Collaborative post
Some of us love being at home and would rather stay in than be off out and about exploring the local woods or having a nice meal in the pub, but many of us find that being stuck at home whether because the weather is poor, we have no childcare, or whatever, to be rather dull and uninspiring.
Here’s the thing, even if you are not a naturally stay-at-home kind of person, and even if it does often leave you feeling like you’re climbing the walls, it is possible to have tons of family fun at home. Here’s how:
1. The Classic Game Night
For centuries, people who have been looking to entertain themselves from the comfort of their own homes, have played games. From card games like solitaire and mahjong to board games like Monopoly or Ludo, there are endless ways you can have fun by organising your very own game night. These days, you have even more options than ever because we also have access to video games like Mario Kart and online games like Spider Solitaire that the whole family can enjoy, and which can get that competitive spirit flowing. Make it a regular thing, and keep score of who wins what each time, and present a trophy at the end of the year, and it will keep everyone invested in playing games when you;r stuck indoors and need to keep the family occupied.
2. Build a Fort (Yes, Even if You’re a Grown-Up)
Let’s be real—no one is ever too old to build a blanket fort. Grab every cushion, blanket, and piece of furniture you can find, and let your inner child (and your actual children) run wild. Once your masterpiece is complete, fill it with snacks, pillows, and maybe even a laptop to stream a family movie. Watching films from a fort instantly makes everything feel like an adventure—even if it’s the 20th time you’ve watched Frozen. And yes, it’s 100% acceptable to eat an entire tub of popcorn inside said fort.
3. Themed Dinner Nights (Because Who Needs a Restaurant?)
Who says you have to leave the house to have a fancy meal? Turn your dining room into the restaurant of your dreams with themed dinner nights. Pick a theme, get the kids involved in cooking, and go all out with decorations. You could do an Italian night complete with homemade pizza (even if it’s more ‘rustic’ than ‘gourmet’), or a sushi night where you attempt to roll your own sushi (spoiler alert: it won’t look like the pictures, but that’s part of the fun). Add some themed music in the background, and suddenly, your home feels like a trip abroad—without the expense of plane tickets.
4. Get Crafty (No, Really, It’s Not Just for Kids)
Crafting isn’t just about making macaroni necklaces anymore (although, let’s not knock the classics). Pick up some family-friendly DIY projects, like painting plant pots, making your own candles, or even trying a bit of DIY decor. You don’t need to be an artistic genius—half the fun is in the mess! And when it all goes wrong, you’ll at least have some hilarious keepsakes to laugh about. Plus, crafting is surprisingly therapeutic, so you might find yourself enjoying it just as much as the kids. Who knew glue guns could be so zen?
5. Backyard Camping (Without the Actual Camping Part)
If the idea of pitching a tent and roughing it in the wilderness makes you break out in a cold sweat, don’t worry—you can still get that outdoorsy vibe without leaving your back garden. Set up a tent (or drag the aforementioned blanket fort outside), fire up the BBQ, and toast marshmallows over a mini fire pit. You can stargaze, tell spooky stories, and even make the kids ‘hunt for treasure’ (a.k.a. hide some chocolates in the garden). Bonus: at the end of the night, you get to sleep in your own comfy bed instead of on the ground.
6. Family Bake-Off Because Everyone Loves Cake
You’ve watched enough baking shows on TV—it’s time to channel your inner Mary Berry and challenge the family to a bake-off. Pick a recipe (or better yet, let everyone choose their own), and see who can whip up the best creation. Sure, you’ll end up with flour in your hair, sugar all over the kitchen, and a few wonky cakes, but that’s all part of the experience. Plus, at the end of it, you’ll have a kitchen full of sweet treats. And let’s be honest, everyone wins when there’s cake.
Just because you’re at home, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourselves as a family, right?!