Weekends are a great time to spend with family and friends, and what better way to do that than by making them special for the kids? It can be easy to default to sitting in front of the television or going out for lunch, but taking some extra time to plan fun activities or outings can make all the difference. Not only will the kids have a blast, but you’ll create lasting memories together.

Whether you’re taking them out for fun activities or just relaxing at home, it’s important to make the most of this time together. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your weekends with your kids:

1. Get active together. Spending time outdoors is a great way to bond with your kids and get some exercise at the same time. Go for a family hike, ride bikes together, or play catch in the backyard.

2. Make some memories. Take some time to do things you’ll remember fondly for years to come. Go on a picnic, build a sandcastle, or have a water balloon fight.

3. Cooking together can be fun. If you’re looking for a way to bond with your kids and teach them valuable life skills, try cooking together. Let them help you prepare a meal, and then sit down and enjoy it as a family.

4. Do something new. Trying something new together is a great way to create lasting memories. Visit a nearby town that you’ve never been to before, go camping in the backyard, or build a fort out of blankets and pillows.

5. Relax and unwind. Sometimes the best way to spend time with your kids is to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Play games, watch movies or read books together.

Get organized

What do you need to make the weekend special?

Some fun ideas include:

• Make a list of all the fun things you want to do together as a family
• Planning and preparing for activities so that everything runs smoothly
• Picking out a few new games or toys to keep things fresh and exciting
• Creating a weekend schedule, so everyone knows what’s happening and when

Get creative

There are endless possibilities for making the weekend special. Get creative and have some fun with it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Have a picnic in the park or in your backyard
• Go on a nature hike or walk around the neighborhood exploring new sights and sounds
• Visit a nearby attraction or go on a day trip to somewhere new
• Make homemade pizzas or build forts out of blankets and pillows
• Have a family movie night complete with popcorn and snacks
• Play tag, kickball, or other favorite childhood games

Get outside

One of the best ways to make the weekend special is to get outside and enjoy some fresh air—plan and pack supplies for a day at the beach, hiking, biking, or picnicking. Get everyone involved in choosing the activity and make it a fun family event!

Whatever you do, focus on quality time with your kids. That’s what will make the biggest impact and create lasting memories.

No matter how you spend your weekends, cherish this time with your kids. It’s special time you’ll all look back on fondly for years to come. Enjoy your weekend!