Although many of us are no longer under lockdown, we have become accustomed to working and staying at home. As the festive season approaches and the cold sets in, we find ourselves staying home more often. Keep boredom at bay with these activities that are fun for all the family.
Teenagers and Beyond
Teenagers may be difficult to please, but there are plenty of creative ways to get them involved during family time. There are plenty of activities that will pique their interest and allow them to discover new hobbies. Research has shown that spending time with their family positively impacts teens’ psychological and social adjustment.
One cannot go wrong with card games. Why not have a game of Uno or Phase 10? If you opt for the latter, don’t forget to familiarize yourselves with the phase 10 rules or arguments may ensue. Contrary to what you may think, card games are as popular as ever. In 2020, the international card game market generated around 5.6 billion US$ in revenue and is estimated to exceed 6.8 US$ by 2025.
Be it card games, board games, or virtual gaming, make family game nights a little more interesting by turning them into mini-tournaments with prizes or rewards for the winners. It’s always more exciting to throw a little friendly competition into the mix.
Been binging too many episodes of Hell’s Kitchen or Masterchef? Channel your inner Gordon Ramsay by getting creative in the kitchen with the family. Decorate cute bento boxes. Brew your own kombucha and go crazy with the unlimited flavor combinations. Make a sourdough starter and challenge everyone to come up with the punniest name. Bread-ly Cooper, anyone?
Gardening may seem like a chore, but the reward is well worth the time and effort. Setting up a family garden is fun, educational, and purposeful. It is also a wonderful form of physical activity, especially if everyone has been cooped up in the house for far too long. Put in the work, and you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. There’s nothing like fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs straight from the garden!
If your teenager spends the bulk of their time in their room, let them personalize or update their space through a fun hands-on activity everyone can get involved in. Easy and adorable projects include wall decals, book planters, and pegboards. If you’re up for a challenge, try following DIY videos on refinishing furniture, or give the room a complete color overhaul.
At times, social media has all the entertainment you need. TikTok challenges or dances can be silly, but some make for harmless fun. Round up the family, swallow your pride, and get ready for hours for rib-tickling amusement.
Krafty and Kid-Friendly
Younger children tend to have shorter attention spans, but there are tons of engaging and enriching activities that will keep them occupied for long periods of time. Best of all, you won’t have to resort to video games or tablets. Not all the time, at least.
Building a terrarium will keep children entertained for hours. Not only is it low-maintenance and an easy way to incorporate plants into your home, but it is also an excellent tool for kids to learn about the water cycle and the environment. The little plants or critters that may emerge over time will keep the children curious, and make great conversation-starters.
There are many science experiments that can be easily conducted with simple household supplies or pantry staples. Watch your kids’ eyes light up in amazement at an exploding volcano made with baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring, or whip up some oobleck with cornstarch and water for a fascinating sensory experience.
Art jamming involves getting together in a group to paint or draw. All you need are the necessary materials; paint, canvases, brushes, and the likes. Take inspiration from household objects, the changing seasons, or even the beloved family pets. You can even frame each completed masterpiece around the house, making a personal family gallery of sorts.
One cannot deny that blanket forts are universally loved. You’re never too old to gather your chairs, pillows, blankets, and cushions, and have fun building an epic fort with the family. Normal activities like snacking or watching movies become so much more fun inside a fort—the kids may not even want to leave!
If the weather permits have a themed picnic or tea party on your lawn. Let the kids get involved with decorating or preparing snacks. Games like Red Light, Green Light, a ring toss, or even a scavenger hunt are bound to be a big hit with the kids. If you have a fire, gather the family around on a chilly evening and share stories with one another over s’mores and cups of comforting hot chocolate.
Believe it or not, the options are endless. Don’t worry about being cooped up at home, for there are plenty of games and activities the entire family can engage in. Here’s to making lasting memories!
