1. Break for Family Dinners.

With today’s busy schedules, many families no longer sit down to eat as a family. Dinner is a great time for everyone to come together and reconnect—even if it’s just a few times a week. The meal can be as simple as takeout pizza on sturdy paper plates or delicious fall-inspired meals you can make in one pan. To get everyone talking, write questions on slips of paper, place in a jar, and let your kids pick one and read aloud.

2. Create Book Covers.

Covering your books was often your first assignment at the start of a new school year. Bring back the tradition by making it a fun craft to do with your kids. Cut paper grocery bags to fit each book and have your kids secure the covers in place using decorative masking tape. Then give them markers and stickers to decorate the covers in their own personal style.

3. Bust Out the Board Games.

Nowadays, kids and adults of all ages are connected to their cell phones—social media, texting, and email prevail. Try giving online time a break and get back to the original face time with a classic board game. There’s nothing that will get kids and adults laughing together like a tenuous game of Jenga, or seeing mom and dad get tangled up with Twister. If you’re up for a real challenge, try making your own all-new family game together! 

4. Get Rollin’.

After a summer away from school friends, it can take a while for kids to reconnect. Make it easier by having a back to school party at a local roller rink. Doing an activity together like roller skating lets them get back to having fun together while trying something new.

5. Make Your Own Mixtapes.

Remember having to hit the “record” button on your tape deck when your favorite song came on the radio? Or maybe you recall the after-school hours spent “burning CDs” for your friends. Either way, teach your little ones the value of a curated playlist. Dedicate an afternoon to making your own digital mixtape for each other or friends, and base it around a certain theme (back to school music, anyone?) You can even turn it into a competition and have family members vote on their favorites!