10 Fun Activities For Busy Parents

Whether you’re a business owner that has an 80-hour workweek just to stay on top of things, an executive that travels from city to city, or in any type of leadership position that leaves you short on time, being able to spend time with your kids is important.

Your kids look up to you in everything, so being able to spend time and strengthen your relationship and pass on values is an important aspect of your child’s mental and spiritual development.

Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do that give you the chance to connect with your little ones while being fun at the same time. Here are 10 activities that even the busiest parents can fit into their hectic schedule:

1. Catch a Game

Taking your kids to sports even is an excellent way to bond over entertainment. Unlike going to the movies, going to a live game is something that is almost interactive. Not only is it an experience that your son/daughter will cherish, it gives you both the opportunity to cheer together, experience the ups and downs of the game together, and presents an opportunity for you to discuss values from sportsmanship to humility.

2. Cycling

Going bike-riding with your kids is one of the best activities you can do because it can be fit into almost any schedule. Taking a ride for a few blocks can be done instead of your regular exercise time and it works as a great bonding time. If you want to plan something a bit more exciting than a simple bike ride, mountain biking is a great chance for the whole family to add a little adventure together while experiencing the beauty of nature.

3. Build Something

Whether it is a model airplane, a treehouse, or a picnic table, building something with your children is a great way to connect. If you’re extremely busy you can work together on the project whenever you have a chance so it gives them something to look forward to, and it’s a great opportunity to stress the importance of patience and goal setting.

4. Fishing

If you have a free weekend, taking a trip somewhere to go fishing can be extremely rewarding. On one hand, fishing allows you to escape from the frantic schedule you’re used to and bask in nature, but it also is the perfect chance for you and your son to spend quality, quiet time together. Fishing is a very relaxing activity so you have plenty of chances to get to know your son/daughter, talk about how things are going in school, and connect.

5. Cook or Grill

Every child should learn to cook, particularly if taught by either, or both, parents. From learning the importance of patience and timing to spending downtime learning about your child’s life, cooking makes for a great way to bond. There’s also instant gratification when the meals were done as every kid can read pride on the rest of the family’s face as they enjoy a meal they cooked.

6. Playing Sport

Doing some sort of sports activity together is a great way to have fun with your kids and teach them valuable lessons at the same time. Whether you take a martial arts class together, toss around a football, or play a game of 1-on-1 basketball, you can explain the importance of practice, teach how important teamwork is, and just have a few hours together to talk.

7. Video and Board Games

Your kids will most likely love playing video games, so having their parents play with them is a great way to connect over a common interest. It’s also nice to have a little competition between you and your son/daughter which presents a lot of opportunities to explain values such as humility, perseverance, and fair game.

Board games are a unique way to connect as well. You get the same competition but they tend to be more interactive. Some games require storytelling and tactics that work as a way to help your child develop.

8. Home DIY Projects

Have you wanted to add a new tile floor to the bathroom? Plan on adding a new fountain to your yard? Instead of hiring a contractor to do it for you, consider starting a do-it-yourself (DIY) project with your kids. You get to spend time learning together and it allows you to teach them different skills and lessons while getting stuff done around the house at the same time.

9. Camping

Camping is taking family activities to the next level. Planning and going on a camping trip is one of the most exciting and fun activities you can do as a family. It is a great way to bring the family together at a very affordable cost. There are lots of camping grounds around and you never go to the same place twice so the memories are always growing. When planning a camping trip, you can also include site-seeing, swimming, hiking, and other previously mentioned activities.

10. Meditation

Meditation, praying and spirituality are great ways to teach your kids about life while spending quality time together. There are many benefits in meditating for parents and kids to recharge and build resilience.

This is just a small list of things your family can easily plan and do together. Most of the activities shared here are inexpensive or are free. So what are you waiting for… go and connect with your kids and plan your next activity. Oh, and make sure you let us know how it went.