5 Fun Activities to Do with Family (That Everyone Will Actually Enjoy)
Finding something the whole family can enjoy together—without hearing groans or eye rolls—can feel impossible some days.
Whether it’s a weekend at home, a holiday gathering, or a full-blown family reunion party, planning something everyone will look forward to can be a real challenge.
But here’s the truth: fun family activities don’t have to be complicated, expensive, or overly planned. When you shift the focus from perfection to connection, you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to make everyone smile.
Here are five ideas that bring people together and actually feel like fun.
1. Host a Themed Cooking Night
Skip takeout and turn your kitchen into an Italian trattoria, a taco stand, or even a pancake bar. Let everyone get hands-on—assign someone to prep, someone to stir, someone to plate like a pro.
You can even decorate or dress up to match the theme if you’re feeling bold. These mini culinary adventures feel festive without leaving the house, and they turn dinner into a shared experience instead of a daily chore.
2. Plan a “Yes Day” Adventure
Give the kids (or teens) the reins for one day—within boundaries you’re comfortable with—and watch the creativity unfold.
Maybe they’ll pick a local trail for a nature walk, ask for donuts for breakfast, or want to play board games all afternoon.
The beauty of a “Yes Day” is that it flips the usual routine and brings unexpected moments of joy. It’s one of those fun family activities to do that keeps everyone guessing and laughing.
3. Start a Family Creative Challenge
Here’s your excuse to break out the LEGOs, crayons, or cardboard boxes. Challenge everyone to build the tallest tower, write a silly story, or design your own board game.
Add a timer or assign roles if your crew loves structure—or keep it completely open-ended for maximum silliness. These laid-back creative sessions provide a screen-free opportunity to let your imagination run wild.
4. Take a No-Phone Field Trip
Choose a nearby spot and put down the screens. Whether it’s a local farm, riverside trail, or quirky roadside attraction, make the experience about being present.
You could even add a twist: let a coin flip decide your next stop or pack a picnic and find a new spot to spread out.
This kind of low-pressure outing turns the simplest locations into memory-makers—and these are often the fun family activities that stick with you.
5. Create a Monthly Tradition
You don’t need a special occasion to start a tradition. Pick one evening a month and commit to it—family movie roast night, puzzle-and-popcorn night, or arcade night. Pick a favorite spot to host—it can be at home or your local entertainment center.
The consistency matters more than the theme. These kinds of recurring rituals become something everyone looks forward to (even the grumpy teenager pretending not to).
Conclusion: It's Not About the Plan, It's About the Play
You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy itinerary to create a real connection. Keep it simple, stay flexible, and lean into what feels fun for your crew right now.
The best family activities are those that spark laughter, allow for a little mess, and leave everyone feeling just a little bit closer.
Bring the Fun to WashMo Alley
Looking for a place where the fun’s already built in? Plan your next family hangout, party, or spontaneous outing at The Alley.
With laser tag, virtual reality arena, delicious eats, and drinks for the grown-ups, there’s something here for everyone—no planning required. Make your next round of fun family activities unforgettable by letting us do the work.
Book your visit today and give the whole family something to really look forward to!
