Taking time out for family fun can strengthen bonds

There could be good news for the many parents who strive to find the right daily balance as they juggle the demands of work with carpooling kids and teammates to soccer practice twice a week.

While it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's also important for parents to carve out quality family time.

Sharing an evening or afternoon together can be a great opportunity for parents and children to have fun and bond while building lasting family memories.

These ideas can help bring families closer together while having fun.

For 20 minutes, host a family game night. Once a week, set aside an evening to play a game that's fun for both kids and adults.

For an hour of time, get outside and enjoy nature. Outdoor activities, such as hiking, picnicking or taking a trip to a local beach, are not only enjoyable but let kids explore and learn about nature as well as play in a relaxed environment. Collect shells together on the beach, sign up for a family surfing lesson or let the children pack the picnic.

For two hours, visit a historic landmark or museum. Many historical destinations let people re-create elements of life from a past era. Science and history museums may provide hands-on experiences for families and incorporate modern technology to help bring the past to life.

For a day, take a road trip down memory lane. Hit the road and take the children to visit favorite places from the parents' childhood, such as the childhood house, old school, places where parents spent time with their friends. Parents can share favorite stories from when they were young. Keep the kids entertained for the duration of the road trip by bringing along popular travel games.

Quality family time can strengthen the bonds between parents and children of all ages. By setting aside time each week for games or new adventures, parents and kids can create lasting memories together and become much closer in the process.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.