Fun Family Traditions You'll Love for Years

Kelly R. said:  We bring out The Red Plate whenever we have something to celebrate, and the special person gets to use it. I love using it not only for birthdays, but also to recognize smaller celebrations: moving up a level on the swim team, getting a part in the school play, losing a tooth, etc.

Alexandra F. said:  Volunteering in our community was something that was important to my husband and me before we had kids, and so we wanted to incorporate into our family life as much as possible once the little ones came along. It took a while for us to find local places to volunteer with kids, but once we did, it became an especially meaningful family tradition - especially during the holidays. Even during the pandemic, we were able to find ways to volunteer from home, which helped us feel connected to our larger community during an otherwise isolating time.

Kelly R. said:  We have really enjoyed prioritizing one-on-one time with our kids in the form of parent/child "dates." My husband and I each take one of our kids and plan some special time together. It doesn't have to be complicated...a trip to Starbucks or a simple spa night at home have been big hits!

NoName said:  You can compile a list of the things kids need for their fist day of school and then let them search around the house for the items. It's a fun way to help them get ready and excited for starting school, especially if it's their first time. The scavenger hunt could be used for any occasion or holiday.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  My kids and I celebrate the first day of spring each year with free water ice at Rita's. We go no matter the weather (one year it was snowing!) and the kids and I always have a blast ushering in spring with a special treat!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  When my kids were toddlers, I would plan at-home parties on rainy days. We'd do obstacle courses, set up a picnic lunch on a blanket, play games, bake and read books. If it was stormy or cloudy/dark outside, we'd have glow stick/light shows where we'd wave around colorful glow sticks and the kids loved to see what they could create in the air!

Ana Reyes said:  I recommend a bike ride once a week or once a month. Kids love it and it is a good way to stay active.

Alexandra F. said:  Halloween is such a kid-favorite holiday that it's fun to create special family traditions around it, and one of our all-time favorites is the family Halloween costume! Though we don't do it every year, if the kids' costume preferences any given year allow for it, we look for opportunities to all get involved in the fun. Some years we've planned our family costumes well in advance and others we've DIYed it at last minute, but they always end up being some of our favorite memories (and pictures!) from the year.

Agreatmom2! said:  Whomever birthday it is, we either make their favorite dessert or buy it to celebrate their special day. We truly enjoy this every year. (I.e. Banana pudding cheesecake, lava cake, ice cream cake, etc.)