Hey y’all. It’s summer, and the days are long when the kids aren’t in school, am I right?
So here are 5 playful weeknight adventures to enjoy with your family that are all free.
1. Picnic dinner:
Transform your living room into a cozy picnic meal space, or pack up and head to a local cozy spot (park, front yard, beach). Lay out a blanket on the ground as the table, have the kids gather all the plates and dinnerware you need. Choose simple foods that you can eat family style (cut veggies, chips, sandwiches, sliced fruit) and then go for a walk.
2. Dance Party Extravaganza:
Clear out a space in your living room, turn up the music, and let the dance party begin! Encourage your kids to showcase their best moves while you groove alongside them. Create a playlist with their favorite tunes or explore new genres together. Play a song from your junior high or high school era and show them the cool moves you had back then. This lively activity promotes physical fitness, boosts mood, and guarantees heaps of giggles.
3. Scavenger Hunt Bonanza:
This is one of my favorites. Print out this list of common household objects, or make one of your own, and unleash your kids on a race to see who can collect all the items first. For older kids who can read, this is easy. For younger kids, you can use your phone or draw pictures to show them what they need to find. For added time and engagement, try hiding common objects in unexpected places, like under a pillow or behind a favorite book. This thrilling adventure will keep your kids engaged, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and provide a healthy dose of excitement.
4. Pillow Fort Building Frenzy:
Let your imagination run wild with a pillow fort building frenzy! Gather all the pillows, blankets, and sheets you can find, and transform your living room or bedroom into a cozy fort. Use chairs and furniture as the foundation, drape blankets over them, and create multiple rooms inside your fort. Grab flashlights, books, and snacks, and hunker down for an evening of storytelling and shadow hand puppets. This imaginative activity sparks creativity, encourages teamwork, and guarantees hours of imaginative play.
5. Family Game night:
This is one of my personal favorites, but I’m a big game nerd! There are some really fun family games now. Bust out some good old board games or a deck of cards. Pictionary, Throw Throw burrito, Twister or some of the new cooperative games are our favorites! A healthy dose of competition and strategy will spice things up. If you don’t have a board game at the ready, write down simple words on some pieces of paper, pick them out of a bowl, and teach your kids to play charades. The novelty will be great for some giggles and family memories.
Weeknights are the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to engage in playful and memorable activities without spending a dime. Even if you feel tired after work, some simple novelty will enliven your life and your child’s life, and keep you all engaged with each other. By embarking on these five adventures, you'll create laughter, spark creativity, and strengthen the bond between family members. So, let your imagination soar, leave the worries behind, and embrace the joy of these budget-friendly weeknight escapades that will leave your children with cherished memories and a deep sense of connection. Get ready to laugh, dance, and embark on a whirlwind of playful fun that money simply can't buy!
