Why Every Family Needs a Fun Menu (And How to Create Yours)

Nov 15

Picture this: You've had one of those weeks where work was relentless, the house felt chaotic, and by Friday evening you realise that the kids have barely seen your face without a screen in front of it.

That's exactly where I found myself a few weeks ago. The kids had gone for a sleepover at their grandparents' house (which they absolutely love), and whilst they were gone, I was hit with that familiar pang of mum guilt. They were building core memories with their grandparents, and our time together that week together had been pretty... well, boring.

I knew we needed a reset. Not just any ordinary Sunday, but a proper reconnection day where the kids felt heard, valued, and most importantly - had some say in how we spent our time together.

Enter: Our Family Fun Menu

Inspired by a moment of "I remember how to have fun," I quickly designed what I now call our Family Fun Menu. It's exactly what it sounds like - a colorful, visual menu of activities that the kids can choose from, just like picking their favorite meal at a restaurant.

I spent about 20 minutes in Canva creating a bright, engaging design with 10 different activity options:

Garden games
Science experiments
Junk art
Bounce on trampoline
Cooking together
Watch a movie
Sandcastles on beach
Playground adventure
Fly kites
Board games

The Big Reveal

I printed out a copy for each child and surprised them in the car on our way home from the grandparents. The excitement was immediate! They spent the entire drive home studying their menus, debating options, and asking questions about each activity.

"Can we really do science experiments?" "What kind of cooking?" "Are we actually going to the beach TODAY?"

How It Works

The rules are beautifully simple:

Each child gets to choose one activity from the menu
We ALL do the chosen activities together as a family
Phones are put away, we're 100% present for each activity
No rushing, we give each activity proper time and attention

That day, one kid chose "junk art" (which turned into an pretty impressive cardboard robot-building session), and the other picked "bounce on trampoline" (cue 30 minutes of competitive dodging of foam balls).

Why This Works So Well

It gives kids control: In a world where adults make most decisions for them, having genuine choice feels empowering. (But you still choose what goes on the menu!)
It eliminates decision fatigue: Instead of the endless "what do you want to do?" back-and-forth, they have clear, doable options.
It guarantees quality time: Each chosen activity gets our full attention - no half-hearted participation while scrolling phones.
It creates anticipation: The visual menu builds excitement before we even start.
It's adaptable: I update our Canva template as the kids grow and interests change.

Making Your Own Family Fun Menu

Creating your own is easier than you think:

Start with your family's interests: What do your kids actually enjoy? If in doubt, ask them. Putting together the fun menu together could be a great activity!
Consider your space and season: Beach activities work great for us, but adapt to your location and weather.
Mix active and quiet options: Balance high-energy activities with calmer alternatives.
Keep it realistic: Only include activities you can actually do (and will actually do) that day or weekend.
Make it visual: Kids respond better to pictures than just text lists.
Update regularly: As kids grow, swap out activities that no longer appeal.

The Unexpected Benefits

What started as a guilt-motivated attempt to create a fun day has become something much more valuable:

The kids feel more heard and valued
We've discovered new family favorites
Weekend planning has become collaborative rather than stressful
We're creating intentional family memories instead of just letting time pass

When to Pull Out the Fun Menu

I keep our menu saved in Canva, edit it and print it out for:

Rainy weekend days when we're stuck inside
School holidays when routine goes out the window
Times when we need to reconnect as a family
Moments when the kids seem particularly restless or disconnected
Celebration days when we want to make things extra special

Making It Work for Different Ages

Our menu reflects activities that work for our kids, but this concept adapts beautifully:

For younger kids: Include more sensory activities, simpler crafts, and shorter duration options.
For older kids: Add more complex projects, longer activities, and options that challenge them.
Mixed ages: Choose activities where everyone can participate at their own level (like cooking - little ones can stir while older ones measure).

The Real Magic

The Fun Menu isn't really about the activities themselves - it's about intentional family time. It's about putting down our phones, stepping away from the endless to-do lists, and being genuinely present with our kids.

It's about showing them that they matter enough for us to stop everything and focus on what brings them joy.

And honestly? It's about giving ourselves permission to be playful again. To bounce on trampolines, to make messy art, to build sandcastles that immediately get stomped on by our kids.

Adulting squashes a lot of fun out of life, it’s great to rediscover how to have fun through kid-led activities.