Are you at a loss for what activities to do with your family during your family photo or video Session in Calgary?
Documentary Family Sessions are a huge favorite of mine. Days in the Life, and my shorter family sessions. Usually will take place in your home, or at least partially in your home, because your home plays very a big role in your family! During a short, 2 hour session, it’s so important that you choose some activities to do with your family, to keep everyone interacting and busy. I encourage you to pick some activities that are comfortable for you and something that would be fun for your family. Whether it’s something you always do, or something new, pick activities that will keep you together and interacting a lot.
Important note: Don’t pick too many activities for your family! I suggest picking two activities, then have a few backup activities ready if needed.
For longer days, it’s nice to just go about your regular day with maybe a few general activity or location plans. When I’m with you for many hours, I have a lot more time to find these moments organically. I strongly encourage families to turn off/put away any screens during our sessions to help eliminate any distractions, even if it is a big part of your life.
I have thrown together a fun list below with some examples to help you come up with activity ideas. I really look forward to documenting your day!
IN YOUR HOME
1. Cooking/Baking with kids helping
2. Making coffee
3. Tea party
4. Family Tradition
5. Bath time
6. Getting ready/dressed
7. Unsupervised children
8. Building Forts
9. Kids making food on their own meal/snacks
10. Family art project
11. Balloons
12. Cardboard Boxes
13. Paper Airplane Competition
14. Make your own Pizza/Sandwich/Sundae Bar
15. Pumpkin carving
16. Gingerbread house
17. Decorating cookies
IN THE BACKYARD
18. Sprinklers
19. Mud pies
20. Sidewalk Chalk
21. Backyard Fire
22. Gardening
23. Bubbles
24. Ice Cream Cones
25. Water/Snowball Fight
26. Balls (beach ball, bocce ball, football etc)
27. Trampoline
28. Popsicles/Freezies
29. Hopscotch
ON AN ADVENTURE
30. Go for a walk to a special spot
31. Puddle jumping
32. Heading to a local shop (candy, toy, coffee, lunch, ice cream…just get permission ahead of time!)
33. Local Fair, Event or Farmers Market
34. Picking Berries
35. Picnic
36. Camping
37. Fishing
38. Pool Party
39. Going to your cabin
40. Flying Kites
41. Sandcastles
42. Hula hoop Competition
43. Petting zoo
44. Scooters/Skateboards
45. Hiking
46. Apple picking
47. Horseback Riding
48. Finding and/or Decorating your Christmas Tree
49. Ice skating
50. Sledding
Did that help? Did this list give you any new ideas? What are some things that you love to do with your family in Calgary or the mountains that I might have missed on this list? Would you like to see what a full family session looks like? HERE is a family film (my obsession), and HERE is a full family photo session.