Decide what kind of fun day
A family fun day can be a small afternoon in the garden or a bigger gathering with relatives and friends. Start by deciding the size, the setting and the ages of the children coming. Then choose a few activities rather than many. If you would like a broader planning framework, our guide to family day planning covers goals, schedules and logistics.
Backyard or park activity stations
Setting up a few stations lets children drift between activities at their own pace.
- Games station: sack races, egg-and-spoon, a ring toss, bean bag throw, giant board games.
- Water play: sponge toss or a water table for older toddlers and up, with an adult always within arm’s reach.
- Building station: cardboard boxes, blocks or tape and tubes for inventing.
- Music corner: shakers and a playlist for dancing.
- Face painting or temporary tattoos: check products are suitable for children’s skin.
Games and challenges for mixed ages
- Scavenger hunts with picture clues for non-readers.
- Team relay races where older children pair with younger ones.
- Treasure hunts with a small prize at the end.
- A family “Olympics” with silly events like sock tossing or balloon-free balancing games.
- Quizzes with questions for different ages.
Keep competition friendly. Team prizes for effort or silliness help everyone feel included.
Creative and calm corners
Not every child enjoys noisy games. Offer a quiet space with drawing, colouring, craft stations, books or a story corner. This also gives babies, toddlers and tired children somewhere to rest.
Organising a family get-together
For extended-family events (and why they matter, see the importance of family gatherings):
- Pick a date and confirm it with the key relatives.
- Share the plan and ask each household to bring something, such as food or a game.
- Check for allergies and dietary needs.
- Plan seating, shade and accessible access for older relatives.
- Choose a simple start and end time, so the day does not drag.
Planning a fun day out
If you would rather go somewhere, choose a place that has facilities for all ages. A park, a farm, a beach or a nature reserve all work. Check opening hours and age guidance, and have a plan for lunch and breaks. For long journeys, our family car ride ideas can make travel part of the fun.
Examples of family events
- A backyard fun day with games and a barbecue
- A picnic with relatives
- A neighbourhood block party
- A birthday or reunion with activity stations (if you are hosting a reunion, our family reunion speech examples can help with welcome words)
- A community or school fun day
- A camp-style day with team names and a theme; see family camp names for inspiration
Food, shade and rest
Offer simple finger foods and plenty of water. Provide shade through trees, gazebos or umbrellas. Plan rest breaks, particularly for young children who may get overtired.
Safety and supervision
- Supervision: name specific adults as watchers rather than assuming everyone is looking. Keep young children in sight at all times.
- Water: never leave babies and toddlers unattended near any water, even shallow paddling pools. Empty them after use.
- Inflatables: if you hire a bouncy castle, follow the supplier’s guidance on age groups, numbers, supervision and weather, and keep older and younger children apart.
- Sun: shade, hats, sunscreen suited to your children’s ages, and regular water.
- Choking hazards: keep balloons, small prizes and loose parts away from young children. Serve foods in safe sizes for little ones and have them sit while eating.
- Allergies: label food and ask guests about allergies.
- First aid: keep a first-aid kit and contact details nearby.
A simple run-through checklist
- Date, time and guest list confirmed
- Activities chosen, with a wet-weather plan
- Food, drinks and allergy notes ready
- Shade, seating and a quiet spot arranged
- Safety checks and adult supervisors assigned
- First-aid kit and phone numbers to hand
- Clean-up plan, so it is not left to one person
Once the day is over, ask what worked and what you would change. That is your head start for next time. For more ideas, see our weekend ideas for family.