Research has proven that play is an important part of child development, because as they engage and interact with the world around them in play, children use their creativity to develop their imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength.1 Not only that, but regular play – especially outdoors – helps develop strong and healthy little bodies.
It can be easy to look at your schedule and feel that you don’t have enough hours in the day as it is, but the value of spending some time in play is worth carving out a few minutes every day to simply laugh, relax and enjoy each other.
Consider incorporating some fun family activities like these into every day this month – and every month:
- Make a movie. Come up with a story idea, write an outline for a script (adlibbing is more fun, so don’t worry about writing and memorizing lines), pull together costumes and props from items around your home, then use your smartphone to record the video, and apps to edit and add effects and music. Your teen or tween will know exactly what to do!
- Break out the board games. Sure, it’s an obvious option, but it’s also a simple one that requires very little preparation. Up the fun quotient by getting small prizes for winning players or teams. Mini chocolate bars or dollar store finds make great rewards for the victors.
- Camp indoors. How is this playing? Well, you have to use your imagination to create the outside when you’re inside. Maybe your tent is a blanket fort, the stars in the sky are fairy lights strung along the walls and your bonfire is a collection of flashlights in a pile. Your children will never forget the time you all camped out on the living room floor together.
- Go outside and play. Outdoor play is great way for everyone to get in a little physical activity and blow off some pent-up energy. Visit Family Fun Twin Cities for a list of 60 outdoor games (rules included!) that you and your kids can enjoy together in your own backyard.
- Make a backyard obstacle course. Using materials found around the house and in your garage, create a fun backyard obstacle course! Use hula hoops to jump in (and with), skipping ropes laid on the ground for tightropes, and cardboard boxes to crawl through – the options are endless and can be customized for children of all ages, and for adults too! Check out this video for some great obstacle course ideas.
- Host a tea party. Although traditionally an activity people associate with little girls, a tea party can be just as much fun for boys – especially if they help you make real food and iced tea that everyone can enjoy! Check out The Spruce for some delicious, kid-approved tea sandwich ideas.
- Host a neighborhood scavenger hunt. This activity can be customized for children of all ages. Just give each age group an age-appropriate list of things to find, and off they go! You could even enlist friends and neighbors and make it a community event. Visit She Knows for great tips and ideas for hosting a successful family scavenger hunt.
At Foresters Financial™, we understand that setting aside time for fun is a big part of family well-being. That’s why each year Foresters and our members organize hundreds of complimentary volunteer and fun family events that help families like yours spend more quality time together.
Our community events support our national charitable partners like KaBOOM! and Ronald McDonald House Charities® as well as hundreds of local charities and community organizations chosen by our members.
Our fun family events are an amazing opportunity for you and your family to reconnect and little to no cost. A day at a sporting event, theme park, zoo, movie theatre or museum – there’s an event no matter what you’re interested in!
Visit MyForesters.com to find out more about how we can help you and your family play!
Have fun!
SOURCES
1 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/182
416407A CAN/US (08/18)
