We’ve all heard the phrase “The days are long, but the years are short” in relation to raising children. I have definitely found this true for the most part, but then 2020 happened and it was a long one!
I know most people visit this little page on the world wide web for the DIY posts, but this past year family has been first on my plate rather than any home projects. Most of our big plans just went to the wayside as we focused on each other. I am sure many families can relate to this. That is a big reason why it has been so quiet on this page… well that, and we have had HUGE changes in our lives! (we will save that for another time)
As I look back on the past year, I feel grateful for the health, quality time, and the growth that I have witnessed in my children and my marriage. Not to say that quarantine and working from home wasn’t challenging- because it sure was! It gave us time to reflect on ourselves and each other. It is truly a year we will never forget but still hold dearly.
I am in the thick of motherhood with a 4 and 2 year old boys, so constant entertainment through the day is key to survival at home! We got into a groove and tried out many new things that I think we will keep doing through the years as they grow. I wanted to list a few family activities we enjoyed this past year that will definitely be on the ‘fun list’ for years to come. It’s always good to change it up, and the past year forced me to get a little creative! Some activities may seem small and simple, but for toddlers and young kids- it is the highlight of their day! Comment below on what is something that you enjoyed doing as a family that you will want to do on repeat!
Family Activity Ideas:
- Backyard nature hunt– Search for bugs, flowers, cool walking sticks, frogs, seeds, birds…the options are endless and it’s an easy task to give a little one to keep them entertained and see the excitement on their faces when they find something new!
- Sunset strolls or bike rides– One of our go-to’s is an evening outdoor walk or bike ride. We found a used bike trailer for the boys to ride in, and put so many miles on that thing! Getting outside and changing the scenery was such a good reset at the end of the day!
- Hide and seek– simple, but effective for toddlers!
- Custom cereal “cooking” class– Cooking with littles can be challenging, we’ve done tons! For a 2 and 4 year old, we found that getting a few of their favorite cereals out and letting them mix their favorites together in their own big bowl then whisk it together was something they both enjoyed! They each had their own and they could taste test along the way!
- Shaving cream shower or bath– Go to your local dollar store, buy some shaving cream and let your kids have at it in the shower or bath. I promise you it will make their day! Fake beards, shower wall drawings, shaving cream volcanoes… to much fun, messy but goes right down the drain.
- Mega block bath– everyone has a big bag of colorful mega-blocks at home that probably barely get looked at. One night I had the thought to throw the bin in the bath with the boys and they never wanted to leave! Great way to teach colors as well.
- Water bead bin– these things are magic. You will want to play with them too! Here is what we use, they last forever: Water Beads
- Kinetic sand bin– This stuff has been in a bin for almost a year and still feels as fresh as when it came out of the bag! We bought 10 pound bags of colorful kinetic sand and put it in an under-the-bed plastic storage bin with a lid. We dumped in lots of fun little kitchen utensils to dig with and small toy dinosaurs that they can bury and excavate! So easy and lots of play time indoors or out. Here’s a good deal on 12 pounds of sand: Kinetic Sand
- Water table and yard sprinklers– This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. We’ve used plastic storage bins and filled with water to turn into a hot wheels car wash and it was a hit.
- Local farms– We are always up for an adventure and this past year we loved *safely* exploring local farms to do things like berry picking, pumpkin patches, and apple picking when in season.
- Living room dance off– My oldest found some of my old high school CD mixes, and let’s just say, they are fans of Ja Rule’s early hits now! Ross and I got so into the music and the kids thought it was hilarious. They requested many more music nights and dancing from the old record player from then on!
- Nature walks– Go to your local nature parks up and hit the trails, play in the creeks, and climb the trees!
- Indoor camping– In our earlier years together, Ross and I enjoyed our tent and camping outside. This past year we broke it out a few times and set it up inside with lots of pillows and blankets for family movie night and the boys loved it so much it stayed up in the house for a few weeks.
I would love to know if there is anything on the list that you have done this past year or plan on trying out with your family! We all have to support each other in any way we can. Entertaining the little ones when they are out of school and away from friends, school, regular play-dates, and family is a challenge, but worth the adventure of trying something new and making sweet memories in the process!
