For close to two decades, families have seemingly been drifting apart. With mom and dad both working or separated, the kids are left to their own accord. That has led to an entire generation of kids who are quite proficient with playing video games and surfing the Internet.
At a time when the world feels a little off-kilter, it might be time to bring families back together. It wasn’t that long ago that weekends were reserved for the family to come together and participate in fun activities.
We are talking about activities that were designed for the whole family, unlike mom/dad searching for Brango Casino bonus codes so they could gamble online. No. We are referring to activities that prompted family members to interact with smiles on their faces.
It’s been a while and maybe a lot of the fun activities from yesteryear are harder to find. However, they were and are fun and worthy of consideration by families big and small.
Here are a few of the activities you and your family should put on the family’s weekend bucket list. Sure, some of them might be a little pricey and or require a little travel, but time with the family makes it worth it.
1. Going to the Zoo
In the song “At the Zoo,” Simon and Garfunkel described the crazy fun one could have at the zoo. With zoo admissions significantly lower than they were 30 years ago, the animals have been getting lonely.
Going to the zoo is still fun. For added value, most major zoos have both displays and attractions that make for an exciting day. If you live in a large city, there should be a decent zoo nearby. If you live in a rural area, it’s worth the drive.
2. Playing Minature Golf
If you and the family haven’t played miniature golf in the last few years, you’ll be amazed at what has transpired. Technology has allowed miniature golf course designers to go space-age. They actually have indoor miniature golf courses that are lit up in neon lights and include obstacles that make for a wild and crazy time.
3. Bowling
Yes, bowling centers are still operating all over the country. As a participation sport, it has gotten a little pricey, but it’s a physical activity that’s suitable for both kids and adults.
If you have little kids, you can request bumper bowling, which assures every ball will reach the pins. The smile on a small child’s face the first time they knock down a pin is priceless.
4. Water Parks
Contrary to popular belief, water parks have been around for several decades. The only thing that has changed is the thrill factor. Indeed, water parks like to compete for business with some of the craziest water slides your mind could ever imagine.
The better water parks have plenty of “rides” and “attractions” for every age level, including the little ones. You can take a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
5. Picnics
Not every family outing has to cost a fortune. The most under-used real estate in America is parks. It seems that families have forgotten how relaxing it can be to visit a nice park while dad fires up the grill. For the kids, most parks have safe playground equipment.
For teenagers and adults, there should be plenty of room to play softball or throw a frisbee. It’s lots of fun for the cost of a meal you were going to pay for anyway.
6. Museums
While families have been drifting apart, everyone seems to have misguided views of their history and heritage.
It’s understandable that going to a museum might not be as exciting as an amusement park ride, but there are plenty of strange and funny things that have been preserved from our past. A family that learns together stays together.
7. Drive-in Movies
This is a long shot, but some cities still have drive-in theaters. If you want to get hit with a wave of nostalgia, find the closest drive-in theater in your area, pack up the kids, and make the trek. Reminder, don’t take your own snacks.
There is something about visiting the drive-in’s food stand that makes the night complete. Also, don’t forget your mosquito coil.
8. Camping
If you have a few days to spare, spend them with the family in the great outdoors. You don’t need all the modern conveniences of an R.V. All you need is a nice big tent, sleeping bags, cooking accessories, the family, and the perfect camping location. The mountains and river banks will do.
Conclusion: The truth is that where you go matters a lot less than finding time to spend with the family. There’s a good chance everyone in the family needs some time to reconnect.
