How to Make Any Family Gathering with Friends Fun (Rain or Shine!)

Finding time for a family getaway can be particularly hard when you are juggling packed schedules and never-ending to-do lists. But here is the thing, you don’t need a big fancy vacation or a long weekend away to create meaningful memories with each other. Many of the best memories often arise from spontaneous moments in our lives. From a round of board games to a scavenger hunt in the backyard, there are tons of fun things to do with friends and family without going far.

At Stelle, we believe in supporting families at all angles, that includes the simple, everyday joy of play. Whether you're planning a rainy family day at home or gathering everyone for a summer weekend, here are fun, low-stress family gathering ideas that everyone can enjoy.

What are Some Home-Friendly Activities to Do With Kids?

If the weather isn’t cooperating or you are just in the mood to stay indoors, there are so many entertaining things to do with friends and family right from the comfort of your living room! How can it get better than that? Check it out:

Host a Game Night (with a twist)

A classic favorite, game night with family party games becomes even more fun with a little creativity. Instead of just picking a game and playing, give it a theme! Maybe it’s “PJs & Pancakes” night, where everyone plays in their coziest pajamas and you have breakfast-for-dinner. Or spin a wheel to decide which game you play! And if there is a little leftover time, consider ending the night with a movie for the whole family.

Family Party Games to Try:

• Twister: Great for getting the wiggles out!

• Monopoly: A competitive classic that brings out everyone’s strategy side.

• Catan: Perfect for older kids or teens who love a good challenge.

• Sushi Go: Quick, on trend, and fun for all ages.

Turn Your Kitchen into a Science Lab

A science experiment can be both an exhilarating and educational experience. Tons of STEM activities can be done at home, in the kitchen, and with common household ingredients like baking soda, dish soap, and food coloring. It’s the perfect way to sneak in learning on a rainy family day indoors.

Family Fun Science Experiments:

• Mini Volcano: Combine baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy, colorful eruption that kids love.

• Color Explosion: Watch a colorful chemical reaction by mixing baking soda and vinegar with food coloring. 

• DIY Lava Lamp: Layer oil, water, and food coloring, then add a fizzy tablet to make your own glowing lamp.

• Homemade Slime: Mix up a batch of ooey-gooey slime and explore the world of polymers and viscosity. It’s hands-on, squishy fun that kids can’t get enough of!

Create a Vision Board Together

Gather around the table, pull out those old magazines, markers, and glue sticks to craft your very first family vision board. Let everyone cut and paste images or words that represent their hopes, goals, or big ideas for the months ahead. It’s an activity that lets you see what is important to each other, make connections, and deepen bonds. 

Inspiring Family Vision Board Ideas:

• Places you want to travel together

• Things you want to try as a family (baking, gardening, volunteering)

• Words or values you want to focus on (kindness, adventure, teamwork)

• Dream activities or bucket list goals

More Ideas for Indoor Fun

Still looking for more inspiration? We’ve got you covered. Our blog on fun things to do with friends and kids at home is packed with boredom-busting activities for every kind of family gathering.

What are Some Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities?

Getting outside is one of the simplest (and most fun!) ways to shake up your family’s routine. No screens, no distractions, just sunshine and time together. Here are a few ideas on things to do with friends and family outdoors:

Backyard Olympics

Get ready to turn your backyard into a mini sports arena! (Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be fancy!) Choose simple, highly rated challenges like egg on a spoon races, frisbee games, or water balloon relays. The Kids will have a blast running around, laughing, and getting a little competitive (and so will you!). This is especially great for family party games at reunions or birthday parties. 

Backyard Game Ideas to Try:

• Three-Legged Race: Perfect for teamwork and lots of laughs.

• Obstacle Course: Use pool noodles, cones, and hula hoops, or whatever you have lying around!

• Tug-of-War: Classic and easy to set up with a sturdy rope.

Weekend Getaways & Camping

If you are looking to get away for a little while, a weekend getaway or camping trip can be the perfect place for a family gathering. Keep it simple and stress-free by packing easy meals, bringing extra blankets (and marshmallows), and a few board games to keep spirits high. 

Pro tip: Stelle’s vacation outfits are comfy enough for travel and stylish enough for a photo op, especially our easy-to-pack dresses and breathable activewear for girls.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunts 

Exploring the outdoors is even more fun when there's a goal in mind. You can turn any nature walk into a game with a scavenger hunt. Make your own list or download a printable one, and get ready to discover the little things all around you.

Scavenger Hunt Ideas to Try:

• Nature Hunt: Spot things like a feather, a red leaf, or a squirrel—great for younger kids!

• Color Hunt: Challenge everyone to find something in every color of the rainbow.

• Photo Scavenger Hunt: Give kids a camera or phone to snap pics of their finds.

Bonus Activity: Get artsy! Use the items you found or photos you took as inspiration to paint or draw when you get home. It’s a fun way to reflect on what everyone discovered and keep the creativity going indoors.

What’s the Secret to Stress-Free Family Fun?

Family fun doesn’t always go smoothly. Someone gets bored, someone else wants to quit, and the snacks run out too soon. But with a few smart tips, your next family gathering or game night can become a tradition everyone looks forward to:

• Rotate activities: Keep a list of favorite games and try a new one each week to avoid burnout and keep things exciting.

• Let everyone help plan: Have each family member join in by choosing the game, snacks, or music. Even young children should be encouraged to make decisions. 

• Keep it simple and flexible: Sometimes the best games come from a scrap of paper and a good laugh. Focus on fun, not perfection.

Your Everyday Moments Matter Most

The most memorable family moments often come from the simplest activities, whether it’s a spontaneous game night, a kitchen science experiment, or a backyard adventure. No matter the season or setting, what matters most is making space for each other to come together.

At Stelle, we’re here to support you through all of it with comfortable, stylish clothing and inspiration for every kind of family day. Looking for more things to do with friends and family?

Explore our blog for even more family-friendly tips, creative ideas, and activity guides to keep the little ones happy and busy!