How to Plan an End-of-Year Family Fun Week

1. Have a family brainstorming session

Gather all your family members and announce that you’ll be planning a Family Fun Week (or whatever else you'd like to call it!) as a team. Ask each person to write down three activities they’d love to do as a family. 

“After a long year of homeschooling and extra screen time, brainstorm some fun screen-free activities,” says Dr Kimberley. “Aim for interactive outdoor experiences that will boost everyone’s endorphins and create family bonding time. You could try ziplining, trampolining or an escape room. The sky's the limit!”

When everyone has written down their ideas, discuss them all together and vote for each family member’s best activity.

2. Research costs and requirements

Each family member is now responsible for finding out where their preferred activity can be performed and how much it would cost. They should also plan any travel and extra requirements. When everyone is done, meet again as a family and discuss which activities are doable within your time and budget constraints.

“It’s great to get your children involved in the process and give them some independence and responsibility,” says Dr Kimberley. “Younger children might need some help with their research, but try to let them do as much as they can on their own.”

3. Plan the week

Now that you’ve decided on the family fun activities, it’s time to join forces to plan them. Choose the dates and write down a to-do list. Assign tasks to each family member, such as booking the activities, figuring out how to get there, collecting any items that will be needed and packing food. 

“Children will love helping to organise your family fun,” says Dr Kimberley. “As parents, we often do it all ourselves, but our children can actually be a big help to us and it gives them a sense of agency and builds their confidence.”

4. Build anticipation

“Building the excitement in the days and weeks before the big event will make it even more special when it finally comes,” says Dr Kimberley. “Ask your children plenty of questions about what they’re anticipating and contribute your own colourful imaginations and stories.” 

You can also build anticipation by crossing off the days on the calendar and setting various challenges for your children on the day. The more you talk about it, the more eager they’ll be.

5. Get your fun on

There’s only one rule for Family Fun Week: HAVE FUN! Try to set your work obligations and phone aside to be fully present with your family. If everything doesn't go to plan, try to see the humour in the situation.

“It’s not about having a perfect day, but a memorable one,” says Dr Kimberley. “The goal is to bond as a family and encourage each other to laugh about the mistakes and hiccups. No matter what happens, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Now is the time to renew those family relationships after a long year. Enjoy your special time!

Need help? We’re here for you

The Quirky Kid Clinic is a unique place for children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years. We work from the child’s perspective to help them find their own solutions.

If one of your children is struggling to have fun or see the positive side of life, book a session with one of our experienced child psychologists. Taking the first step can be daunting, but we’re here to help.