The new year always seems to bring up the need for resolution, change, or the desire to become better in some way. Setting a new pace as a family for the upcoming year can be even more refreshing, especially after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
This year, rather than coming up with ways to be your better self, be intentional as a family and set some goals in a fun and meaningful way.
Here are 4 impactful activities to try with your family in the new year.
1. Choose a Family Word of the Year
One New Year tradition many people follow is choosing a word of the year. Similar to setting resolutions, this word of the year acts as a catalyst for change. Who do you want to be this year? What is your motivator? How will you make an impact on the world?
Rather than choosing a word as an individual, try choosing a word of the year for your entire family. This activity will challenge you as a family to come up with a word, or an intention, to strive for every day of the year. It further challenges you all to pursue it as a family unit.
To choose a word, brainstorm together ideas about how you see the year going. Write everything down; there are no bad ideas. Then, narrow down the list based on your values and desires.
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- Does your family want to be more adventurous?
- Do you need more family time and balance this year?
- Do you all want to be closer as a family?
- Does your family want to strive to be more positive in the new year?
Consider these questions and more, then come up with your list. Your family word can be as fun or serious as you’d like it to be. Here are some examples to get the creative juices flowing:
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- Simplify
- Gratitude
- Balance
- Mindful
- Kindness
- Play
- Explore
- Encourage
- Patience
2. Find Ways to Give Back
We often think of giving back during the holiday season. While it’s generous to give food, toys, or clothing during the holiday season, these needs exist in our communities throughout the entire year.
Consider choosing an organization this year to give back to consistently. Find a cause your family is passionate about and get involved. This is a great way to teach your children about kindness, empathy, and generosity.
Show your kids how to give back by donating gently used items to those in need, volunteering at a local non-profit, or serving others in your community. Here are some ideas of how to volunteer with your kids:
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- Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
- Organize a food drive.
- Write and send cards to Veterans or nursing homes.
- Foster a pet in your home.
- Join a fundraising walk or 5K.
- Make care packages for the homeless.
- Make gifts for children in the hospital.
3. Travel Somewhere New
The world is your oyster, as the saying goes. Traveling at a young age can open a child’s eyes to the world and different cultures around them. Seeing people of different color, hearing different languages or dialects, tasting different foods than what they are used to can all benefit the development of your child. Plus, these experiences create open-mindedness to try new things later in life.
Whether you travel a few hours down the road or take a trip across the sea, be inspired to find time this year to visit somewhere your family has never been. Experiencing new places together can build a deeper bond between your family and create memories your child will relish for a lifetime.
Need inspiration for places to visit with your little ones? Here are some places we recommend:
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- Washington, DC – White House, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian National Museum
- Denver, CO – Denver Zoo, Children’s Museum of Denver, Butterfly Pavilion
- Williamsburg, VA – Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown Settlement, Busch Gardens
- New York City, NY – Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, September 11th Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge
- Atlanta, GA – Centennial Olympic Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Site, Zoo Atlanta (the only place in the U.S. to see panda bears!)
- Rome, Italy – The Colosseum, the Pantheon, pyramids
4. Try a New Experience
Along with traveling, trying new experiences as a family is an exciting way to bond and create memories. What are some things you’ve wanted to try? What fun ideas will get your kids out of their comfort zones? Make a list and check something off each month or come up with one big adventure to try together.
Kids love to try new things, and it helps build their self-esteem. Choose experiences along with your child and allow them to brainstorm with you.
Here are some ideas to get started:
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- Fishing.
- Camping.
- Plan a hike and pack a picnic lunch.
- Run a 5K.
- Try out for local theater (or just catch a show!).
- Learn a new instrument.
- Ziplining.
- Go snorkeling.
- Go on a theme park ride.
- Take a flight.
- Make homemade ice cream.
- Try yoga.
Feeling inspired? We hope as you go into the new year, you’ll consider ways to grow closer as a family and try new and fun experiences along the way. May your year be filled with much joy and happiness.
