"Taking time to enjoy activities as a family is important to the entire family's emotional health," says Katherine Nordal, executive director for professional practice at the American Psychological Association. Families can benefit from spending weekends together while enjoying a range of activities, from outdoor fun to quiet time indoors.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities give families the chance to enjoy nature, suck up some of the sun's healing rays and have a good time together in the process. Try having a family picnic in a park, go for a bike ride or take a camping trip to a nearby state park. Take a nature walk, and have the kids draw pictures of the different plants and flowers they encounter. Round the gang up and go to an amusement park or water park, play a round of miniature golf or play a little touch football in your backyard.
Indoor Activities
If you would rather stay indoors, try a trip to a museum or an aquarium. Call ahead to inquire about special rates for children or special activities. You can also plan a variety of family activities in your own home. Try arts and craft projects, or spend the weekend writing a play together. Make costumes and sets, write a script and perform your masterpiece at the end of the weekend.
The Importance of Exercise
Young children need plenty of activity and exercise to prevent obesity and other health problems, says Judy Young, Ph.D., vice president for programs at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. "You can't sit still and develop well." Children need small bursts of physical activity spread throughout the day. Outdoor activities such as family hikes, trips to the park, swimming or backyard games offer an enjoyable way for families to stay fit and healthy together.
Quiet Family Time
"A lot of parents are spending their time racing around, dropping kids off at various activities. That's not quality time; that's being a taxi," says Dr. Scott Haltzman, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School and author of the book, "The Secrets of Happy Families." Instead of scheduling tons of activities for your family, try spending a weekend at home enjoying each other's company. Play board games, or make popcorn and watch a family movie. Don't forget the importance of eating dinner together, says Haltzman. Spend a Saturday night preparing a healthy meal together.
Grab Bag Ideas
Let luck decide how you'll spend your weekend together. Have every member of the family write down some weekend activity ideas on pieces of paper, and put them into a jar or bag. The next time you're stumped for something to do, reach in and pull out a piece of paper.
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