Tag: family fun night

25 Staycation Ideas for a Holiday Weekend

Holiday weekends do not automatically require travel. Staying close to home may be more relaxing than heading out into holiday traffic. Consider the following ideas for fun close to home.

25 Staycation Ideas for a Holiday Weekend

  1. Go hiking
  2. Have a picnic
  3. Host a movie night
  4. Host a game night
  5. Go to the bookstore
  6. Read the book
  7. Have a BBQ
  8. Go to the local park
  9. Attend a free outdoor concert
  10. Have a BBQ
  11. Try a new recipe
  12. Cook a family meal with your children
  13. Bake cookies
  14. Host a craft day
  15. Visit your parent, grandparents or elderly relatives
  16. Volunteer
  17. Spend the afternoon at the beach
  18. Host a bonfire
  19. Be a tourist in your own town
  20. Go to the local Farmer’s Market
  21. Have a girl’s night
  22. Go to the movies
  23. Go to a wine tasting
  24. Find a family event
  25. Do nothing

Whatever you decide to do to celebrate the 3-day holiday weekend, enjoy your time with family and friends.

 

Celebrating Harry Potter’s Birthday

I am a full believer in celebrating life. Small celebrations bring lasting memories. Every day our daily schedules and commitments keep us busy. Enjoying little moments is a necessity. For fans of the Harry Potter series, myself included, today, July 31st represents the fictional character, Harry Potter’s birthday. Along with Harry, J.K. Rowling celebrates her birthday today too.

In the book, Rubeus Hagrid provides Harry with a birthday cake on his 11th birthday. The simple scene from the Keeper of the Keys immediately ushers us into the magical world of Harry Potter. Why not incorporate his birthday into a family fun night? Or invite your friends for some magical fun.

  • Consider making a quick birthday cake as a special dessert treat.
  • Gather the family or friends around to watch the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
  • Make wands.
  • Eat chocolate frogs.
  • Create your own owl, cat, or toad.
  • Have special snacks or cook an entire meal based on the Wizarding World’s cuisine.
  • Make magical themed crafts.

    Melt pony beads on old pizza pans to create large Harry Potter inspired sun catchers.
  • Need a quieter activity, reread the Harry Potter series or listen to the audio versions.

In a couple weeks, school, homework, sports and enforced bedtime routines will be part of your already full schedule. Take a moment to enjoy the little things and celebrate “The Boy Who Lived”.

Reference:

Rowling, J. K., Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. London: Bloomsbury Children’s, 1997.