Every moment counts when building family memories. Taking advantage of the smells, sights, and tastes of home sears the memories into place forever. Creating memorable family moments that inspire wonder and delight is one of my favorite things to do as a mom.
Sometimes though, it’s difficult to think of ideas spontaneously. So, I put together a list of ideas to create meaningful memories that your kids will look back on fondly. Many of these ideas you can do on a whim, without any planning. Most of them take 15 minutes or less.
Remember, every moment counts, so it doesn’t have to take a lot of time but still make a big impact!
I think you’ll pretty much love these ideas to spend quality time with your family.
Tips for the most memorable family moments:
Be Excited
If you really want to sell these activities to make them memorable, then show your excitement!
Try to Surprise
If you can surprise your kids, then they will most likely remember it even more. My kids love surprises, adventures, and the unknown.
Look at the details
Take these opportunities to examine the details of ordinary life. Are you going on a walk? Stop to listen to the birds, notice the ants crawling on the ground, and smell the fresh scent of rain.
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Put away your phone
Don’t miss all the fun by taking pictures the entire time. Snap a photo at the beginning and the end so you can remember the good times, but don’t let your phone be a distraction.
Most importantly – Do it with them!
Your kids won’t always remember the little details. But the thing they will remember? Is the fact that you were there, you were excited, and you did it with them! Listening and observing and interacting with them will last a lifetime.
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40 Ideas to create Memorable Family Moments
- Go for a walk (in the rain)
- Plan a scavenger hunt
- Make a fun dessert together (like popcorn and M&Ms)
- Weekly family game night
- Build a tour competition
- Draw a picture that tells a story
- Make a neighbor cookies
- Share a popsicle
- Stay up late and star gaze
- Camp out in the living room
- Set-up a tent* on their bed
- Paint a pumpkin (Order Washable Paint*)
- Dance party before bed
- Pajama day on Saturdays
- Plant flowers in your garden
- Make homemade playdough
- Interview an older family member
- Volunteer together
- Teach the kids a skit and put on a show
- Let your kids choose YOUR clothes
- Go for a drive with your PJs on
- Let your kids plan the menu
- Blow bubbles and shoot with water guns
- Bake a pie
- Eat dinner together every night
- Ask “favorite high and lows” from each day
- Pile into Mom & Dad’s bed for 5 minutes of cuddles after school
- Sing songs from your favorite movie
- Visit a pumpkin patch
- Ride your bike to get ice cream
- Go to the roller skating rink
- Visit story time at the library
- Bake cinnamon rolls on birthdays
- Paper airplane contest
- Start an herb garden*
- Create a Jesse Tree* for an Advent activity
- Play hopscotch on the driveway
- Teach a new card game
- Read a book together
- Have a picnic in your backyard
If you loved these ideas, let me know! I’d love to hear what other quality time ideas you have to make memories that last a lifetime.
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