Enjoy some Family fun with this list of parenting activities

---

Parenting involves a heck of a lot more than just managing behavior and providing essentials.  Parenting can also be educational, entertaining and…well, fun!  Parenting activities don’t have to be extravagant or expensive to be fun.  Parents can choose activities as simple as board games, puzzles, crafts, or even baking to engage in with their child.  Here's a list to get you started...

1. Board Game Night: Enjoy a fun-filled evening with board games for all ages, allowing for competition and laughter.
2. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt in your local park, combining adventure and teamwork.
3. Cooking Challenge: Have a family cooking contest where everyone prepares a dish, and a family member judges.
4. Family Movie Marathon: Pick a theme and enjoy a marathon of family-friendly movies that everyone can enjoy.
5. DIY Craft Day: Engage in creative arts and crafts projects suitable for all ages, from painting to building.
6. Go on a Nature Hike: Explore nearby trails and enjoy the beauty of nature together as a family.
7. Family Picnic: Pack a lunch and head to a park for a relaxing day outdoors with your child and teen.
8. Volunteer Together: Find a local charity and volunteer as a family, teaching kids the importance of giving back.
9. Game Console Tournament: Set up a friendly video game tournament for the whole family, with both school-aged and teen kids participating.
10. Karaoke Night: Sing your heart out with a fun family karaoke session, letting each family member showcase their talent.
11. Visit a Museum or Zoo: Spend a day learning and exploring at a local museum or zoo, an enjoyable family activity for all ages.
12. Family Sports Day: Have a mini Olympics in your backyard, with activities like sack races, three-legged races, and more.
13. Bike Ride Adventure: Go on a family bike ride around your neighborhood or local bike trail.
14. Camping in the Backyard: Set up tents, build a fire pit, and enjoy a night of family camping without leaving home.
15. Baking Day: Spend time together baking delicious treats and then enjoy the fruits of your labor.
16. Explore a Nearby Town: Plan a day trip to a neighboring town, visiting parks, attractions, and trying new foods.
17. Family Talent Show: Have a talent show where each child or teen gets to showcase their unique skill or hobby.
18. DIY Science Experiments: Conduct fun and educational science experiments at home, perfect for school-aged and teen children.
19. Go Bowling: Head to a local bowling alley for some friendly competition that everyone can join in on.
20. Photo Shoot Adventure: Organize a family photo shoot at a scenic location and create lasting memories with your child and teen.

These family activities are a great way to bond, create memories, and enjoy time together as a family. Whether with younger children or teens, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Along with the entertainment value provided by family activities, there are many other benefits, including…

1. Parenting activities promote closeness between parent and child (or family as a whole).
2. Family activities create lasting memories.
3. Activities allow parents to get to know their child(ren) in a fun, relaxed environment.
4. Parents can use activities to teach valuable life lessons.
5. Parenting activities are simply a great way to pass the time.

Time together with the family (or even 1:1) should be simple, low-key, and fun for each participant.  

There’s not much of a benefit when the activity results in stress, frustration, and/or hostility - so keep things positive to the extent that you can.

Parenting activities can be fun for the whole family – or as “one-on-one” activities.   These activities don’t need to break the bank to be enjoyable – there are plenty of options that can be done with little money (or no money at all).  

So, next time your child is complaining of "nothing to do" - or if you simply feel like spending some quality time with your child (or as a family) - then consider some of the suggestions listed above.  There's sure to be something for everyone!