If you’re looking for wellness activities for families to spend quality time together but don’t know where to start as we all know, wellness is a key element to living a healthy and happy life – it’s even more important when it comes to families.
Whether you’re looking for physical activities that get you out of the house, or simple ways to bond indoors, we’ve got 8 free activities that will bring you and your family closer than ever.
We’ll show you fun and engaging ways to stay active as a family, how to make lasting memories together, and how these activities can even contribute to better mental health for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Going for a Nature Walk
It’s amazing how calming a walk in nature can be — and it’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air and quality time as a family. Head out to your local park, lake, or beach, and explore all that Mother Nature has to offer. You can connect with the outside world by admiring the wildlife and learning about the environment together.
Plus, encourage the kids to move by taking part in scavenger hunts! Get them to look for different types of trees, flowers, rocks and more. It’s an educational opportunity as well as a chance to have some fun as a family. And there are so many other things you can do on your nature walk – try bird watching, pack snacks for picnics or take pictures along the way to document memorable moments with your family.
Exploring Your Local Park
Exploring your local park is a great way to strengthen your bond as a family and look after your health – and it won’t cost you a penny! Discovering the nature around you encourages kids to be active, while setting time aside for outdoor activities has been proven to boost emotional wellbeing in adults (2).
So why not spend some quality time together in the open air? You can go for a stroll through the trails, search for wildlife in the trees and ponds, and enjoy the fresh air. If you really want to get active, take part in one of the various outdoor sports available at most parks. From tennis and badminton courts to soccer fields and basketball hoops, opportunities for physical activity are endless!
Plus, picnicking is always fun. After all, it’s always important to fuel your body when taking part in physical activities – so why not make a delicious meal or two at home before getting out there?
References:
- Willburger, E., & Pabst, A. (2015). The role of family income in family-based prevention of obesity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(8), 9872–9898.
- Lee, S., & Caltabiano, M. L. (2020). Our park pastime: Linking nature-based activities with children’s wellbeing outcomes among low-income families across Australia. Children & Society, 34(4), 303–313.
Playing Catch With the Kids
You may not know this, but playing catch with your kids is a great way to boost family wellness! Not only does this outdoor activity help build motor skills, hand-eye coordination and timing – but it’s also a great way to squeeze in some exercise. It’s a fun, stress-free way to bond with your family and make precious memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
Plus, setting up a quick game of catch doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply grab a ball, gather everyone together in an open space outside and toss it back and forth – it’s as easy as that! What’s more, you can get creative with it! Set up teams or play tag while still enjoying the benefits associated with playing catch.
So why not give it a try? Playing catch is the perfect excuse to get outside and spend quality time together without breaking the bank. Get your family outdoors for some bonding time without spending a single penny – your health will thank you for it!
Joining a Community Group Activity
Did you know that joining a community group activity is one of the best ways to fuel family wellness? Now, you can get out there and meet more people while engaging in activities that will improve your health and well-being.
From nature walks to pickup games of basketball, the possibilities are endless when it comes to exploring what your local community has to offer. Plus, participating in group activities often encourages family bonding and a sense of belonging—it’s a win-win!
Moreover, by getting involved in group activities you will:
- Gain new perspectives
- Give back to the community
- Build relationships with other members of the group
- Be inspired by others’ stories
So why not give it a try? There are plenty of free activities for families that you can easily access. All it takes is a bit of research—and the rest will follow (2).
Taking a Cooking Class Together
Taking a cooking class together is an awesome way to boost family wellness, and best of all – it’s free! Not only can you learn how to cook various types of dishes, but you can also bond over the shared experience. And when you practice what you learned, you’ll get to enjoy the meals as a family and stay connected in the process.
Why Eating Together Is Important
Eating meals together helps to bring families closer because it allows everyone to share and talk about their day. And research suggests that regularly eating together can do more than just strengthen relationships. Studies have shown that when families eat together, they are more likely to make healthy food choices, with kids being less prone to obesity (2).
Get Creative In The Kitchen
Your cooking classes don’t have to be a traditional one: just try searching for recipes online or getting your kids involved in creating something fun (like breakfast tacos!). Getting creative in the kitchen gives everyone a chance to experiment and see what works (or doesn’t work) – plus it’s super fun!
So why not give it a try? Cooking classes are an effective and budget-friendly way for families to come together and nurture their wellness all at once.
Biking Around Town
Got a bike? Go for a ride! Taking your bikes out for a spin is not only great exercise, but it’s also totally free—so why not? You can take a leisurely ride around your neighborhood, or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not plan out an entire route with your family to see the sights? And don’t forget to wear those helmets as safety should always come first!
Biking around town is an awesome way to get everyone on their feet and moving. There are so many benefits associated with biking, such as:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced stress levels
- Increased muscle strength and joint flexibility
- Greater calorie-burning potential
- Reduced air pollution
- Sense of freedom
Plus, it’s more fun than walking! So get out there and explore with your family—see what hidden gems you end up discovering along the way!
Establishing a Family Challenge Day
How about establishing a Family Challenge Day? This doesn’t have to be expensive—in fact, it shouldn’t cost you anything at all. What it does require is some creative thinking, and getting the whole family involved.
You could begin by deciding on a theme for the day and different challenges you’d like to conquer as a team. Think of activities that everyone can take part in—from the youngest to the oldest and from those who are more athletically inclined to those who prefer low-energy fun.
Ideas for Challenges
- Take it outside: Go camping in your own backyard, using your own tents and sleeping bags, or take a nature walk around your neighborhood.
- DIY cooking class: Hit up your local farmer’s market for fresh ingredients and try creating something delicious with the whole family (think salads, pizzas, desserts – or whatever else tickles your fancy).
- Group fitness session: If you feel like being active then why not plan a fun group fitness session? You could put together a playlist of high-energy tunes and dance around your living room or head to the park for an afternoon yoga class or boot camp drills—it’s totally up to you!
- Get creative: Set aside some time to get creative as a family—think of painting, pottery making, or woodworking workshops! It’ll be loads of fun doing something different while also tapping into each other’s skill sets.
- Game night: No money is necessary here – just set aside sometime one evening each week for a game night with the family! From board games like Chess and Monopoly to card games
Scheduling Movie Nights
Movie nights with the family are always a blast – it doesn’t matter if you choose something old or even an educational documentary – you can guarantee that everyone will have fun!
Plus, when you turn movie night into a regular event, it helps build strong family relationships.
It’s also an educational experience that allows you to discuss the movie afterward and understand different types of media better.
Here are some tips to make the most out of your movie night:
- Gather everyone in one room and make sure each person has their own snacks and drinks
- Choose a different type of film every week, along with a discussion question related to the movie that makes for a great conversation starter
- Pick up where you left off every week, so everyone can contribute to the conversation
Not only is movie night free and fun – but it’s an opportunity for families to bond while helping each person learn more about themselves. So why not give it a try?
Conclusion
Family wellness activities can come in many forms, and the best part is that many of them don’t require any money! With just a bit of creativity, you can come up with a list of activities tailored to your family that are not only fun but also help to improve your overall well-being.
But it’s not just about participating in the activity. It’s about doing something fun – and free – together as a family. So, go ahead and make those memories, laugh ahead of worries, and just be together. You won’t regret the real, meaningful experiences that are waiting to be had.
