Make Play Treasure

Snack Bracket Taste-Off!

cookies, muffins, and other yummy snakcs

Turn snack time into an exciting event with a snack bracket taste-off! Create a bracket system similar to a sports tournament, where you select a variety of snacks and pit them against each other in a series of taste tests. Choose snacks from different categories—such as chips, cookies, or candies—and set up a tasting station where each family member can sample and vote on their favorites. Eliminate snacks based on the votes, advancing the winners to the next round until you determine the ultimate snack champion. This interactive activity not only adds a competitive edge but also allows everyone to enjoy a variety of treats.

To make your snack bracket taste-off even more memorable, add creative twists and make it a family event. Decorate your tasting area with themed decorations or set up a “red carpet” for each snack to make them feel special. Encourage family members to dress up or come up with funny commentary for each snack as you taste them. Keep the excitement going with playful commentary, and capture the fun with photos or videos of the tasting process and the winning snacks. Conclude the event with a celebratory snack party featuring the top snacks and discuss your favorites, making the entire experience a fun and engaging family tradition.

Park Clean up service project!

Engage your family in a rewarding and impactful activity by organizing a park clean-up service project. Choose a local park in need of some TLC and set a date for your family to volunteer together. Equip everyone with gloves, trash bags, and any other necessary tools, and divide tasks such as picking up litter, clearing debris, or sorting recyclables. To make the project enjoyable, turn it into a friendly competition by setting goals or challenges, like who can collect the most trash or find the most unusual item. Bring along some upbeat music to energize the team and make the work more enjoyable.

Make the park clean-up memorable by incorporating fun elements and celebrating your collective efforts. Plan a small picnic or barbecue at the end of the clean-up to enjoy some well-deserved treats and relax together. Create a “before and after” photo album to visually capture the difference your efforts made. Engage the family by sharing stories or facts about the environment and the importance of keeping public spaces clean. Consider inviting friends or neighbors to join in, turning it into a community event. The satisfaction of making a positive impact, combined with the shared experience and celebration, will make this service project a meaningful and memorable family activity.

Lip Sync Battle!

Host a high-energy lip sync battle with your family for an evening of laughter and creative performances. Set up a “stage” area in your living room with some simple props like a microphone (real or pretend) and a spotlight to add to the fun. Each family member can choose their favorite song and prepare a lip sync performance, complete with dance moves and dramatic flair. To make it even more entertaining, consider creating categories such as “Best Dance Moves,” “Most Creative Performance,” or “Funniest Lip Sync.” Play a variety of music genres to keep the excitement going and ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

To make your lip sync battle truly memorable, encourage everyone to go all out with costumes, props, and choreography. Provide a selection of accessories like hats, sunglasses, and wigs to enhance performances and add a theatrical element. Create a playlist of popular songs across different genres to keep the energy high and offer a range of choices for performances. Capture the action with photos or videos to relive the fun and share the highlights with friends and extended family. After the performances, celebrate with small awards or trophies for categories like “Best Overall Performance” or “Most Enthusiastic.” The combination of creativity, humor, and family support will make your lip sync battle a cherished and entertaining tradition.

Family Board Game Night!

Host a lively board game night with your family for an evening filled with strategy, laughter, and friendly competition. Choose a selection of board games that cater to different interests and age groups to ensure everyone can participate and have fun. Popular choices include classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, and The Game of Life, or more modern games such as Codenames, Ticket to Ride, and Carcassonne. Set up the games in a comfortable and inviting space, with plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone refreshed and energized. Rotate between games to keep the excitement going and encourage everyone to try their hand at different types of games.

Make your board game night memorable by adding special touches that enhance the experience. Create a cozy atmosphere with dimmed lights, comfy seating, and a fun playlist to set the mood. Consider incorporating themed snacks or drinks related to the games you’re playing, such as pizza for a Monopoly night or themed treats for games like Clue. Capture the evening with photos of the action, especially during particularly dramatic or hilarious moments. Celebrate winners with small prizes or quirky awards for the most creative strategies or the best sportsmanship. These thoughtful additions and the shared enjoyment of the games will make board game night a cherished tradition filled with laughter and lasting memories.

Cupcake Decorating Contest!

decorated cupcakes in blues and greens with sprinkles.

Transform a simple baking session into a delightful family event by making cupcakes and hosting a cupcake decorating contest. Start by baking a batch of cupcakes together, allowing everyone to participate in mixing, pouring, and baking. Once the cupcakes are cool, set up a decorating station with an array of frosting colors, sprinkles, candies, and other toppings. Challenge each family member to decorate their cupcakes creatively, whether they’re aiming for a specific theme or just letting their imagination run wild. After decorating, everyone can vote for their favorite designs, and small prizes can be awarded for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Sprinkles.”

Making cupcakes and having a decorating contest is a fun way for your family to bond while enjoying some sweet treats. The process of baking together fosters teamwork and laughter, as everyone gets involved in measuring ingredients and preparing the batter. When it comes time to decorate, the creativity and friendly competition add an extra layer of excitement. Encourage each person to showcase their unique style and creativity, and enjoy the playful critiques and compliments from fellow family members. Sharing the results, enjoying the cupcakes, and celebrating each person’s efforts turns the activity into a memorable experience, reinforcing family connections and creating cherished moments filled with fun and deliciousness.

