School is letting out and summer is upon us. You’ve probably already got a lot of events lined up to keep the kids busy. But if you’re looking for a few extra ideas to bring everyone together, get inspired by these 5 great family activity ideas that are perfect for this time of year…

  1. Family Picnic
    There is no better way to celebrate a holiday like Father’s Day or even just a sunny weekend, than taking the whole family to the park to enjoy a picnic. Change up the traditional stay at home meal and break bread with your family outdoors with the whisper of a breeze on your skin, the sun on your face and the sound of giggly children in the air.   If you need some assistance in the planning a picnic department, WikiHow has you covered with 8 simple steps on how to plan a picnic. You can bond with your family while appreciating nature all at the same time, a snapshot of a memory your family will definitely remember for years to come.
    family-picnic
  1. Catch a Movie
    If your family is filled with a bunch a movie enthusiasts, spending a day at the theater is always a good way to go. Movies offer an exciting new topic to talk about during dinner and are always an enjoyable experience, even if you all have to be quiet. Ssshhh! Going out to a movie, can be serious, silly, educational or fun. With all the great movies being launched currently, be sure to check your local theater like AMC to get the schedule and see what cool movie is playing.
  1. Take a Family Portrait
    Nothing will capture the moment of a special day with your family like a great portrait. Not only is it a great experience with your family, it is one that is captured and enjoyed for years to come. Places like Picture People are great for scheduling a session for your whole family. With locations nationwide and great specials, you’ll be creating a long lasting memory without breaking the bank. Not to mention a portrait is the perfect memento or gift for Father’s Day and to grandparents and other family members.
  1. Have a Gardening Party
    If you have parents who have green thumbs, there is no better way to spend their day than to do something they love. With the weather finally being agreeable, it is a great time to get a little dirty outside and plant some flowers. Better Homes and Gardens has a great tutorial on how to setup a fun filled day gardening with the family, so if you are not too knowledgeable on gardening, it’s a good place to go for help.
  1. Have a Game Night
    After dinner, playing a few board games is a guaranteed fun activity for everyone. Whether you are super competitive or just enjoying each other’s company, the perfect game to bridge generations can make the experience all the more enjoyable. Real Simple has a great list of games that are family oriented and are sure to be a hit.

In this day and age, time is scarce so it’s tough to be able to hang out with your family on a consistent basis. Chances are you have transplanted to another town or state. Celebrating holidays or just the warmer weather and participating in activities together is a great way to reconnect no matter how far the distance.

 Do you have plans for the summer?