On a typical Monday morning, I bumped into John, a fellow colleague, in the office cafeteria. Amidst brewing coffee and my hunt for tea, John remarked, “Just five more days!” Looking at my bemused expression, he explained he was counting down to the weekend – an event we all eagerly anticipate throughout the workweek. But quite often, we find ourselves approaching the weekend without any set plans.
There’s no shortage of things to do or people to do them with. With a bit of planning, you can allot quality time to spend with family and friends. I’ve curated a list of 51 family-friendly entertainment ideas which could also work well with friends.
Most people desire to do “something fun” over the weekend. I used to wonder what this “something” was. Nowadays, my idea of a fun weekend is spent behind the computer screen, blogging to my heart’s content – much to my partner’s chagrin.
As for how many activities from the forthcoming list we personally engage in, I’d have to genuinely ponder. The list was created from my inspirations and thoughts, not necessarily from experience. Still, have a look and see if you find something intriguing.
There’s a multitude of entertaining activities you can indulge in with your loved ones. Keep reading for some amazing family-bonding ideas.
Regardless of budget, there are plenty of cost-efficient family getaways available. Steer clear of overly expensive travel packages that could exhaust your entire budget. It’s about quality family time more than the destination itself.
Here are 51 weekend ideas that are a blend of fun, entertainment, and affordable:
1. Take a family bike ride. Just ensure everyone understands bicycle safety and then enjoy the ride. It’s an excellent outdoor activity and aids in developing good habits.
2. Buy a kite or a remote control airplane for an innovative and fun-filled activity. Families typically enjoy it.
3. Engage in a lively game of Frisbee or catch. If you don’t have a Frisbee, a simple plastic disc could serve as a substitute.
4. Plan a local tour to a historic establishment, perhaps a radio station or an old newspaper outlet. It’s a great way to learn about local culture.
5. Consider rollerblading. With proper gear, it can be a safe and exciting sport.
6. Visit a nearby museum. Many museums offer promotions and discounts weekly, giving you cost-effective cultural exposure.
7. Plan a trip to your state capital. It can be both fun and enlightening.
8. Family outings to the zoo can be pleasurable and easily affordable with the right pass.
9. Visit the airport, and watch massive planes taking off and landing.
10. Go for a stroll at the closest shopping mall and enjoy the decorations and activities they provide.
11. Attend local sports games, school events, or church. This can be highly enjoyable if you are a sports enthusiast.
12. Consider gardening and teach your kids responsibility while saving money on fresh produce.
13. Plan a city bus tour. They are entertaining and cheapest means of having a family outing.
14. Create and play home games. They can be a great way to bond with your family.
15. Invite your family over for popcorn or a homemade dinner. This gives you a chance to learn hospitality and patience.
16. Exercise together with your loved ones – run, jog, walk or cycle.
17. Plan a surprise of a long walk with a special something arranged at the end.
18. Organize a nature hike. It’s a healthy and entertaining family outing.
19. Plan a picnic at your nearest playground. For an additional treat, cook or barbecue together.
20. Organize a fun indoor picnic with paper plates, cups, and utensils. Further enhance the atmosphere with blankets, especially during winter.
21. Go on a trip to your nearby mountains but remember to stick to your budget due to high gas costs.
22. Plan a fishing trip. These can be exciting, entertaining, and a great way to enjoy delicious food you caught yourself.
23. During snowy seasons, build snowmen, forts, or angels, or engage in a snowball fight.
24. Visit your local library. They often host activities like craft activities, storytime, or films.
25. Organize a reading picnic in your garden under the shade of a tree. Follow it up with a game of hide-and-seek.
26. Buy a puzzle or a word puzzle game. They are fun and beneficial for cognitive development.
27. Watch old family videos together and share your memories.
28. Prepare homemade ice-cream by using healthy and fresh ingredients of your choice.
29. Engage in arts and crafts activities, like organizing a puppet show or acting out a short play.
30. Take advantage of a hot day to wash the car together. Also, enjoy a water balloon fight or use a squirt gun.
31. Plan a weekend camping trip but make sure to grab all the necessary tools and protective gear.
32. Set up indoor tents using blankets draped over chairs and tables.
33. Visit your local planetarium to gain knowledge about constellations and the universe.
34. Clean your garage, attic, and basement and consider organizing a garage sale.
35. Sing along your favorite songs. If anyone plays an instrument, it’s an added bonus.
36. Write letters to relatives and read them out during a candlelight family dinner.
37. Prepare a homemade pizza together. It can be a fun cooking exercise.
38. Go through old family albums and reminisce over old times.
39. Draw a family mural or start a family journal. It’s a great family bonding exercise.
40. Bake cookies in various flavors. Gifting some to neighbors can be a great learning experience for kids about sharing.
41. Visit elderly relatives or those in nursing homes. It would be a great way to teach compassion to your kids and a great help to those in need.
42. Encourage kids to prepare special meals for sick or needy families.
43. Organize a neighborhood cleanup. It’s a great community service project.
44. Visit a Farmers Market over the weekend to buy affordable, organic, and locally grown food.
45. Pick fresh strawberries and blueberries to bake a pie. It’s a great family cooking exercise and a tasty treat.
46. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. It’s a rewarding activity and a great lesson in empathy for kids.
47. Plan a beach weekend. It’s a great way to unwind and relax.
48. Organize a movie marathon at home in a specific genre, and invite friends over.
49. Rearrange your house furniture. It’s fun and leaves your house feeling refreshed.
50. Write a family bucket list and pick one item to do together.
51. Spend a day trimming hedges and grass in the yard or checking on your plants. It’s a productive and educational activity for kids.