There are a lot of things about everyday life that your kids won’t remember when they become adults. That’s why going on vacation and doing other exciting things outside the home is popular with many families. It’s a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Unfortunately, leaving the house isn’t always an option. Social gatherings are restricted in the age of coronavirus. You may not even be able to go out to eat! However, it doesn’t take a pandemic to make your family stay at home. Even a rainy day can put a damper on your plans.
No matter why you’re stuck at home, you aren’t stuck nagging each other and doing solitary activities in separate rooms. Here are seven ways you can make memories with your family without leaving your house.
Host a Family Movie Night
Watching a movie can be a fun way to make memories, as long as you’re thinking about how you host your movie night. Popping the same movie in the DVD player at the last minute won’t result in lasting memories.
Instead, really play up your movie night. Make popcorn, hand out big boxes of candy, and let the kids drink soda. Pile pillows on the floor and cover the windows with blankets.
It can be a lot of fun to let the adults pick the movie. There are a lot of fun classic movies that mom and dad remember from their childhood that will undoubtedly result in unforgettable family memories when viewed with a younger generation.
Host a Family Game Night
A family game night is another fun way to make memories! There’s nothing wrong with pulling out a few tried-and-true games from the cabinet, but you can make your game night something to look forward to by introducing new games every once in a while.
A few new board games to consider include:
- Dance Charades
- Pictionary Air
- Exploding Kittens
- Throw Throw Burrito
- Kids Against Maturity
- UNO Attack
Make Playing Outside More Exciting
Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck inside. You just can’t expect to make memories doing the same old things in the backyard that you always do. Instead, get creative and look for ways to make playing outside more exciting.
Setting up the backyard for child-friendly Olympic games can be a lot of fun, as can bringing out all the pools and backyard games you have at the same time to create a carnival atmosphere.
Is it raining? Don’t be afraid to put on your swimsuits and get a little wet!
Get in the Kitchen
A lot of memories are made in the kitchen during the holiday season, but why wait until Christmas to make wonderful memories around food? Get in the kitchen when you’re stuck at home!
Get out a new recipe and give it a try with the kids. Plan a fancy dinner and let the kids help make a few of the courses. Or maybe you’ve got an old family recipe you haven’t tried. No matter what you decide to do in the kitchen, if you make it fun and interesting, the kids will never forget it.
If you really want to make memories that will last, make the dining experience exciting too. Set the table with your nice china and fancy napkins. Light candles and play some music to set the mood as you let the kids bring their creations to the table.
Camp Out in the Same Room Together
There’s just something about camping that appeals to kids. Unfortunately, traditional camping isn’t always an option, but that doesn’t mean you have to pack your tent away. Your kids will never forget it if you set up that tent and let everyone camp indoors.
If you really want to make things special, camp out with your kids! Other ideas that will make your indoor camping experience more exciting include:
- Make s’mores on the stove or in the microwave
- Let the kids stay up late and play with flashlights and lanterns
- Sleep with your normal camping gear, like inflatable beds and sleeping bags
- Eat dinner on the floor picnic style
Host a Fashion Show
Being stuck inside is the perfect excuse to host a fashion show! If you have little girls that are into traditional fashion, let them dress up in jewellery and dresses, but don’t think you have to leave out the boys. The fashion show you host can include costumes too, which means boys and girls can dress up in superhero costumes, Halloween costumes, and more.
Don’t let the adults miss out! The kids definitely won’t forget your fashion show if mom and dad get dressed up too!
As is the case with many of the ideas on this list, it’s all about the execution. Make your fashion show even more special by creating a runway in the living room, hanging spotlights, and playing music while everyone struts their stuff down the aisle.
Get the Kids Involved in a DIY Project
Being stuck in the house is the perfect excuse to get started on that DIY project you have been putting off. Even very young kids can help paint a bedroom or living room but don’t automatically assume they can’t help with other projects. Kids of all ages can learn how to use tools!
For example, toddlers can whack bubble wrap with a hammer, while older kids can practice using a screwdriver with a scrap piece of drywall or using a saw to cut leftover foam core. With a little practice, they can help you hang a few pictures on the wall, fix the squeaky front door, or even build a deck!
It’s true that it’s easier to make memories when you do exciting things away from home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make memories at home too! With a little forethought, planning, and the ideas on this list, you can find wonderful ways to make memories without the need to leave your house.
