This summer in Austin, a great way to spend your time off is by participating in some family bonding. If you aren’t very close with your family, then being in a new city together is the perfect time to work on your relationship with your familial unit. If you are in need of some ideas, All My Sons is here to help! We would like to offer you some cute and quirky ways to have some family bonding in Austin.

• Play board games in the park. Grab a deck of cards, Monopoly, Battleship, and any other sources of entertainment that have long been your favorites, and invite your family to join you. You can set up a picnic blanket in a grassy area under the shade, and you can spend the day together. This activity is so simple and quaint that it is often overlooked; however, there is something to be said about getting fresh air and exercising the brain simultaneously. Add your family into the equation, and you have yourself a rather positive, enriching experience.

• Host a family barbecue. Assign various tasks to each member of the family so that everyone feels involved. For example, one child can be in charge of setting the table, while another can help you cook the meat. Designating jobs to everyone evokes a sense of purpose and importance, and you will witness how people in the family rise to the occasion when they feel valued.

• Write each other letters. This is a great way for you and your family to express your sentiments to each other, and to slowly grow closer. Besides, here at All My Sons we believe there is something antiquated and lovely about letter writing, but call us old-fashioned if you’d like!