Activities to Bring Families Closer Together

Family time is about creating moments of connection, laughter and togetherness. For families that span multiple generations — from little kids to older people — finding activities that everyone can enjoy is key to making those moments meaningful. Whether you’re gathering in person or connecting virtually, here are some inclusive activity ideas that prioritize being together and making memories.  

In-Person Activities for the Whole Family

Movie Night at Home  

Create a cozy theater experience right at home. Choose a film everyone will enjoy — whether it’s a nostalgic classic or a new release — and set up comfy seating, snacks, and blankets for a relaxed evening together.  

Cooking or Baking Together  

Prepare a favorite family recipe or try something new! Older loved ones can share their cooking wisdom, guide younger family members, or take part in easy tasks like decorating cookies or assembling ingredients.  

Puzzle and Game Time  

Board games, card games, or working together on a large jigsaw puzzle are great ways to enjoy each other’s company. Look for games that are easy to learn and can be played in teams to ensure everyone is included.  

Arts and Crafts  

Tap into everyone’s creativity with a craft project. You could try making seasonal decorations, scrapbooking, or painting. Arts and crafts are accessible for all ages and abilities, making them a great option for quality family time.  

Indoor Gardening  

Start a small container garden or pot some flowers together. This can be a therapeutic and enjoyable activity for everyone, with options for both physical participation and creative input.  

 
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Virtual Activities for Staying Connected  

Virtual Game Nights  

Use online platforms to play games like trivia, bingo, or interactive drawing games. Many games can be adapted to accommodate all ages and are easy to join from a computer or tablet.  

Story Sharing Sessions  

Set up a video call where family member stake turns sharing stories. Older adults can recount favorite family memories, while younger members can share their latest adventures or read a favorite book.  

Online Cooking Together  

Choose a simple recipe and cook together via video call. Each household can prepare the same dish, creating a sense of shared experience even from afar.  

Photo and Memory Sharing  

Work on a digital photo album or slideshow together. Share photos from the past and present, and let everyone contribute their favorite memories or stories.  

Virtual Tours and Experiences  

Explore museums, zoos, or even national parks through virtual tours. Many organizations offer free or low-cost options, making it easy to “travel” together from the comfort of home.  

Making Holidays Extra Special

Holiday Memory Jar

Create a “memory jar” where each family member writes down a favorite holiday memory or something they’re grateful for. Read them aloud during your gathering to reflect on shared joy and gratitude.

Inclusive Gift-Wrapping Party

Gather to wrap gifts for loved ones or those in need. Set up a comfortable wrapping station where everyone can participate, even if it’s just adding bows or signing cards.

Collaborative Playlists  

Work together to create a family playlist of everyone’s favorite holiday songs. Whether it’s classic tunes or modern hits, music has a way of bringing people together.  

The Power of Togetherness  

At Springwell, we encourage families to gather and spend some quality time together, whether that’s in a resident’s apartment or in our spacious common rooms and dining areas. For what makes any activity special is the simple act of being together. It’s the shared conversations, the laughter, and the time spent side by side that truly matter.  

With these ideas, you can create moments that bring joy, foster connection, and remind everyone that the most important part of family time is simply being there for one another — no matter where that is.