---
title: Five Ways to Create Family Time Nights
description: Setting aside a night when the family participates in shared activities will help you and your child maintain a bond as they become more independent.
---

[Child Care Blog | Horizon Education Centers ](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog)

# [Five Ways to Create Family Time Nights](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/349798/Five-Ways-to-Create-Family-Time-Nights)

 Written by [David Smith](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/author/david-smith) | Mon, Jul 14, 2014 @ 12:30 PM

The family bonds that you create while your children are young provide a sturdy foundation for weathering the more turbulent middle school and teen years. Setting aside a special night when the family can come together to participate in shared activities can strengthen family bonds, reinforce mutual respect and encourage open parent-child communication -- all things that will help you and your child maintain your bond as your child becomes more independent.

### Scheduling Family Time

Everyone needs to commit to being there for family time. Some families set aside the same day or evening of the week (often a weekend) for family time. Other families, schedule family time weekly. Just make sure you get it on the calendar.

### What Do You Want to Accomplish?

Family time need not require a major excursion or financial outlay. A family trip to the zoo, museum or a local festival makes a nice treat; but more mundane activities are equally effective. **Look for activities that:**

• allow all members of the family, from [toddlers](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/toddler-care/) to teens, to participate;

• encourage interaction, listening and discussion between family members;

• create an opportunity for parents and children to work or play together; and

• are fun!

### Family Activities to Try

**Try a few of these family time ideas from our [Horizon Education staff](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/about-us/):**

• Plan and cook a meal together.

• Go on a picnic.

• Play active outdoor games like baseball or tag.

• Play creative group games like charades or Pictionary.

• Build a model plane or backyard fort.

• Plant and care for a garden.

• Go for a walk and stop for ice cream.

**Let your children help choose activities. Family time ideas are only limited by your imagination.**

[View full post](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/349798/Five-Ways-to-Create-Family-Time-Nights)

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