Creating family time is so important. It has been shown that time together as a family can help reduce stress, contribute to happiness, and lead to more meaningful lives. It can be very easy to fly through the days and forget to come together as a family. The best way to make sure that you are making the time, is to make it a part of your routine.

Start small. If family time is not a regular part of your routine, don’t try to do it “all”. Pick one activity that you think your family will enjoy and figure out where it fits in your weekly schedule. For example, aim to eat dinner as a family on Sunday nights.

Here are 7 great ways that you and your family can have quality time together.

Eat Dinner Together

Eating dinner together as a family, can be such a nice way to spend time together. In our house we strive for three nights a week, with everyone at the table. During this time, we go around the table and each person gives their favorite part of the day. Even the littles and sometimes we even add in the worst part of the day. I will tell you that this is valuable time for kids, while creating open lines of communication. It makes everyone reflect on their day and be open to sharing.

Exercise or Take a Walk Together

Exercising together is such a good habit and is great for your health. It teaches children the importance of being active but also allows you to bond. Sometimes walking gets people talking and that means open communication with your family. Walking is not the only way to exercise though. Try things like family yoga, jumping rope, or kicking a ball around.

Family Movie Night

This is a favorite in our house. Movie nights, with a theme, can be so exciting for the kids. Check out my posts on how to create a fun movie night for your family and top family movies. You will want to pick a movie that appeals to everyone, grab some yummy snacks, and make it an experience. This is an easy one to make part of your routine. Start with once a month and you can count down the days on a calendar.

Cooking or Baking Together

Sure, this one can be messy, but it’s worth it. Pick a recipe that everyone will like and can contribute to. We like to do make your own pizzas. It is easy and everyone can make their own version. Another good one is to bake cupcakes and have everyone decorate one. In general, there is just something fun about cooking together. It allows for some great memories, lots of laughs, and is also teaching a life skill. Make sure everyone helps clean the mess!

Play a Game Together

There are SO many games out there or you can make your own. It doesn’t have to be store bought. Sometimes simple games are the best. Think hot potato or musical chairs. But, if your children are old enough to play board games, there are some great ones to play. We have found that our kids love to play classic board games, like monopoly. Games also teach life lessons about competition and the proper way to handle winning or losing.

Go Somewhere Fun

This doesn’t mean you have to pay hundreds to go to a theme park. I mean that is an option but there are free things to do too. A great example is exploring local parks. You can have a family “bucket list” of places that you want to explore and mark them off as you do them. Exploring places together and then giving them a “grade” is a thing that kids will remember. We tell ours to give us a thumbs up or down, after each adventure. It helps us gauge what they like and if they want to go back.

Do an Activity or Craft Together

There are a ton of fun activities that you can do together as a family. Get creative! The benefits of using the right side of your brain are endless. Kindness rocks are a great activity that also teach a lesson. It is something that is simple and spreads joy. So, get your family together, paint rocks, and go spread them around the neighborhood. It is sure to create some smiles. If you need more ideas, hop over to Pinterest. You will find thousands of family activities there.

Finally, ENJOY! Enjoy the togetherness with your loved ones. Don’t let the hustle of bustle of life take away the important moments.

-Kristy M., Mommy to Many