1 – Pull out the old photo albums and share memories of your past and the special people you shared them with. Maybe focus on one album or one person per gathering. Let each family member rotate in choosing a favorite snack to enjoy together.
2 – If you still have a slide projector (and/or movie projector) OR if you have converted these memories to DVD/digital, pop up some popcorn and share fun stories together tonight.
3 – Declare an upcoming game night at least once a week. Rhino The Game® is a favorite choice for many families because of the engaging nature of the game and the wide age range and play levels available. Kids will often hone their skills during daytime play so that they may more readily win during the next game night. Check out the Rhino Ginger Snaps recipe at rhinothegame.com “Game Night” link along with other game night ideas.
4 – Listen to age/content appropriate audio books together as a family (suggested one hour duration per session) and discuss favorite portions of the reading while enjoying favorite fruits together.
5 – If an older adult (such as grandparents) live with you, have them share stories from a particular phase of their past (maybe high school, military, courtship, first work experiences) and share a favorite dessert of this special person.
6 – Plan a family hike. This could occur in a local park or even in your neighborhood. Today, for example, we enjoyed the antics of a pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) right in our neighborhood! Emphasis topics could include special plants/flowers, animals, geology, or birding, for example, and end with a family picnic and story time sharing special experiences of each person.
7- Pick a new subject that the whole family can explore and learn about. May we suggest the Conservation link at rhinothegame.com. There are many fun and fact filled links related to rhinoceros species and efforts to preserve these magnificent animals for future generations to enjoy. You may want to follow-up in other family activity sessions with the other Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, and Cape Buffalo). Research making a doable snack or dessert found in a culture surrounding the selected animal’s habitat.