Inside this post we share 24 simple and do-able family bonding activities that you can do all year long! We also include a free printable calendar!
What are some fun and inexpensive family bonding activities?
If you're looking for a little structure this year, I've created a Year of Family Bonding Plan that includes 24 simple and do-able monthly activities for families.
Each month features two fun and inexpensive ideas to try as a family!
This is not meant to be complicated or hard.
This is not meant to make you feel stressed out.
This Year of Family Bonding Activities plan is here to help you, if you need it!
RELATED: Need even more structure for your family? Check out our Year of Play Toddler Curriculum.
What is family bonding?
Family bonding is taking time to connect with your family members to strengthen and improve your relationship.
It's an intentional experience.
As a mom of four, I know how it feels to want to connect with my kids in fun ways, but lack the energy or time to pull it together.
I also know that kids grow fast.
Now, as a mom of teens, I can see how my years of spending time creating simple family traditions and a strong family culture have actually made my job as a teen parent easier.
I created a strong relationship with my kids through predictable and fun traditions and family bonding activities we started when my kids were toddlers and preschoolers. More of them are shared in our Year of Play Ebook.
During family bonding activities the goal is to be present and build relationships in positive ways.
Ask questions, be interested, and enjoy time together.
Why are family bonding activities important?
Family bonding time and family traditions can give kids:
- An identity larger than themselves
- Feeling of safety & belonging
- Something to look forward to
- Strong family connections
Researchers at the University of Cambridge studied data on 10,000 people in the United Kingdom and found that those who were closer to their parents at age three were more likely to be "pro-social" and demonstrate "kindness, empathy, and generosity, by adolescence."
When kids feel like they belong to something, they feel more confident and secure. Start NOW, if you haven't already, to build a strong family culture that you love through simple and intentional family bonding activities.
This year I'd like to invite you to join me for a Year of Family Fun. The goal is to do at least ONE family bonding activity per month.
You can do it!
Ages for the Year of Fun activities
These activities were designed for toddler families and older! I have tweens and teens and we do many of these regularly.
The activities are flexible and can be adapted and changed to fit your family.
Work together with your family and use our ideas as a foundation. Then feel free to use the blank printables to make them work for you and your kid's interests and ideas.
What kind of activities are included?
The plan includes 24 simple activities. Here are some of the types of activities that are included:
- Movement activities
- Outdoor activities
- Cooking activities
- Games
- Art & science activities
- Holiday activities
RELATED: Need a full year activity plan for your toddler or preschooler? Check out our Year of Play Ebook.
Download the files for free
It's super east to grab these plans! Just click on the big pink button below to get them. I hope you have a fun year with them!
Do you have favorite family activities that you already do regularly? Tell me about them in the comments! We are always looking for new ideas to try!
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