Unique National Family Day Ideas for Your Backyard in Toronto

These days, it seems harder and harder to get quality time just with the family. Between work time, school time, and regular activities, getting together with the family can be a challenge. But with opportunities like National Family Day, the chance to get together just got more realistic. The fact is, connecting with family is so important – and the long-term benefits are countless.

National Family Day - right in your backyard

Playing board games with the family (with or without refreshments) has a great many benefits. Beyond the fun and competition, children actually want to spend quality time with parents and siblings. And during National Family Day, there’s value in playing board games together. By experts, playing board games is considered “experiential learning”, even if the games aren’t necessarily educational in nature. The benefit, of course, is that our brains are getting a workout – and that includes rationalizing, or strategizing, and executing. What could be any better? Hard to believe, but playing board games can actually help young people to enhance their self-confidence and their self-esteem. More than that, family collaboration encourages personal interaction and often enhances communication skills. Children of all ages benefit greatly.

Spending quality time in the backyard hot tub

If you’re fortunate enough to have a hot tub, National Family Day provides a great opportunity for everyone to take a serious break and "unplug". It’s simply a great way to engage personally, to talk one-on-one, and to enjoy genuine family time (without any of the electronic distractions). Nothing quite compares with family time in a hot tub (again - with or without refreshments). It’s the ideal time to catch up with everyone, without having to check email, pay attention to the cell phone, or keep one eye on the TV. There’s a lot to be said for having an “electronic-free” zone. Child education professionals assert that children learn directly from family example. It means that family activities like hot tubbing have an actual impact on future social behaviors. And that includes everyone from extended family, to work-related associates, to personal friends.

How about a family backyard picnic or BBQ?

Perhaps because it’s so commonplace, we seem to take the family BBQ somewhat for granted. Truth is, a backyard picnic or BBQ is arguably one of the best activities throughout the summer. Naturally, its about the food and drink, but its also about connecting with family and friends. For North Americans, there's something special about grilling and cooking outside, even if it’s not a typical camping experience. And here, National Family Day is the perfect excuse to call together family and friends on a weekend afternoon and evening. Who doesn’t like to be invited to that? You can also turn that traditional BBQ into a backyard picnic. It’s just one more way to enjoy each other’s company and connect one-on-one. Overall, whether you’re gathering on the patio deck, in the hot tub, or spread out on the grass – nothing comes close to the intimacy of family interaction.