Quality time with family is one of the most precious gifts that life has to offer. With that said, it is not always easy to find the best things to do together when everyone’s schedules manage to align. If you have been trying to think of some fun and new ways to enjoy family time, consider these ideas. 

1. Play Some Pickleball

Although you may not have heard of it, pickleball is a fun and interesting sport that is becoming increasingly popular. Not only is it super fun to play on a team or with friends, but it can also be a great activity to do with your family members. Great for all different ages, pickleball only requires minimal equipment. After you buy Paddletek pickleball paddles and a ball, all you need to do is find a court or set one up. 
2. Cook and Share Dinner
Another way to spend quality time together is by cooking with your family at dinner time. If your schedule does not work for dinner, however, breakfast or lunch can also work. Cooking and eating together are two activities that have always brought people closer together. Plus, cooked meals are usually healthier than eating out as well as much cheaper.

3. Fix Things Together
Take a look around your home. Do you have anything that is broken that is lying around until you can get around to fixing it? If so, then this can be another great activity for spending quality time with your loved ones. Whether you repair a broken chair, sew a button on a shirt or rewire a faulty light, fixing things like this with family can be a great bonding and learning experience. 

4. Play Boardgames
When was the last time that you played a board game? This is another great option for spending quality time with your family. Depending on each person’s interests, there are many different types of games to choose from. Given the popularity of modern technology such as cell phones, taking time to disconnect with a traditional board game can be good for your mind as well as your social skills.

5. Take After-Dinner Walks
What do you and your family usually do after dinner? If you are like many households in the United States, there is a solid chance that you relax around the television or each person goes about his or her own night to attend to whatever he or she needs to do. What if you changed this around though? A better idea that can incorporate quality time is taking after-dinner walks together. It is also good for your health!

6. Read Together
If you or your family members enjoy reading stories and talking about books, you could also try reading together. For families with small children, nighttime reading traditions are common, but you can also practice family reading with your children as they get older, too. For example, each family member can get a copy of the same chapter book, and then you can set a date for everyone to come together to talk about it. You can also set time aside each day to read around each other.

7. Share Family Stories
How often do you ask your parents or grandparents about family stories? Aunts, uncles and cousins can also be great sources of interesting, funny and otherwise worthwhile tales about your family history. Talk to your family and try to learn as much about your family history and stories as possible. Most families have at least a couple of stories that are worth writing down. It is likely that you do, too!

8. Go Hiking
If you and your family members enjoy being outdoors, you could also take a family hiking trip somewhere that is in the middle of nature. Doing this can be a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and just appreciate existing with the people closest to you. Depending on your preferences and ability levels, there are numerous hiking options available. 

With these ideas in mind, which sounds best for your family? Talking to your family members can be a good way to decide among these and brainstorm other ideas, too.