes game night a thrill. You can think of a theme for the night, such as cards or strategy, and pick out games that fit. Mix things up by trying these ideas:
- Match People in Teams: Put the oldest with the youngest or pair those wearing similar colors
- Up the Stakes: Whoever loses has to do the dishes the next three nights
- Mix up Your Definition of “Game:” Try doing a puzzle together
3. Game Night Part II
Head to Carlisle Sports Emporium for a night of more active gaming. You can square off on the go-kart track or the miniature golf course. Or plan a strategy and take to the multi-level laser tag arena and attack anyone who tries to take you down. Working together through our many family bonding activities will bring you together and give you memories you will appreciate for months to come.
4. Star Gazing
You can find lots of astrology sites that lay out the sky positioning of constellations. Pick a clear, warm night and spread blankets in the backyard to star gaze. You can assign each person something to look for or make it a group effort to find different stars. Bonus points for family members that see a shooting star.
5. Arts and Crafts
Everyone has a particular craft or art form they enjoy. Let one person pick what you will do that night. You may try drawing, painting or weaving. The end products may not be gallery-worthy, but you will have a great time looking at each other’s work and may even discover skills you didn’t realize you had.
There are endless possibilities for family fun both in your home and around the Carlisle area. As long as you’re all together, you will enjoy yourselves and benefit from the family bonding time. Remember to check out what’s new at Carlisle Sports Emporium before you come to visit!