Make Art then have an Art Show!

woman making art using clay to sculpt a figure

Turn a family art day into an exciting event by creating a variety of artworks and hosting an art show at home. Gather different art supplies like paints, markers, clay, and even digital tools for creating art on tablets or computers. Encourage each family member to explore their creativity and produce unique pieces, whether they’re paintings, sculptures, or digital creations. Once the artworks are completed, set up a space in your home to display them, creating an art gallery atmosphere. Invite everyone to walk through the exhibit, admiring each piece and appreciating the diversity of artistic expression.

Transforming your art activity into a memorable home art show involves more than just displaying the creations—it becomes a celebration of creativity and family togetherness. As you prepare for the show, include a variety of foods and drinks to enjoy while discussing the art. Each artist can present their work, sharing the inspiration and techniques behind their pieces. This interactive experience allows family members to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful conversations about their art. The combination of delicious treats, personal insights, and the joy of celebrating each other’s creativity makes the art show a fun and memorable event, strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories.

Make a School Events Calendar!

Creating a school calendar of events is a fantastic family activity that helps everyone stay organized and prepared for the school year. Sit down together and map out important dates such as parent-teacher conferences, school holidays, extracurricular activities, and special events. Use a large calendar or a whiteboard, and add colorful markers or stickers to highlight different events and deadlines. Involve the kids in choosing colors and designing the calendar, and place it in a central location where everyone can easily refer to it. This visual tool not only keeps track of schedules but also helps reduce stress and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

Making a school calendar of events a fun and memorable family activity involves creativity and teamwork. Gather supplies like markers, stickers, and decorative elements to customize the calendar and reflect each family member’s personality. You can also opt for digital options, such as creating a shared online calendar that everyone can access and update. As you work together on this project, share stories about past school experiences, and discuss what to look forward to in the upcoming year. The process of creating and decorating the calendar fosters collaboration and enthusiasm, making it a cherished family project that not only organizes your schedule but also strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.

Making Homemade Ice Cream!

a person pouring hot fudge onto ice cream

Create a sweet family tradition by making homemade ice cream together. Gather the ingredients—cream, sugar, flavorings, and any mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit—and choose your preferred method, whether it’s a manual ice cream maker or a no-churn recipe. Involve everyone in the process: measure and mix ingredients, churn the ice cream, and add your favorite toppings. The hands-on experience of making ice cream is both fun and rewarding, and watching the mixture transform into a creamy treat adds an element of excitement to the activity.

Making homemade ice cream as a family is a delightful way to bond and create lasting memories. The collaborative effort of preparing and mixing ingredients, along with the anticipation of tasting the final product, turns the kitchen into a hub of joy and laughter. Share stories and enjoy playful debates over flavor choices and mix-ins, making the process as much about the fun of working together as it is about the delicious results. The shared excitement of sampling your homemade creations and the satisfaction of enjoying a treat you made as a family turns this activity into a cherished tradition, filled with sweet memories and family unity.

Family Sport Night!

Turn an ordinary evening into a thrilling family sport night by engaging in various sports and games together. Set up different stations or areas for activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball, or relay races. Rotate through each station, allowing everyone a chance to participate and showcase their skills. Keep the atmosphere light and fun, with friendly competitions and cheerleading from the sidelines. You can even create mini-tournaments or challenges with simple prizes for added excitement. The focus is on enjoying the activity and spending quality time together, making it a lively and active evening.

A family sport night creates lasting memories through the shared excitement and teamwork involved in playing sports together. As you cheer each other on and participate in various games, you build camaraderie and foster a sense of accomplishment. The friendly competition and collaborative spirit make the experience enjoyable and engaging for everyone, whether you’re scoring goals or encouraging each other in a relay race. Capture the fun moments with photos or videos to look back on, and celebrate everyone’s efforts with a small family award or recognition. The joy and laughter from the evening strengthen family bonds and make sport night a beloved tradition that everyone will look forward to in the future.

Dinner Picnic at the Park!

family having dinner at the park sitting on a picnic table

Transform a regular family dinner into a delightful experience by having a picnic at the park. Pack a basket with a variety of delicious foods like sandwiches, fruits, salads, and snacks, and bring along a cozy blanket for everyone to sit on. Choose a scenic spot under a shady tree or near a playground for added fun. Enjoy the fresh air and the natural surroundings as you savor your meal together, playing outdoor games or simply relaxing and chatting. The park setting adds a touch of adventure and enjoyment to a family dinner, making it a memorable outing.

A family dinner picnic at the park becomes a cherished memory through the combination of good food, great company, and outdoor fun. As you spread out the blanket and enjoy your meal, the relaxed atmosphere fosters quality time and meaningful conversations. Play games like frisbee, tag, or a scavenger hunt, and take advantage of the park’s features to enhance the experience. Capture the moments with photos or videos, especially of any impromptu activities or beautiful scenery. The joy of eating al fresco, combined with the shared laughter and outdoor adventure, strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories that everyone will treasure and look forward to repeating.