Weekend Family Activities You Can Do With Kids at Home

As parents, weekends often become a juggling act. Between catching up on chores, grocery runs, and a long to-do list, it can feel like there’s little energy left to plan meaningful family time. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget, complicated plans, or even a trip outside your home to create memorable experiences with your children.

I believe weekends are a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect, and support our children’s development. Here are some simple, developmentally supportive activities you can enjoy with toddlers and young kids right from home.

Cooking Together at Counter Height

For toddlers and preschoolers, everyday tasks like helping in the kitchen are the best form of early education. Measuring flour, rinsing veggies, or stirring pancake batter might seem small, but these actions strengthen fine motor skills, build coordination, and spark conversations about healthy eating.

To make this safe and engaging, many parents use a learning tower so children can safely reach the counter. From there, you can let them pour, mix, and even plate food with a sense of independence. The Montessori philosophy reminds us that children want to participate in real-life tasks, not just pretend play. A Saturday morning breakfast can be the perfect chance to foster that independence while creating warm family traditions.

Indoor Obstacle Course

Young kids have boundless energy, and weekends are the perfect time to give them an outlet. You don’t need fancy equipment to create a playful obstacle course in your living room or basement.

• Use cushions to hop across “islands”

• Create tunnels with chairs and blankets

• Roll a ball between obstacles for a timed challenge

If you happen to have a play gym or balance beam, that can add even more fun and help children practice gross motor skills. This kind of activity supports balance, coordination, and confidence, all while keeping kids active (and hopefully ready for a nap afterwards!).

Montessori-Inspired Practical Life Tasks

One of the most overlooked weekend activities is simply involving kids in daily routines. Montessori teaching emphasizes practical life, things like watering plants, sorting laundry, or setting the table.

• Toddlers can carry napkins or match socks

• Preschoolers can sweep with a child-sized broom

• Older kids can help measure soap for the washing machine

It may take a little longer, but these tasks help children build responsibility and pride in their contributions. You’ll also be surprised at how much joy they find in these little moments of independence.

Further Reading: 10 Easy & Age-Appropriate Chores Toddlers Can Do

Family Art and Creativity Station

Art is not just for “crafty kids.” Creative play supports emotional expression, fine motor control, and problem-solving. Gather some washable paints, markers, recycled cardboard, or playdough, and set up a family art station at the kitchen table.

Let children choose their own tools and projects, rather than giving step-by-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions:

• “What does this remind you of?”

• “How would you like to use these colors?”

For toddlers, finger painting or stamping with sponges is ideal. For older children, collages or building models out of recyclables can keep their attention for longer stretches.

Storytime Adventures

Reading together is a timeless weekend activity, but you can make it more interactive:

• Act out characters with silly voices

• Ask your child to guess what happens next

• Encourage toddlers to point out objects in the pictures
  
  

For older kids, create a mini “family library” corner where they can choose which books to read. This not only strengthens literacy skills but also promotes independence.

Music and Movement

Children thrive when music becomes part of their daily lives. Put on a favorite playlist and encourage dancing, clapping to the beat, or using simple homemade instruments (like rice in a jar as a shaker).

Movement paired with rhythm supports coordination, memory, and even early math skills. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to release stress and bond as a family.

Cozy Family Movie Night

Not every weekend activity needs to be high energy. Sometimes, slowing down together is exactly what children (and parents!) need. A family movie night can become a ritual of connection.

• Let kids help set up the space with blankets and pillows

• Offer healthy snacks they can prepare themselves (like fruit skewers)

• For toddlers, keep the movie short or choose simple, colorful shows with songs

• For older children, pick films that spark conversation about kindness, problem-solving, or family values

Montessori-inspired parenting reminds us that children absorb the world around them. By choosing stories with meaningful lessons and involving them in the preparation, you’re turning a cozy evening into a chance for both relaxation and learning.

Why Our Furniture Can Help Support These Activities

At Mommy’s Little Helper Co., we design furniture with these very moments in mind. Our learning towers make kitchen time safe and empowering, while our play furniture gives children a chance to challenge their bodies in confidence-building ways.

As a Canadian mom who started this company with my own kids in mind, I know that parenting can feel overwhelming at times. But when we create spaces and tools that welcome children into our daily lives, weekends become less about “keeping them busy” and more about nurturing growth, laughter, and connection.

You can explore our full collection today to find heirloom-quality pieces designed to support your child’s independence, creativity, and play. Shop now.