Most working parents can relate to feeling a huge sense of relief as soon as the weekend arrives. Extra time with family and friends is something to be cherished, but sometimes it can be hard to think of creative, fun ways to engage your kids over the weekend – especially when you’re worn out from a week of hard work. Planning some new kids activities for the weekend can make life more exciting and provide you with the opportunity to make memories and grow together as a family. Below, we’ve listed some activity ideas and tips for keeping your kids engaged and entertained over the weekend.

7 Engaging Kids Activities for the Weekend

If you’re at a loss for how to entertain your kids this weekend, then don’t give up hope quite yet. There are plenty of fun ways to keep your kids busy over the weekend that don’t require tons of planning ahead and may even come at low or no cost at all. If you’re unsure of what to do with your kids this weekend, try one of the activities below. 

1. Visit a Zoo, Aquarium, or Museum

Most parents are willing to do just about anything to find ways to incorporate more educational activities into their children’s day-to-day routine. Visiting an educational location such as the zoo, aquarium, or museum is a surefire way to have fun as a family while also having the opportunity to learn something new together. Check your area for a local zoo, aquarium, or museum and plan a family day there. These locations serve as a fun place for everyone in the family since the attractions are usually interesting for kids and parents alike. 

2. Check Out the Local Library

The library is the perfect place to visit if the weather isn’t permitting for any outdoor activities. Libraries are cozy and relaxing and offer everyone the opportunity to pick out some new books to read. Set the example by picking some books for yourself and your children will likely follow suite. Some even offer kids activities for the weekend such as story time and crafts as well, so check to see if your local library offers anything similar. 

3. Take a Family Bike Ride

Bike rides are the perfect family activity since they combine exercise and fresh air and give you the opportunity to get out of the house when you’re feeling cooped up. If you live in a residential area, you can easily just go for a ride around your neighborhood or you can pack up your bikes and head to a local nature reserve or bike trail. If you have toddlers or babies, you’ll want to strap them safely into a bike seat or trailer. Make sure to pay attention to vehicular traffic and always use crosswalks when necessary. 

4. Host a Board Game Tournament

Open up your board game cabinet and set up an impromptu family game tournament! Older kids will definitely get excited about the prospect of playing games and the competitive nature appeals to everyone. Some of our favorite family board game options include Pictionary, Scrabble, Charades, Apples to Apples, and Clue. This is another great activity to try on a rainy or cold day when you’re wanting to stay inside without watching TV all day. 

5. Invite Some Friends Over or Plan a Playdate

You’ve likely already got plenty of games and activities at your home that are kid-friendly and fun. Inviting some friends over to play with your kids may be all it takes to engage them in some of their older toys that they haven’t played with in weeks. If you have any nearby or neighborhood friends, see if anyone would like to come over for a playdate to give your kids someone new to play with for the day. 

6. Do Some Arts and Crafts

Crafty activities are not only fun but also inspire creative energy which is beneficial for everyone. Set up some painting and coloring supplies for an easy activity that you and your kids can engage in together. Some other fun crafts you may want to try include making bracelets together, playing with clay, drawing with sidewalk chalk, or tie dying shirts. If you have younger children around, such as babies and toddlers, get some safe, non-toxic finger paints and set up a craft station outside where they can get messy without any worries of things getting ruined.  

7. Get Outside

Virtually all of these activities can be taken outside when the weather is permitting. Sometimes all it takes is a little change in your environment to shift the energy in your home and get kids excited and engaged. If you’re having a hard time keeping your kids busy or motivating them to engage in activities, try moving outside to your backyard, driveway, or a local park. Bring along any activities such as crafts, toys, and games to give them something fun to do while enjoying the fresh air. Taking advantage of nice weather is incredibly important when you only have a few days off each week to spend time with your family. 

Tips for Making the Most of Family Time

It can be easy to get caught up in productivity and hold yourself to crossing off your entire to do list over the weekend. But it is so important to spend some intentional time bonding with your kids and family. When the weekend rolls around, you may want to put the to do list away and just focus on having some recuperative time with the ones you love most. Here are a few ways to make the most out of family time this weekend.

• Know when to put the screens away: A little TV time on the weekend never hurt anyone, and watching a movie together might even be a great way to bond as a family. However, it is important to be aware of your screen usage and try your best to not be on your phone constantly when you’re with your family. Turn your sound on to eliminate the need to constantly check your phone for notifications and carve out intentional time to check your phone, leaving it put away outside of this time. 
• Be present: Many parents struggle with feeling pulled in multiple directions – and rightfully so. It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the things that need to get done and spend your weekends worrying about these things, rather than embracing your time with your kids. Try your best to lower your expectations for yourself and place family time as a top priority. Remember, they’re only young for so long and they grow up fast.  

Final Thoughts 

When you only get two full days every week to bond with your kids, you may feel a lot of pressure to make the absolute most out of your time together. Being present and engaging with your kids doesn’t have to be challenging or strenuous. Be intentional about planning some fun kids’ activities for the weekend and make the most of downtime by just being present and putting your screens away. Getting outside is a great way to shift your environment and motivate your kids to get engaged in games, crafts, and other activities.