Family Fun: 5 Ideas to Spend Time Together with Kids

Spending time with family is one of life’s simple joys, especially when you’ve got children in the mix. It’s about making memories, sharing laughs, and finding ways to connect in a world full of distractions. Here are five ideas for fun family activities that bring everyone together.

1. Create a Family Album

What better way to connect with your roots and share family history than by creating a family album? Take out those old photos that are kept in boxes or stored in your phone. Sit down with your kids and start sorting them out. Talk about each picture—who’s in it, where it was taken, and why it’s special. It’s like time travel, but way more personal.

Some of the older photos might need a little love. Here is where the little sorcery happens. Make that glory pop once more by removing blemishes or bringing back colors on those black-and-white ones with PhotoGlory. This is a powerful photo restoration software that works wonders with literally a couple of clicks for your old pictures to finally appear like new again.

Allow the kids to have the layout of the pictures once these are ready. Have them write captions, make different page designs, or just attach various stickers on these pages. You’ll get a keepsake full of memories and tales for over generations.

2. Plan a DIY Movie Night

Movies at home just hit differently when you add a little creativity. Drag out all the blankets and pillows you can find, and let the kids help build the coziest fort ever. Choose a movie everyone loves (or negotiate—you know how family decisions go).

To make it even more fun, whip up some popcorn. Add toppings like melted chocolate or cheese powder for extra flair. You can even print out fake tickets or create a “concession stand” with drinks and snacks for the full theater experience.

To make it interactive, create bingo cards with common movie tropes or funny moments. For example, if someone says, “I didn’t see that coming!” in the movie, everyone can check their card. The winner gets an extra snack!

3. Create a Family Talent Show

This one’s all about letting loose and being silly together. Have everyone pick a talent to showcase—singing, dancing, magic tricks, or even telling jokes. Adults can join in with their own “hidden talents,” like juggling, playing an instrument, or just a funny skit.

Set up a mini stage with a blanket or curtain, and let the kids decorate the space with handmade signs or drawings. Encourage costumes, props, or anything else to make it fun. You can record the performances on your phone for a laugh later or just enjoy the moment.

Make it less about judging and more about cheering each other on. It’s a guaranteed way to fill the house with laughter and make everyone feel like a star.

4. Have a Family Bake-Off

Cooking as a family can be chaotic, but that’s where the fun lies! A family bake-off is a fun way to spend time together and enjoy a tasty reward at the end. Pick everyone’s favorite dish or find a new recipe to try.

Split into teams where everyone has a role (chopping, mixing, or simply being the taste tester), or let everyone choose their recipe to turn it into a cooking show. If you have little ones, keep it simple—decorating cupcakes or making shaped cookies is always a hit. Adults can step in for the tricky parts, like using the oven or handling sharp knives.

Set the table together, perhaps with some handmade decorations like name cards or paper flowers. When it’s all done, sit down and enjoy your creations together. You can even set a timer and see who finishes first or who gets the best “oohs and ahhs” when it’s time to taste. You could even vote for fun awards like “Most Colorful” or “Best Use of Chocolate.” Just remember, it’s all about having fun—not perfection.

5. Build an Obstacle Course

Got a competitive streak in your family? Turn your home or yard into an epic obstacle course. Use furniture, toys, and whatever else you have around to create different challenges. Crawl under tables, hop over pillows, or balance on a makeshift beam (a plank of wood or tape line works great).

For an extra twist, time everyone and see who can complete the course the fastest. Add silly challenges like walking backward or balancing a small object on your head.

This is a great way to burn off energy and get everyone moving. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—just rearrange and make new rules for the next round.

Family Time Is the Best Time

No matter which activity you choose, the most important thing is spending time together and creating memories. Whether you’re flipping through old photos with the help of tools like PhotoGlory, making a mess in the kitchen, or running around an obstacle course, these moments are what kids will remember most.

So go ahead, try one (or all!) of these ideas. And don’t forget to take photos while you’re at it—future you will appreciate having those memories captured for the next family album.