Summer is almost over, but there’s still plenty of time to get together with the family and have some fun! Not sure what to do? Let me share some of my favorite things we did as a family growing up…and some that we still (attempt to) do.

Road Trips

One major thing I can remember about my life in Holland, is road trips. They ranged from long trips to short trips, staying in the country, or visiting another country; but one thing we could always count on: Grandma’s activities! Every time we got in the car, and we were on our way to a fun adventure, it never started when we arrived at our destination. It started in the car. Grandma would have activity booklets and games up her sleeve. There was a never-ending supply of fun things to do on the ride. She even made us fun snacks and tasty treats (I can still remember some today). Having enjoyed this as a kid, I enjoy it now as an adult as well. I love road trips, especially ones that have activities and snacks. (Sometimes, I think it’s almost the best part of the adventure.) Thank you, Grandma, for giving me good road trips memories!

Family-Fun Suggestion: Take your family for a road trip and organize fun activities and snacks. Even if you don’t have weekdays left, take a Saturday, get an early start, and drive at least 2-3 hours somewhere, spend some time as a family, and come back in the evening.

Kids Day

Something else I loved as a kid (and still love), is our family holiday that started with my dad and uncle. When they were young, they wondered why there wasn’t such a thing as “Kids Day”, like there is Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. So, my grandparents decided that on the 4^th Sunday of July they would have a special day to celebrate the kids. Although, very originally, it was “Boys Day” since it was just my dad and uncle; but as soon as their wives joined the family, it became “Kids Day”.

Family-Fun Suggestion: Although July has come and gone, either pick your own day to celebrate this year or make plans to celebrate Kids Day next year. Take the family to the park and put something special together to let the kids know how much they mean to you.

Banana Split Day

A favorite treat of our family is a Banana Split. Now imagine how we felt when we found out that August 25^th is National Banana Split Day! Ever since we discovered this amazing fact (quite a few years ago), we have celebrated it as a family. How would one celebrate it? That’s easy, it can be as simple as having a banana split, or as complex as hosting a party and having a buffet style banana split bar, the latter is my favorite because it’s the best of both: a banana split bar AND I get to eat it too!

Family-Fun Suggestion: Have a Banana Split on August 25^th!

Dinner Table

My last idea I’ll mention (though there are loads more I could cover) is family time around the dinner table. In this day and age, with all the distractions of technology, I absolutely love the time together with the family around the table (especially when we leave our phones elsewhere). I find it to be a relaxing time where we enjoy a meal and catch up about our day. Sharing about work events or even brainstorming ideas. It’s a time when we’re not focused on anything else but each other. Sometimes we end up playing games or even discuss theological topics. I wouldn’t trade these times for anything.

Family-Fun Suggestion: Have dinner around the table tonight. Leave all technology in another room. Ask everyone about their day and enjoy the presence of each other.

Bonus Suggestion: Have a family game night!