It can be extremely hard trying to figure out what to do on a Sunday afternoon. Personally, I suffer from something my household calls the "Sunday blues." It's when I'm too preoccupied with the thought of work on Monday that I don't end up using Sunday to its fullest.
Yet, to those who suffer from the Sunday blues, there's also a fear of planning something too intense. You don't want to use the day to host a lot of out-of-state friends, nor do you want to make a big trip somewhere with your family. Coming home later than expected can throw off the rest of your day and make Monday even more dreadful.
That's why it's important to brainstorm a bunch of fun, easy activities for a dull Sunday in advance. Here are 10 great opportunities that'll give your Sunday even more purpose.
1. Explore Local Outdoor Parks or Small Attractions
You don't need to live in a big city to enjoy culture. Oftentimes, your hometown will have fun little museums or play areas for kids. Sometimes, there are small parks nearby you might have never discovered before. If you're completely clueless — or simply new to the area — it may be worth it to google "fun things to do with kids" along with the name of your hometown. You might discover a few local gems you've never known about.
2. Go to a Craft Store
There's something really eye-opening about going to a store like Michaels. It'll inspire you to create, whether it's a large painting or a small beaded necklace. Let a craft store serve as your inspiration. You can give your kids a "craft budget" to find something fun to make, or decide on one big craft that the family can complete together. For the record, stringing together beads to make friendship bracelets is a relaxing activity for both kids and adults.
3. Check Out the Mall
When was the last time you went to the mall? Plenty of malls that are active are taking a ton of safety precautions, meaning that they're a good option to check out. Look up the mall directory before you go, and plan your trip in advance. Even if you don't end up buying anything, you'll get in a good workout while spending the day with your family.
4. Visit a Petting Zoo
Petting zoos can be both fun and educational — and they offer a great opportunity for your younger children to see cows, goats, and sheep up close and personal. Since most petting zoos are outside, they are also a relatively safe activity that'll help your family get some fresh air.
5. Rent a Movie
With so much streaming these days, it's possible that you and your family haven't rented a movie in a long time. Going to a Redbox is a great way to feel like the event is a special one. Popping some popcorn and turning your living room into a movie theater is another way to make your kids appreciate the afternoon.
6. Prep an Elaborate Meal Together
It's easy for weekday meals to be a little lacking sometimes — who has time to make a dinner that's delicious, healthy, and kid-friendly? Make Sunday the day you all work together to create a meal. Kids will have an easier time eating food they've helped prepare, and it's also a great way for them to learn a little about kitchen basics. There are always small tasks that kids can help with.
7. Find a New Neighborhood for a Family Walk
Taking walks outside together is a great way to bond with your family while getting some exercise. To make things fun, drive to a neighborhood you've always wanted to check out. Neighborhoods with a cul-de-sac are often a lot of fun to walk or bike around. Another great idea is to check out Main Street in the town next to yours. It may contain a lot of fun local shops you never knew about.
8. Sit Down and Write Letters
When was the last time that you sat down and wrote someone a letter? It's a dying art, but it's very important — and it's a great way to support the postal service. Write a letter to someone you haven't seen in some time. If your children are learning how to write, have them pen a letter to a friend or a cousin. You can make this activity extra fun by letting your kids design their envelopes with colors and stickers.
9. Create Your Own Board Game
Do you like board games but feel a bit tired of the ones you have at home? Why not create your own? Making your own board game can be as simple as renaming some of the properties on a Monopoly board to make them more personalized. But if your family gets really creative, who knows what you might make up?
10. Look for Family Volunteering Activities
Volunteering is always one of the best uses of your time. What's better than helping your community? Look for some good volunteer opportunities to apply to, and see if you can make volunteering a regular Sunday activity for your family. It'd be great to find openings together as a family, but older kids should be encouraged to go off on their own and find organizations that personally mean something to them.
