7 fun, playful family activities to add to your evening routine
Do your evenings become so jam-packed with commitments, you wish you could do something active for you and your children, but you just can’t find the time? You’re not alone!
The evening routine is often busy for families, with homework, household chores, meal prep, family commitments, and pre-bedtime rituals. But you can incorporate some fun physical activities for you and your children into these daily moments without taking up too much time.
Here are a few ways to make every night a family night! Add a dash of physical activity to your evenings with these family night ideas.
1. Family after-dinner stroll
After dinner, go for a short family walk. Whether it’s in the neighbourhood, at the local park, or in the woods, a little exercise after dinner helps digestion and provides an opportunity to connect as a family. You might ask your kids to identify birds, insects, or even shapes in the clouds as they walk. Or maybe it’s an informal way to learn more about their day at school. Either way, a walk together is a great opportunity to get moving and get in some quality family time.
2. Evening stretches
Take advantage of moments spent brushing teeth, for example, to add a few simple stretches. Encourage your child to lift his or her arms, rotate their ankles, or make gentle twisting movements. These quick stretches can help relax muscles and build flexibility.
If you have a little more time, you might be into doing some relaxing yoga stretches in comfy pyjamas just before bed to calm the body and mind. Here are some relaxing postures that can help you and your child sleep.
3. Jumping games during homework
Incorporate small jumping games during homework sessions. Each answer can be associated with a specific jumping action. For example, the first answer might mean 20 seconds of broad jumping, and the second answer might be followed by 30 seconds of squatting. It’s a quick dose of energy and fun while helping kids stay focused.
The website Parents has some ideas for implementing both indoor and outdoor brain breaks at home, such as shadowboxing, hula hooping, balloon games, dancing, or ping-ponging. You can also use our handy activity dice [PDF] and keep it on hand. Rolling it adds the element of surprise!
4. Dinner dance party
While prepping dinner, put on some lively music and turn it into a mini-dance session. Dance together while cooking, washing dishes or setting the table. It’s a fun way to add active movement to your routine. If you’re looking for a new music playlist to listen to at home, check out our 57 awesome family dance party jams!
5. Play an active, fun game
If I have time to participate, I love playing an active game of Charades with the kids, which gets us all moving and laughing. Another great addition to our repertoire, which allows kids to play solo, too, is Twister Air. This game gets my kids moving, jumping, and laughing together.
6. Indoor treasure hunt
A treasure hunt can be a great physical activity. Before bedtime, hide small objects or toys in different rooms of the house. Give your children a few clues to guide them to the treasure. Encourage them to move around, bend down and search actively. Each time they find a clue, they can do a specific movement, such as spinning or walking backwards to the next hiding place. Good Housekeeping has 35 creative scavenger hunt ideas for kids. Or try our free printable indoor treasure hunt!
7. Discover a new board game
This one might be best saved for nights when nobody has an activity to run to, but who doesn’t love a family game night? It doesn’t have to be an epic round of Monopoly to be a fun activity for all family members! Try one of these active board games and find out which one is a favourite of your family. The added bonus is that these games all get you moving, which is a great way to spend your family time.
By incorporating these activities into your evening routine, you can make it easier for the whole family to enjoy regular exercise, even when things get busy.
These simple ideas add an extra dose of activity to daily routines, promoting physical health and overall well-being. By making exercise as natural as other daily habits, your family can enjoy the benefits of physical activity without sacrificing precious time spent together.
Do you have any ideas you’d like to share with us? Let us know in the comments!
