The global spread of COVID-19 has reshaped our day to day lives in more ways than we could have imagined. For those of us who are self-isolating with family — biological or chosen — we find ourselves being surrounded with family more than we ever have before. And what better time than now to work towards growing our family relationships! Don’t know where to start? We have compiled a list of 10 simple, and better yet, free, family activities to help get you started!
Question of the day
Choose a question or two for everyone to answer every day. Questions for this family can be as simple and silly as, “If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be and why?” to as deep and personal as “What does ‘family’ mean to you?” No matter the questions you choose to ask, take this time to listen, share, and hopefully, learn more about one another.
Explore old family pictures
Take a trip down memory lane; Photographs can serve as a powerful tool to help us connect us with the past. With everyone together, now’s the perfect time to dig up those old photo albums and spend time reminiscing over old memories, and if you have time, try recreating some of the photos!
Write thank you notes to local doctors and nurses
A simple thank you can go a long way in making someone’s day! There are many benefits to incorporating gratitude into our day to day lives and what better time now than to show appreciation for the medical professions in our community who are working extremely hard everyday fighting this pandemic.
Family trivia night
Let’s see how well each member of your family knows one another with a family trivia night! Have each family member write down questions about themselves for everyone to answer and let’s see who knows who the best!
Cooking Contest
Channel your inner Gordan Ramsey and show off your competitive side with some good old family competition! From healthy dishes to kid-friendly dishes, you can get really creative with this! May the odds be ever in your favor.
Family time capsule
Time capsules help preserve objects, moments, and memories that are most important to us, and give us something to forward to in the future. Collect your favorite items, write your future self a letter, and put it all in a container for your family to go open again in 10, 20, or even 30 years from now.
Themed Family Dinners
As the popular saying goes, “nothing brings people together like good food.” There are many health benefits to home-cooked meals, so set a date, pick a theme, and get cooking! From taco night to Hawaiian luau to backyard campfire dinner, the world is your oyster! And if you’re feeling extra creative, you can even dress up!
Recycled Crafts
Go green by taking your recyclables and upcycling them into eco-friendly crafts! Just from plastic items alone, you can reuse and remake a multitude of craft projects. From useful home appliances to adorable room decor, the possibilities are literally limitless!
Outdoor picnic
Summer is here, and if you enjoy the outdoors, now’s the perfect time to pack all your favorite foods and find a nice spot outside for one of the best family activities, a wholesome family picnic! Take this time to bathe in the warmth of the sun, breathe in the fresh summer air, and reap all the health benefits that family picnics have to offer!
Express gratitude for one another
Lastly, don’t forget to take as little as a second every day to express your gratitude towards your loved ones! Studies have shown that just a simple sharing of gratitudes like, for example, before dinner every day, can go a long way in improving your psychological, social, and physical health. Take this opportunity to engrain gratitude within your life and use it to cultivate your relationship with your family.
Do you have any family activities you’re using during quarantine? Let us know in the comments!
