Since our cottage vacation is this month, I’m dedicating August to all things (my little) family.

It’s not that we don’t go on family outings or do things together, but sometimes a reminder to make a bit of time for one another is needed.

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Related Post: Family Activities – Summer Edition

With the every day rat race that is life – work, school (or day camp), appointments, social engagements (not that we have many) – taking a break to carve out a little together time can be trying to say the least.

So, August is for doing stuff together, eating together, sharing with each other, and making memories. Not each of us eating in a different room of the house and staring at a screen for the most part (not that I’m against screen time).

Here are a few ideas for spending more quality time as a family.

Summer Vacay (though any time of year is good for a holiday).

As I mentioned above, we have our annual trek to the Kawarthas coming soon (there will be a post to follow) and we are totally stoked for this year’s trip. We’re vacationing with the same families we met last year and another family from our home town is coming with us as well.

A holiday that dreams are made of – grown ups we know and love to spend time with, lots of kids (who have played together before) to keep themselves entertained – all on a beautiful lake (hopefully) full of big fish.

Don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to go on an expensive getaway in order to make memories with your family. Try a staycation at home and do a few day trips. Visit the many travels and coupon sites and score a hotel stay with discount tickets to the many attractions in your local area.

Just go for a drive!

Taking a drive on a sunny Sunday afternoon is a great way to explore the area you live. Often, just a half hour of travelling or less can take you to a new town or village. Stop at a conservation area to stretch your legs and have a snack. Feed the ducks and geese at an area park and have a picnic. Be sure to pack a fishing rod or two – you never know when you may encounter a honey hole! Just taking a drive with the family can create lasting memories and may even start a tradition of discovery.

Family game night (or day or weekend)!

Every once in a while we buy a new board game (monopoly was our latest purchase) and our daughter loves to play a game before bed. We have a decent collection going so far and we can add to our collection as we go. The three of us get comfortable on the floor and just play. It doesn’t have to be for very long and we always have fun! Some quality time together and a friendly competition too! Check out some cool games here.

Just sitting and having a chat!

Just the other evening while barbequing supper, we simply sat outside and had a friendly conversation. We were discussing our weekend plans, talking about our upcoming holiday, and enjoying each other’s company! Such an awesome twenty minutes! My husband and I were having a apres work cocktail and just catching up with each other. Our daughter joined us and we really had a good time! So easy and simple!

Cook dinner together, clean the house and go the yard work together, go for a walk around town, fold the laundry together – it doesn’t matter the activity or chose – just do it as a family!

No matter what, we all need to take time to appreciate our families and make lasting memories with our children. Whether it’s a ten minute walk after dinner to talk about each other’s day or a week-long trip to a tropical locale in the dead of our Canadian winter! Just love one another and spend time together.