Top Five Weekend Activities for Kids

Welcome back to our Top 5 Series. This month’s post will continue with the new subseries we began last month ‘Top 5 Home Learning Series’. Last month, our blog post was titled ‘Top Five Tips for Traveling with Children’. Previously, we covered a variety of topics within our ‘Top 5 Parenting Series’. The posts in that subseries include ‘Top 5 Rainy Day Ideas for Parents’, ‘Top 5 Tips for Creating Better Sleep for Your Child’, ‘Top 5 Tips for Raising Independent Children’, ‘Top 5 Tips for Improving Picky Eating’, ‘Top 5 Tips for Building Family Bonds’, and “Top 5 Tips for Balancing Technology in Your Home”.

Are you tired of hearing your kids say, "I'm bored" every weekend? Or maybe you are tired of coming up with ideas to entertain them before they scream of boredom. Either way- look no further! In this article, we will explore our top five weekend activities for kids that will keep them entertained and create lasting memories. From exciting outdoor adventures to creative indoor activities, we have something for every child. Get ready to make the most of your weekends with these fun and engaging activities that your kids will absolutely love! 

Activity 1: Game Night

Family game nights are a simple and affordable way to keep the whole family entertained for hours.

Having a family game night is not only a fun and entertaining activity, but it also promotes bonding and strengthens relationships. It provides an opportunity for family members to come together, interact, and engage in friendly competition. Game nights can be tailored to suit the interests and preferences of everyone in the family ensuring that everyone feels included and involved. From classic board games to interactive video games, there are countless options to choose from, making it easy to find something that appeals to every member of the family. 

If you’ve read any of our previous posts, you know I am a huge advocate of family game nights. My family loves board games and card games, but there are plenty of other options to entertain families. Want to turn it up a notch? Consider inviting another family over to join in the fun! Children learn many different skills from family game night, and it is an easy and affordable way to way to keep everyone entertained. 

Activity 2: Take a Hike (or Neighborhood Walk)

A family hike or neighborhood walk is not only a fun weekend activity but also has many health benefits for kids and adults.

If you're looking for a refreshing outdoor activity, consider taking your family on a hike or a walk around the neighborhood. Spending time in nature not only provides physical exercise but also allows for relaxation and rejuvenation. Exploring the trails or streets together gives you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings and enjoy each other's company. Whether you choose a nearby park or a scenic trail, a family hike or walk is a great way to connect with nature and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Adults and children greatly benefit from being outside. An article on Healthline’s website lists 8 benefits to being outside. Their tops three benefits include Better Breathing, Improved Sleep, and Reduce Depression Symptoms. Other notable benefits include Boosted Immune Function and Improved Emotional Well-Being. ¹ So in addition to being a fun family weekend activity, there are many health benefits that it provides for you and your family.

Activity 3: Have a Picnic

Picnics are an affordable way for the family to go out to eat while also providing a comfortable space for families with little ones.

Having a family picnic is another wonderful way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. Whether you choose to have it in your backyard, at a nearby park, or even at the beach, a picnic allows everyone to relax and enjoy delicious food in a beautiful outdoor setting. It provides an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the meal preparation, fostering a sense of teamwork and cooperation. Additionally, a picnic encourages conversation and connection as you sit together, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying the fresh air and surroundings. 

Picnics are a fun, easy, and cheap way to spend a meal together out as a family. Eating out can get very pricy these days and when you have small children, it can be a bit unnerving not knowing how your little one is going to behave in a restaurant. A picnic can be an affordable option that allows your little one the chance to get up and move around mid-meal. 

Activity 4: Visit a Park

Parks are a fun space for families to create memories.

Visiting a park as a family on the weekend is a delightful way to spend quality time together. The park offers a variety of activities and attractions that cater to different interests and ages. Children can enjoy playing on the swings, slides, and climbing structures, while parents can relax on the benches and soak in the natural beauty.

Children love parks! Even as my girls are 6 and 9 now, they still love parks. They love climbing, running, and being as loud as they want to be. If we have plans to go to the park on the weekend, we try to go early before the crowds or later afternoon after the crowds. And as an added bonus, children tend to exhaust themselves at the park making bedtime a little easier that evening!

Activity 5: Go on a Scavenger Hunt

There endless options for scavengar hunts all around you. Check out the internet for a variety of free scavengar hunt templates.

A fantastic way to elevate your family bonding experience is by going on a family scavenger hunt on the weekend. This engaging and interactive activity allows everyone to work together as a team in solving clues, searching for hidden treasures, and navigating through various challenges. As you embark on this adventure, you'll not only have fun, but you'll also sharpen your problem-solving skills, enhance your communication and collaboration abilities, and strengthen your relationships. Whether you choose to organize the scavenger hunt in your own backyard, a local park, or even in a new city you're visiting, it guarantees hours of excitement, laughter, and shared memories.

One of my girls’ favorite purchases this last summer was a scavenger hunt card set. The set includes a variety of cards with different colors, textures, and items to find. One of the best things about these cards is that they can be used anywhere and everywhere and it completely changes the game. As their surroundings change, the game changes. Don’t worry if you don’t have any of these card sets, though. There are many different scavenger hunt templates readily available online, so you don’t have to come up with the ideas yourself.

That wraps up our top 5 activities weekend activities list for kids. Are there any of your favorites that we missed? We’d love to hear them!

 Resources:

1. Swaim, Emily. “8 Health Benefits of Getting Back to Nature and Spending Time Outside.” Healthline, 28 May 2022, www.healthline.com/health/health-benefits-of-being-outdoors.