Families build stronger relationships when they spend time learning, talking and having fun together. The Activities section offers engaging, hands-on resources that encourage conversation, build healthy habits and create meaningful opportunities for connection.
Whether it's a five-minute coloring activity, a month-long family challenge or a seasonal project, these resources make it easy for families to turn everyday moments into lasting memories.
Ways professionals can use Activities
During appointments or home visits
Use simple activities to create a relaxed environment and encourage conversation between caregivers and children.
Examples
- Coloring pages while discussing emotions
- Conversation cards during family meetings
- Mindfulness exercises before difficult conversations
- Gratitude activities to encourage positive reflection
Support family engagement programs
Incorporate activities into:
- Parent education classes
- Family engagement nights
- Community events
- Library programs
- After-school activities
- Youth groups
Choose one activity families can complete together during the event and encourage them to continue at home.
Create take-home activity kits
Send families home with an activity they can complete together.
Ideas include:
- Weekend family challenge
- Conversation starter cards
- Seasonal activity sheets
- Gratitude journal pages
- Mindfulness exercises
- Family connection calendars
Celebrate the seasons
Use seasonal activities throughout the year to keep families engaged.
Ideas include:
- Summer connection challenges
- Back-to-school activities
- Holiday kindness calendars
- Winter wellness ideas
- Spring family projects
Engage families at community events
Activities are perfect for:
- Health fairs
- School open houses
- Community celebrations
- Library events
- Parenting conferences
- Public health outreach
Interactive activities encourage participation while introducing families to Parents Lead resources they can continue using at home.
Why activities work
Children and caregivers learn best when they're actively engaged together. Interactive experiences make it easier to practice new skills, strengthen relationships and build healthy habits that last beyond a single conversation.
Activities help families:
- Turn learning into shared experiences.
- Create meaningful opportunities for conversation.
- Build stronger family relationships through quality time.
- Reinforce healthy behaviors in fun, memorable ways.
- Continue learning together long after an appointment or event.