The start of the school year may be only a month away, but there’s still time to enjoy summer with your kids. August is Family Fun Month, a perfect opportunity to bond with your children. Think back to your favorite memories from childhood, especially games, outings, or hobbies you could share with your children. Build on those traditions and check out this list of free and fun activities we’ve pulled together.
- Visit the public library. Find out when they offer story time, puppet shows, or movies for kids, or just go to pick out new books. Make a list of things you could learn about together. Libraries often also offer free tickets to local museums and special events.
- Have family story time. Tell stories from your childhood, and invite your kids to tell stories—real or fictional. You can share yourself with them, and learn something new about them at the same time.
- Invent a new holiday. Start a family tradition! Name a holiday after your family, or a favorite food, or a color, and brainstorm themed activities—the sillier the better.
- Build a fort. Decorate a cardboard box ‘house,’ or use blankets, pillows, and chairs to create a castle. Have family story time inside, or pull out those books from the local library.
- Make instruments with paper towel tubes, rice, tape, and rubber bands. You can shake out a rhythm to your favorite songs. Make sure moms and dads get to pick the track sometimes—it’s a great chance to introduce kids to songs you loved as a child, or songs you love now!
- Take five. Make rest a family tradition, too—trade babysitting with a friend so you have time to recharge, or share one-on-one time with each kid. You’re a better parent when you take care of yourself.
Share this list with friends and family, and support each other in building family bonds. Read more ideas here, search the #familyfunmonth hashtag, and look for free museums, concerts, and activities in your city. Parks and libraries are great places to start!
Amanda says
Visiting the public library or local places like the town park are great ways to spend time with the family on Family Fun Month (or anytime, really). Sometimes, the easiest and simplest solutions bring out the best results!
Alyssa Grinberg says
Agreed! Also, check out this recent blog post about libraries around the Boston area.
http://boston.citymomsblog.com/motherhood/unexpected-boston-library-perks/?utm_source=Boston+Moms+Blog+Subscribers&utm_campaign=ab371535e1-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_648cefe71b-ab371535e1-157564145&mc_cid=ab371535e1&mc_eid=dff11cf3a1