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We have all heard to “give your children experiences instead of things.” I have created a list of 6 Family Traditions that my family has started. It’s changed our world. It’s helped make our family stronger, closer and we are creating magical memories that will last a lifetime.

As a family we spend hours, days, months and years together, but sometimes we need to add something special. Adding something special to an ordinary day will bring your family closer and create amazing memories. Family traditions are a perfect way to stay connected no matter how old your children are. These will also help your family reconnect in many ways as you spend quality time together.

I love when the kids ask, is it movie day? What science experiment are we going to do? Are we going anywhere special? It really lets me know that they look forward to these traditions.

Family Dinner Night with a Fun Name

We have all heard of “Taco Tuesday”, so why not pick other fun names for dinner nights. Here are some examples “Mystery Monday” (have dinner be a surprise) “Spaghetti Saturday” “Pizza Friday”. In this world today everyone has busy schedules, but try to pick one night a week at to have dinner as a family at the table. This is a great time to be technology free (even the adults), learn about each others day, and share fun or tough moments from the day. I am truly blessed because my husband works from home and our family has the opportunity to eat dinner together every night.

Movie with a Special Snack as a Family

Pick a day and time that works for you and enjoy a movie together. Our special movie snack is popcorn with M & M’s. Honestly my son ask every other day if it’s movie day and if he can have popcorn with M & M’s. He loves it so much. Sit together on the couch or put blankets down and snuggle on the floor or have a drive in movie outside. Another time to be technology free, except for that adorable picture that you have to take.

Enjoying Nature Together as a Family

Go to parks in your area, join a nature club, go hiking, bike riding, fishing, boating, picnic or plant a garden together. Enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer. We love going to the local nature club and the events they sponsor. During summer time we love our butterfly garden.

Science, Art or Building Project Together as a Family

As a family create together, build together or do a science experiment! The look on your children’s faces as magical things happen before their eyes are priceless. At Christmas time, we make gingerbread houses together. For St. Patrick’s Day we build a leprechaun trap, someday we are going to get that leprechaun.

We have done many science activities, but this is a list of our favorite STEM activities .

For building, my family loves LEGOS! They love covering the table with them and making cool stuff.

Start Giving Your Family Experiences Twice a Month

It’s fun to do something different and go to new places. Try to go out twice a month and do something fun. Look for websites in your area that our for families and that share local events and happenings to go to. Taking a picnic to a new park is a great experience and it’s free. It doesn’t have to be big and amazing. Easy and simple work the best sometimes. Sporting events are a fun experience too. If you live by a college, college games are cheaper to go to and give the same experience.

Don’t break the bank with these experiences, try to find free festivals, free family events or events at your local library. Another great thing to do is buy family memberships for places your family enjoys and go to the most, such as the zoo or children’s museum or amusement park. Have fun this summer with the Family Summer Bucket List to enjoy the summer. Make the time to make memories!

Creating Family Traditions for the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year and children bring that magic to the holidays. Create special traditions that your children and family look forward to every year. They can be traditions you do at home, like baking a special dessert, hanging a special decoration.

For Easter we go on the Bunny Train and it’s an eggcellent time. They get to meet the Easter Bunny, go on an egg hunt and ride the train. For the month of November, each night at dinner we say what we are thankful for. For the 4th of July we always go the same parade and have a family squirt gun fight. In the fall we do so many fun things, these are our favorite Spooky & Fun Family Activities . Creating these traditions will be memories and experiences your children will always remember. Someday I hope they will pass these traditions on to their children.

Have you found a new tradition to start with your family? It’s a wonderful way to create a strong family base, strong relationships with your children and spouse, and give your children magical and memorable experiences to remember for a life time.