How to Plan an Inexpensive Family Outing
For many people, the fast paced world of work, school, sports and housework can often leave little time for family activities. Unfortunately, this lack of interaction can lead to a breakdown in relationships and reduce important communication between family members. Planning family activities, and making time to enjoy them, is a great way to increase communication and build a stronger bond between parents and children. Although older kids may resist your “uncool” suggestions at first, most enjoy it once they learn to let their hair down and have fun.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Schedule a family game night. This is a great way to bring the family together at little to no cost. Simply find a game that would be entertaining to all members of the household. This could be a board game, video game or even an interactive game such as charades or cards. Be sure to choose a game that doesn’t offer an advantage to the older members of the family. Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit are great choices that can include several people. Once you’ve decided on a game, order pizza or take-out and enjoy the evening.
-
2
Plan a picnic. Weekends are a wonderful time to plan a family picnic and get outside. For many grown ups, most of the week is spent in an office with little exposure to sun and fresh air. Look around your area for a park, beach or other public place where you could plan a picnic. Choosing a location with activities such as a playground, hiking trails, boating or swimming can turn a picnic into a full day event. For food, simply pack a picnic yourself, or visit a local grocery store or deli and pick up some prepared items.
-
-
3
Participate in a family-oriented sport. Getting everyone in the family involved in a sport can increase interaction, as well as build confidence. Sports such as bowling, badminton or Frisbee golf are fun and offer a level playing field for everyone. Breaking into groups for team sports is also a wonderful way to get kids to play together again.
-
4
Prepare a meal together. Pick a night when nothing is scheduled and plan a meal to prepare together. Items which can be easily assembled, such as pizza, sandwiches or salad, allows everyone to get involved. Divide up responsibilities such as setting the table, getting drinks and cleaning up so that everyone has a job.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Institute a “no TV” rule for family game night to keep the kids interested.
To make things fair, let smaller children use the bumpers when bowling.
Consider family team shirts to wear during sports activities.
Fried chicken or deli sandwiches are inexpensive and easy to carry on a picnic.
Once confirmed, don’t allow older children to back out of the activity.
Avoid activities such as baseball, volleyball or football, which may cause younger children to feel inadequate.
Don't plan an activity that might embarrass older children in front of their friends.
