Weekends are so precious, especially when you’re a busy working mum juggling a million things during the week. Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and everything else in between, Monday to Friday can feel like a blur of chaos. That’s why I cherish my weekends—they’re my chance to slow down, spend quality time with my family, and recharge. Whether it’s a fun day out with the kids, a quick workout, or even just a quiet moment to myself, I try to make the most of it. Those little moments of joy and connection are what keep me going for the week ahead!

If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your weekends, you’re in the right place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to turning your weekends into the ultimate blend of fun, productivity, and relaxation.

Planning Your Perfect Weekend

A great weekend starts with a little bit of planning. Aim to strike the right balance between activities and downtime. Consider what your family enjoys and try to incorporate a mix of outdoor adventures, cosy indoor moments, and opportunities for creativity.

It can also help to block out specific times for activities so you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed. For example, set aside Saturday morning for an outdoor outing, Saturday evening for family movie night, and Sunday afternoon for some light housekeeping or gardening.

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget to build flexibility into your plans. Weekends should feel energising—not like another item on your to-do list!

Family-Friendly Outings

The best way to start your weekend? Get everyone out of the house and enjoy some fresh air! Outdoor activities are not just fun—they also encourage physical exercise and help everyone unplug from their screens.

Some family-friendly outing ideas include:

• Visiting a local park for a picnic or letting the kids run wild on the playground.
• Exploring a nearby hiking trail for a light adventure (perfect for spotting wildlife and snapping family photos!).
• Heading to a farmers’ market to enjoy fresh produce and local treats.
• Trying out a new sport or activity together, like roller skating, mini golf, or even rock climbing.
• Going on a bike ride together, whether it’s around your neighbourhood or through a scenic trail..
• Trying out geocaching, an outdoor treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers. This is a great way to explore new areas and get some exercise while having fun as a family.
• Visiting a local zoo or aquarium to learn about different animals and their habitats.
• Planning a day trip to the beach or lake for swimming, building sandcastles, and soaking up some sun.

Relaxing at Home

After an eventful morning, it’s time to unwind with some quality family time at home. This could simply mean curling up on the couch for a movie marathon or getting creative with arts and crafts projects. Here are some more ideas for relaxing activities at home:

• Building a fort with blankets and pillows and having a cosy indoor picnic.
• Baking cookies or a cake together and decorating them with your kids.
• Playing board games or card games that the whole family can enjoy.
• Planting a small herb garden or creating a terrarium as a fun and educational activity for kids.
• Having a family game night, complete with snacks, prizes, and lots of laughter.

Cosy Family Movie Night

After a busy week, nothing feels better than snuggling up on the sofa for a home movie night. Themed nights or movie marathons can add an extra layer of excitement. Think superhero sagas, classic Disney animations, or family-friendly comedies.

Make it extra cosy with blankets, cushions, and your family’s favourite snacks. Top tip from a busy working mum like me—prepare the snacks earlier in the day so you don’t have to rush around the kitchen last minute!

Gaming Session

Weekends are the perfect time to unwind with a bit of friendly competition. A family games night brings everyone together, regardless of age. Mix it up with a combination of board games, card games, or video games that everyone can enjoy.

Here are some go-to options:

• Board Games: Classics like Monopoly or Scrabble, or newer favourites like Ticket to Ride and Codenames.
• Card Games: Uno, Exploding Kittens, or a simple deck of cards for endless possibilities.
• Video Games: Family-friendly favourites like Mario Kart or Just Dance that encourage laughter and interaction.

Don’t be afraid to go all out with a scoreboard to crown the weekend champion!

Creative Family Projects

Inject some creativity into your weekend with DIY or crafting projects. The options are endless and can be tailored to your family’s interests. Younger kids might enjoy simple crafts like painting or making homemade cards, while older children and adults can get stuck into more ambitious projects like building a birdhouse, decorating their bedroom or upcycling furniture.

Not only do these activities offer a break from screens, but they also encourage teamwork and provide a sense of accomplishment once the project is complete.

Staying Active

Staying active as a family strengthens bonds while keeping everyone healthy. Whether you’re venturing out for some physical activity or sweating it out in your garden, there’s something for everyone.

Popular choices include:.

• A friendly garden sports match, like football or badminton.
• A yoga session that’s perfect for relaxing and improving flexibility. Cosmic Kids is a gerat YouTube kids friendly yoga you can do together.
• Having a family dance party to get your hearts pumping and put a smile on everyone’s faces.
• Doing an at-home workout together, whether it’s following an online video or creating your own circuit.
• Taking turns choosing new outdoor activities to try, like frisbee golf, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right activities, it becomes quality time spent together.

Self-Care and Relaxation

Parents, take note—weekends are not just for family time. They’re also a chance to prioritise your own needs. Block out a couple of hours for self-care to recharge after a hectic week.

Relaxing activities could include:

• Reading a new book or catching up on your favourite podcast.
• Meditating or enjoying deep breathing exercises for some mental clarity.
• Indulging in a long, warm bath with candles and calming music.

Consider setting aside time for a meal out with friends/dates—a little adult time can go a long way in restoring balance.

Adult Time

Speaking of adult time, don’t forget to plan a break from the hustle. Whether it’s a romantic date night with your partner, a fun evening out with friends, or even just sipping your morning coffee in peace, carving out time for yourself is essential.

For parents, hiring a trusted babysitter for a couple of hours allows space for a meal out or a relaxed evening without interruptions. It’s no secret that relationships require effort and nurturing, and this is especially true for couples with children. It can be easy to get caught up in the busy routine of family life, leaving little time for quality one-on-one time with your partner. This is why it’s important to make an effort to connect on a deeper level outside of parenting duties.

Similarly, for single individuals, it’s important to prioritise connecting with adult friends for some much-needed socialising and relaxation. This could mean planning a night out at a nice restaurant or trying out new experiences together.

Life is about balance, and weekends are the perfect opportunity to find yours.

Household Chores and Gardening

Finally, don’t overlook the importance of staying on top of your home during the weekend. Though not the most glamorous activity, involving the whole family can make it fun and productive.

Ideas include:

• Tackling housework as a team—assign everyone a task like vacuuming, dusting, or tidying up. Turn the radio up and dance and sing as you go.
• Spending time in the garden planting flowers, pulling weeds, or cleaning patio furniture.
• Washing the car together—add a little music, and watch the task turn into a joyful family moment!

Not only does this teach kids responsibility, but it also ensures the house is clean and organised for the week ahead.

Sample Weekend Routine

Friday

• Evening: Date night or adult outing, with a trusted babysitter taking care of the kids.

Saturday:

• Morning: A healthy breakfast followed by a family cycling trip.
• Afternoon: Time for a creative DIY project.
• Evening: A themed movie marathon complemented by homemade popcorn.

Sunday:

• Morning: A relaxed breakfast and board games in the living room.
• Afternoon: A trip to a nature trail for hiking, followed by a family-prepared dinner or a meal out at a place like Square Meal.
• Evening: A wind-down with self-care or light reading.

Wrapping It Up

Optimising your weekends doesn’t mean cramming every moment with activities. Instead, it’s about finding time for the things that matter—whether it’s exploring the outdoors, laughing over a games night, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

No matter how busy your week gets, dedicating time to family bonding, personal rejuvenation, and simple joys can leave you refreshed and ready to take on Monday.

What’s your go-to weekend activity? Share your ideas in the comments below—I’d love to hear!