20 family traditions to strengthen bonds and treasure forever

Family traditions are an important part of building a sense of identity for your little clan. Building that fabric is more important than ever in the fast-paced, constantly connected world we live in today. Family and tradition are always top priorities, but it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and miss out on opportunities to connect with your loved ones.

Here, we break down some of the most common family traditions many people use to strengthen their bonds and family values.

1. Enjoy family game nights

Family game nights can be a great way to bring the whole family together for some fun. Whether you want to play a more competitive board game like Monopoly or a cooperative game like Pandemic, the important thing is that you're spending time together. 

2. Choose a community service project to foster values

One of the best ways to foster your family values is to express gratitude. Actions speak louder than words, so putting your values into action by working on a community service project together is a great way to build stronger bonds.

3. Have a shared experience with family movie nights

Everybody always has something going on, right? Well, get the clan together to take one night off a week (or month) to sit down for family movie night. Rotate who gets to pick the movie so everybody feels included.

4. Read a bedtime story

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Reading to your kids is one of the simplest ways to improve their verbal and reading skills, but it also creates a fun family tradition for everyone. As the kids get older, start reading more challenging books.

5. Try camping with the whole family

Nothing brings people together like the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking or kayaking to a campsite or just pitching a tent in the backyard, there are loads of fun camping activities you can add to your family traditions.

6. Go fruit picking

Apple picking in the fall, berry picking in the summer — picking fruit is a great way to get outside together. And when you get home, it's time to work together to whip up something delicious with your pickings.

7. Share family meals

One of the easiest, and best, family traditions is to just eat together. It's not always possible to do it every night, but try to sit down for a meal together at least a few times every week and catch up on what's happening in one another's lives.

8. Create a secret handshake

Your family bond is unlike any other, so making it feel more exclusive by creating a secret handshake can be a fun little activity just between your immediate family members.

9. Choose a day to be pizza night

Who doesn’t love pizza? Kids love it because it tastes delicious; parents love it because they don't have to cook. Everybody could use a break from meal planning and cooking dinner from time to time, and a standing pizza-night family tradition is a great way to do it.

10. Start a gratitude jar

It's important for your family to practice gratitude. Creating a gratitude jar to collect things you're thankful for is a great gratitude activity for kids.

11. Make a family scrapbook

You've created these special memories and family traditions. Now it's time to document them! A family scrapbook is a great collaborative activity that can celebrate your family bond.

12. Host a family talent show

Who's the best singer? Who's the best dancer? Who can do something really weird with their tongue? A family talent show can be silly, and it's a great opportunity to share a laugh together.

13. Pass down recipes and cooking traditions

Family traditions go beyond nuclear relationships. Celebrate previous generations by passing down recipes and Thanksgiving traditions that have been in your family since before the kids were born.

14. Have weekly family meetings

Family meetings don't have to be daunting. They're just a great way to touch base with everyone in the family. Ask about what's going on at school and with the kids' friends, and don't be afraid to share details about your life, too.

15. Throw a family dance party

Having a dance party is a great way to shake off some energy, but it's also an opportunity for everyone in the family to share their favorite music.

16. Visit the same restaurant to re-create good experiences

If you all love a certain restaurant, keep going back to build new and lasting memories there. Maybe you'll even get to know the owner!

17. Have show-and-tell night

A show-and-tell night is a great family tradition for young kids to show you what they're excited about and give you insight into what's going on in their imaginations.

18. Do a 'yes' day

Many parents take their kids out of school for mental health days from time to time. If you do, consider making it a "yes" day and just say "yes" to whatever the kids want to do. You'll be surprised by how many good ideas they have.

19. Schedule parent-child 'dates'

In families with multiple kids, it can be hard to give everyone equal attention. That's why it's important to schedule "dates" with each of your kids from time to time to make sure they feel fully seen.

20. Start a breakfast-for-dinner tradition day

Breakfast for dinner — or "brinner" — is a silly way to mix things up a bit. Doing a brinner once a month is a great chance for kids to help with the cooking and bring the whole family together in the kitchen.

Discover more resources and ideas to enhance your family life

These family tradition examples are a great start, but if you need more ideas to bring the family closer, check out Greenlight's Learning Center.