As moms we have a lot on our plates. We are cooks, housekeepers, financial planners, budget keepers, coordinators, wives, taxi drivers, play date planners, cheerleaders, coaches, decorators, maids………and so much more. It can be easy to get caught up in all our duties and run on what I call ‘survival mode’.

It’s so important to remember to have fun together as a family and you don’t have to plan a huge vacation or family outing to do it. Here are 5 simple ways to be a fun family.

1. Be silly: This is the easiest way that you can be fun without trying hard at all!  When you read stories, instead of just reading them, get really into it. Change your voice, use lots of expressions, or even act out the story! Make faces and take pictures on your phone. My kids love this one and laugh like crazy when we show them the pictures.

2. Family Dates: We have a standing lunch date with dad about twice a month.  We pick him up from work and go to the same place every time. Everyone loves this tradition and it’s a nice thing to look forward to. We also try to have other date nights with our kids during the month. It can be watching a family movie and ordering pizza on a friday night, or roasting marshmallows in our backyard.

3. Random Treats: This one gets my kids every time. Sometimes we’ll surprise them with dessert after dinner, or we’ll take them out for ice cream for our date night. Lately, their favorite is getting a big bag of popcorn at Target while I shop. ( Which is a bonus for me because I can shop for WAY longer that way!)

4. Be spontaneous: Kids love it when you do the unexpected. Throw your plans out the window and be spontaneous! Make a fort in your living room on a whim, turn on some music and have a dance party in the kitchen, get on the floor and have a tickle fight! Sometimes it’s the simple, random things that are the best.

5. Get outside: My favorite way to have fun with my family is by getting outside. Right now is the perfect time to go on family adventures. Head up a canyon and look at the fall leaves, find a trail and go for a family walk, find a pond and go throw rocks!

I love having fun and being silly with my family and hopefully this list has got you thinking about ways to have fun with your family. So forget about those dishes and leave the laundry until tomorrow. It’s time to have some fun!