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I consider one of my roles in our family to be Chief Fun Officer. Honestly, it’s a job my wife excels at as well — I just want to steal that cool sounding title for myself. Between work, school schedules, and the endless to-do list that comes with raising four kids, I’ve realized it’s way too easy for fun to get pushed to the sidelines. And the truth is, if we’re not intentional about planning fun, it simply doesn’t happen. So I’ve made it part of my unofficial parenting mission to find small, low-effort ways to sprinkle fun back into our everyday life.
Some of my favorite family memories aren’t from vacations or big events, but from the goofy, spontaneous things we’ve done at home or around our neighborhood — the kind of fun that doesn’t take much planning but sticks with you for years. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for these “mini-adventures,” little bursts of fun that break up the ordinary and give our family a reason to laugh together. Here’s my running list of ideas, most of which we’ve tested ourselves, and a few that are on our to-try list. If you’re looking for a way to make family life just a bit more playful, I hope these spark something for you too.
Have a backwards dinner party
Why not shake up dinner in a way your kids will talk about for years? For one night only, turn the meal upside down — starting with dessert and working your way backwards to the appetizer. Let the kids help plan the menu, and the crazier their ideas, the better. Maybe it’s ice cream sundaes followed by pizza bagels and a final course of carrot sticks and dip. You can even eat dinner backwards too — sit under the table, eat with your non-dominant hand, or wear your clothes backwards. It’s goofy, it’s messy, and it’s exactly the kind of dinner everyone will remember.
Turn your living room into a blanket fort village
If your kids love building forts, why stop at just one? Push all the furniture aside and create a whole village of connected forts, tunnels, and hideouts. Use sheets, blankets, clothespins, and pillows to build a masterpiece. Add in some twinkle lights or flashlights for ambiance. Once it’s built, move in for the evening — bring snacks, play games, or even eat dinner inside. If you’re feeling bold, make it a full-on sleepover adventure where the whole family camps in the fort village all night long.
Go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt
There’s something about turning an ordinary walk into a full-blown treasure hunt that instantly makes it more exciting. Before you head out, make a list of things to find — a red door, a dog in a window, a basketball hoop, a garden gnome. You can work together or split into teams to see who can find them all first. This mini-adventure costs nothing, works in any neighborhood, and can even become a monthly tradition where the list changes with the seasons.
Host a family Olympics in your backyard
Olympic glory is closer than you think — it’s right in your backyard (or living room, if weather isn’t on your side). Create 6-8 goofy events like hula hoop contests, three-legged races, or who can balance a spoon on their nose the longest. Make some homemade medals (foil-covered cardboard works great) and hold an over-the-top awards ceremony complete with speeches and music. The best part? Each family member can invent an event, making sure everyone gets to showcase their special talent — whether it’s hopping on one foot or telling the best joke.
Go on a nighttime flashlight walk
A walk you’ve done a hundred times suddenly feels like an adventure when you do it after dark. Hand out flashlights or glow sticks and set out into the night. Everything looks a little different, sounds a little spookier, and feels a little more magical. Play “I Spy,” search for stars, or make up stories about the houses you pass. If your neighborhood has safe walking paths, this can even turn into a regular Friday night tradition your kids look forward to.
Create a “mystery destination” road trip
Even the most ordinary place feels exciting when you keep it a surprise. Pick a fun destination (a new playground, an ice cream shop across town, or a quirky roadside attraction) and drop cryptic clues as you drive. You could even make each clue a challenge they have to complete to earn the next one — like solving a riddle or singing a song. The sense of mystery and the anticipation make the trip just as much fun as the actual destination.
Have a random act of kindness adventure
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that make someone else’s day brighter. Sit down as a family and brainstorm simple, fun ways to spread kindness. It could be taping quarters to vending machines, leaving uplifting sidewalk chalk messages, or dropping off cookies at a fire station. Set a goal — maybe completing 5 or 10 kind acts in a day — and make it your mission to race around town spreading cheer. It’s a heartwarming way to teach kids that being kind can be an adventure all on its own.
Invent your own family holiday
Why wait for an official holiday when you can make your own? Choose a random date and give it a name, like “Waffle Hat Day” or “Superhero Sandwich Night.” Plan everything around your silly theme — the food, the games, even the clothes you wear. The more ridiculous the better. Over time, these custom family holidays become your own quirky traditions, filled with inside jokes and memories you’ll laugh about for years.
Play tourist in your own town
Most of us don’t realize how much fun is hiding right in our own backyard. Pick a day and pretend you’re visiting your town for the first time. Check out a local museum, hike a trail you’ve never tried, or eat at a diner you always drive past but never visit. Create a “family passport” where everyone gets a stamp at each stop, and collect photos along the way. The best part? No long drives or travel costs — just a fresh perspective on the place you call home.
Host a DIY drive-in movie night
Movie nights hit differently when you take them outside. Set up a projector if you have one (or just bring a laptop onto a table) and create a cozy outdoor theater with blankets, pillows, and snacks. Let the kids design tickets, pick the movie, and even run a pretend concession stand. For younger kids, grab some big cardboard boxes and let them decorate their own “cars” to sit in during the show. With a little creativity, your driveway becomes the coolest theater in town.
