With kids on break from school, and lots of people working from home, there is an abundance of time to spend with the fam. With so much time, it can feel like there are not enough activities to fill the hours, but not to worry, Shea Homes® is here to help. Try one (or all) of these boredom busters.
Movie Marathon: These are always a good idea, but especially now that you can find almost anything on various streaming services, and if you can’t, it can surely be bought online to watch. Also, movies that would normally require a trip to the theaters are commonly popping up for purchase right at home, and often for less than it would cost to take a family to see it. Find your favorite series, or just pick a theme to stick to, and you’re set. If you aren’t worried about sugar overload, go grab some of your favorite movie snacks and settle in. With Shea Homes’ large living rooms, there is ample space to spread out and binge away the day.
Go to the Zoo: For most people, going to the Zoo in the middle of winter break wouldn’t exactly be an ideal trip, but you know winter in Phoenix is a different story. Located in Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo is a perfect family excursion. The zoo has over 4,000 animals across 400 different species, so you’ll be sure to see some of your favorites. Around the holidays, the zoo also offers ZooLights, so consider sticking around until the sun goes down to get the full experience.
Make a Family Scrapbook: Back in the old days (AKA like 20 years ago), disposable cameras were a staple at family gatherings, and you’d have to go and print out the picture before you really knew how it turned out. Now, with digital cameras and smartphones, we have thousands of photos sitting in their pocket. Luckily, photos cost a mere $.09 to print at some stores, so you can get quite a few photos for your scrapbook under $20. This is a cheap and hands-on activity that the whole family can participate in, and one that will be a treasured keepsake for many years to come.
Take a Hike: With so many great hikes in the valley, it is certain that there is one for the whole family just a short drive from you. Multiple Shea communities are set right at the base of mountain preserves, giving your family easy access for a day out. With some snacks and plenty of water (even in the winter!), a hike can be an enjoyable way to spend quality time with the family. Take advantage of the cool weather, which allows for hiking all day, and doesn’t require getting up at the crack of dawn.
Bake Cookies: Can’t leave out a classic. Be it snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, peanut butter… okay now we are just dreaming of cookies. This is a great activity to get the kids involved and have a delicious treat at the end of it all. With just a few simple ingredients, you can be up and baking a fresh batch of cookies. Consider pairing this with the movie night for a combo everyone will enjoy.
Feel free to comment and share what activities are your family favorites during the holidays!