If you’re looking for something fun and unique to do with your family, look no further. This list of activities is sure to help you and your family plan the ultimate day trip and get to know one another just a little better.
Here are 20 ideas to explore with your family:
1. Go Spelunking
If you’ve never been spelunking, it’s time to try it out. Spelunking, or caving, can bring togetherness to a whole new level as you dive down into the depths of a cavern and experience the world below. Old clothes are a must, as are flashlights and a knowledgeable, experienced guide.
2. Take a Hike
State parks are a great place to find a host of hiking trails. Whether you’re novice hikers or more seasoned, make sure to bring plenty of water and follow this guide for packing your bag for a day hike.
3. Rent Canoes
While you’re out hiking, consider renting a few canoes and taking to the water. It’s peaceful and involves teamwork.
4. Hit the Museums
Museums are a great option if the weather won’t support outdoor activities. Be sure to check out the bigger ones in your area, but don’t forget about the quirky ones that belong to your town. You’ll likely learn some great history and experience the culture around you.
5. Create an Outdoor Movie Theater
Bring the movies outdoors with a projector and white sheet/painter’s cloth. Here are some easy steps to follow to host an outdoor movie. Bring on the popcorn.
6. Host a World Series Game
The World Series comes around every October. Whether your team is playing or not, bring the series to you with an outdoor game. Get friends and family together, make teams, and play ball.
7. Make an Indoor Hockey Rink
Unfinished basements make the perfect space for indoor hockey. Clear some space, use boxes for nets, and grab your hockey sticks for a competitive game.
8. Hold a Board Game Tournament
It’s not enough to have one board game night. Turn the evening into a tournament with a series of games that increase in complexity. Create brackets to help determine who plays who, and have a ceremony for the overall winner.
9. Have an All-Sports Day
Set aside a day to give as many sports a try as you can. Do a round of mini golf, hit some baseballs, play tennis, etc. Whatever sports each member of your family likes to do, have everyone give it a try.
10. Paint a Mural
Get out those paint brushes and create a masterpiece together. Use a wall in your house, or for a less-permanent option, get a drop cloth from the hardware store.
11. Visit a Theme Park
In the summer months, theme parks are a great option for packing in some adventure. Here’s a great list of the top theme parks in the U.S.
12. Plan a Meal and Cook Together
There’s no better time to teach your kids how to cook than now. Have them help you with planning a meal, getting the groceries, and preparing the food. Don’t be afraid to try a recipe that’s new for all of you.
13. See a Show
Broadway tickets may not always be a possibility, but if there’s a local school putting on a play or a favorite band in the area, get tickets and go.
14. Go Ice Skating
Test out your skills on ice with a trip to your local ice rink. Bring a video camera or your phone to capture each fall, laugh and successful skate.
15. Make a Movie
Have a future movie director in your midst? Give them the option of putting together a film starring a very familiar cast. Create a script from scratch or do a spoof of one you’ve all seen recently.
16. Throw Water Balloons
Cut the summer heat with a rousing water balloon war. Pull out a couple coolers for preparation, and get everyone participating in filling balloons with water. At a designated time, meet up in the backyard for an all-out free-for-all.
17. Volunteer Together
Give back to the community by fundraising together for local nonprofits. Not only will it tighten your bond as a family, but it will tighten your bond to the people in your community.
18. Try the Driving Range
For something a little different than the standard mini-golf, try taking the family to the driving range. Get a bucket of golf balls to share, and get working on that backswing.
19. Do a Segway Tour
A noncompetitive approach to a family outing can be had with a Segway tour. Segway tours, whether you venture on one in the states or abroad, can be a great way to see the sites.
20. Go Geocaching
If you’ve never heard of geocaching, you are seriously missing out. Like a worldwide treasure hunt, it involves searching for hidden boxes using GPS coordinates. Chances are there are quite a few lurking around in your town to discover. For a little more info on getting started, check out the Geocaching site.
Getting out and doing things together as a family can be a lot of fun and can help bring you together with memories that will last. Use this list as a starting off point for a great and memorable year.
Sarah Landrum is a freelance writer and blogger with a passion for party planning and living life to the fullest. Get advice on having a happy, successful career on her blog Punched Clocks, and swing on over to Twitter to follow her @SarahLandrum
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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day! 
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