Back-to-school rings a little differently for parents of teens and college students. Years of practice has made the season more routine however you may be pausing to understand where your little children went? As time has flown, and your kids have grown, your family calendar is now packed with summer camps, sleepovers, and college prep that has a way of stealing your quality time together. As your independent kids now live fully in the future focused on the life they would like to build, they may not value the quality family time you all once enjoyed.
Quality family time not only strengthens bonds but also fosters a sense of belonging and support especially in these crucial pre-adult years when your kids are finding their own identity and path. To make the most of the remaining days of summer, here's 10 core-memory-making activities perfect for older families to do before everyone heads back to school.
Head to a nearby theme park for a day filled with adrenaline-pumping rides and laughter. Rather than individually being glued to your phones in long lines, play Heads Up. It both passes the time, ensures laughter, and keeps you present with each other. It's a great place for everyone to embrace their inner child for an unforgettable day of family fun.
Get active as a family with some friendly competition and healthy exercise and sunshine. Organize a friendly family sports tournament at a local park or in the backyard. Mix up traditional games like volleyball or pickel ball with kookier fun games like three legged and potato sack races. Sports bring out the competitive spirit and foster teamwork, all while creating cherished memories. Don't forget to have fun with the trophy too! Anyone else cherish the Geller Cup?
Unleash your creativity and let your teenagers and kids shine in front of the camera. Collaborate on scripting, acting, and filming a movie as a family, complete with special effects and bloopers. These days our phones are excellent video cameras and editors. Cut it all together then watch it all as a family over laughter and popcorn.
Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt that combines outdoor exploration with modern technology. Use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers and treasures. It's a fantastic activity that blends technology and adventure for all ages. Learn more here.
Fill a fish bowl with things you would find in a park (enough for 10 per person). Then take the whole family to your local park and have each member pick 10 papers out of the bowl. Armed with your smartphones, embark on a nature photography walk and try to artfully capture each of the items on your list. Back at home that evening, have a gallery presentation of each of your photographs over dessert and vote on the best photo and the overall winner.
Encourage teenagers and kids to join in the kitchen and start learning how to make their own meals. A la the Great British Bake Off, equip the kitchen with enough ingredients for everyone to use on a variety of meals. Have a family cook-off, with each member showcasing their culinary talents. Parents can act as judges, and everyone gets to savor the delicious results.
Revamp the classic family game night by incorporating a mix of board games, video games, and trivia challenges. Engage in friendly competition and enjoy the camaraderie of a lively game night.
Peruse Pinterest for fun DIY ideas for decorating teen and dorm rooms. Set up a crafting station with various art supplies and let imaginations run wild. From painting and sculpting to DIY crafts and scrapbooking, this creative adventure will leave everyone with a unique keepsake.
Host a family talent show where each member can showcase their talents, be it singing, dancing, magic tricks, or comedy routines. It's a great way to celebrate individuality and foster self-confidence.
Start a family gardening project, whether it's planting a vegetable patch, creating a floral oasis, or cultivating a mini herb garden. Research together what you can plant in this season, plan your vision for the garden now and as it grows, then head to Lowe's. Working together to nurture and watch the plants grow fosters teamwork and an appreciation for nature and healthy fresh food.
There are countless possibilities for how you can foster core memories as a family in these last summer days before the kids go back-to-school and life gets crazy again. Teenage years don't have to be dreaded, and college doesn't have to be the only focus. We make time for what matters most to us. So make a plan, put it on the calendar and get going. Embrace this special time, create cherished memories, and strengthen family connections that will endure for a lifetime.
