Fall is in the air with cooler weather and the colors of outdoors changing. This time of year is a great time to take your family on a picnic and make some great memories which will last a lifetime. Memories your children will cherish, because you made time to be with them. As you plan your next picnic, review this list of possible things to do:
1. Play a game of freeze tag or hide and seek
Children love to run and play with their parents. Make sure the area is safe and the boundaries are explained and understood. Always practice safety.
2. Find different types and colors of leaves
Children are in school and at some point in time will have to turn in a leaf collection. Take the time to help them start with you as their partner.
3. Sing Songs
Take a guitar with you and, if you play, sing funny songs, kids songs, and hymns. If you do not play an instrument, just burst out in song. This will no doubt bring about some laughter.
4. Walk around the park talking about life issues
Taking time to walk and enjoy nature may also open the door for conversations to feel more natural. Everyone may be relaxed, ready, willing and able to talk about life issues.
5. Go fishing
Life is so hectic and seems so rushed. Fishing helps us to slow down with family, relax, talk, enjoy a lunch and, most importantly, build stronger family bonds.
6. Play a board game on the blanket
Bring your favorite board games and build a stronger relationship with family. If you are highly competitive, you may want to change the rules to make it more fun and less about winning.
7. People watch
Watch other individuals and families – how they act and react to others. Use this as a time to intentionally talk about right and wrong behaviors. Spend time talking about how you want your family to be and how you can get there.
8. Have a water balloon fight
Children love water and love seeing other people get wet. Before the picnic, secretively make a cooler of water balloons. Then after the picnic, surprise them with an aerial assault.
9. Fly a kite
Make a picnic lunch together as a family, stop by the store and purchase a kite for everyone, then find a park or open field to fly your kites together.
10. Pray before you eat your lunch
Thank God for all He has done for your family. This is one of the most important things you can do on a picnic. Thank the One who has created the great outdoors, blessed you with a family, and the freedom to enjoy time together.
This weekend we will ____ as a family!