Finding time in your busy schedule is tough, but quality time with family can strengthen your bonds and develop common interests that will last for years to come. Look around you for ideas that are inexpensive and enjoyable. Take note of what your family likes to do. If you have babies or toddlers, start them early and it will always be a part of what your family does. If your children are older, plan activities together.

Daily Activities
Often you find yourself rushed and short on time. Pick a daily activity that your family can share each day. Is everyone there at breakfast time? Then start a breakfast mealtime ritual. Make it a priority that your family eats breakfast together most days.It may take some getting used to but the more you do it, the easier it will become. Soon it will be part of your ritual. Dinner may work better for you or plan 15 minutes before bed each night to sit and catch up with each other about your days. Read or tell stories as a family or do a scrapbook page each night as a family. Play a quick video game together on the Wii. It's not so much the activity but the reaching out and connecting with one another each day that strengthens family bonds.

Outdoor Activities
Does your family enjoy nature or sports? You will find many inexpensive activities to do outdoors. Hike a nature trail or take a bike ride around your neighborhood with your family. Go to an empty ball field and play football or Wiffle Ball. Throw the Frisbee around or head to the tennis courts. Take your dog for a walk with your family or just run around the backyard together.
To prevent boredom, have each family member choose an activity each month and write it on a piece of paper. Place all the ideas in a hat and choose one. This outing will help your family try new things. Be open to all family members' ideas and try something at least once before you decide you don't like it.

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Activities at Home
Does your family enjoy being at home? If you have a patio or deck, plan a barbeque for your family to attend one weekend a month. Try new foods, roast marshmallows and finish with an evening of stargazing or catching fireflies. Plan a camping trip in your own backyard. Pitch a tent, tell scary stories, sing songs and snuggle together.

Movie nights can include a movie suitable for the entire family, pizza, soda and snacks. Include a family slumber party in the living room. For families who enjoy board games, set aside a family game night each week. For families with younger kids and older kids, start off the evening with age appropriate games for the younger children. After they go to bed, challenge your older kids to a game of Monopoly or a similar game.

Vacations
Plan a vacation once a year. This can be a week-long excursion or a long weekend but try to keep it consistent each year. Wherever you decide to go, plan each day with a fun activity. This will limit boredom and the feeling of being overcrowded if you are staying in a smaller rental than the home you are used to sleeping in. Go out to dinner, eat on the beach, fly kites and go swimming. Ride the go-carts at the boardwalk, play miniature golf, go to an outdoor concert or watch the fireworks. The ideas are endless. Research your vacation spot weeks before your arrival. Make any necessary reservations so you don't miss out on the fun.