Think lasting memories need a fat wallet? Think again. Multigenerational hangouts—where toddlers to teenagers, parents to grandparents, all come together—don’t need to cost much. You can create moments to cherish forever that fit everyone’s needs (yes, even Grandpa with his walking frame or Auntie Jean zipping around on her mobility scooter).
Whether you’re planning a regular weekend meet-up or trying to squeeze more oomph into your family gatherings, we’ve got 10 thrilling, budget-savvy ideas to bring everyone together.
1. Host a DIY Pizza Party
Who doesn’t love pizza? Roll out some dough (or cheat with store-bought bases), set up a topping bar with sauces, cheese, and fun toppings (pineapple lovers, we see you), and get everyone involved.
Grandparents can share their artful pizza-assembling tips while the kids get messy creating quirky “masterpieces.” Bonus? Everyone gets to eat their own creation.
Cost estimate? Less than a takeaway, and way more fun.
2. Go Treasure Hunting with a DIY Scavenger Hunt
Create clues, hide “treasures” around the house, garden, or even the local park, and split the family into teams. Kids love the thrill of the search, and adults (especially competitive ones) will adore outsmarting each other.
Don’t forget the grandparents! Map out routes that are suitable for family members using mobility aids such as mobility scooters.
Low-Cost Fun
You only need paper clues and small trinkets for prizes. Bonus points for handwritten “certificates” for categories like “Best Teamwork” or “Most Creative Solution.”
3. Plan a Home Cinema Night
Transform your living room into a cosy theatre. Grab a few cushions, blankets, and fairy lights for ambience, and pop some corn for that authentic cinema feel. The hardest part? Picking the movie everyone will agree on!
Not a popcorn fan? Bake cookies as a group before the movie starts—the smell alone will have the entire family swooning.
Accessibility hack? Make sure seating is comfy for all, whether that’s the sofa or a recliner.
4. Farmers’ Market Adventure
Visiting a farmers’ market equals exploring fresh produce, baked goodies, and local crafts while racking up those steps!
Assign older family members as “shopping consultants” while the kids scout weird and wonderful fruits you’ve never heard of. Afterwards, you can cook up a family feast with your finds.
Tip
Bring a foldable stool or a rollator for anyone who may need breaks from walking. The fresh air and vibrant atmosphere can be enjoyable for everyone!
5. Cook the Family Recipe Book Together
You KNOW Granny’s lasagne turns hearts and wins wars (or maybe it’s Uncle Bill’s epic chilli?). Gather around and host a cooking session where every generation gets involved, and nobody leaves until they’ve contributed a stirring hand or a valuable tale about “the time your Dad burnt the gravy”.
Budget Bonus
Most family recipes rely on staples you have in your cupboards. Plus, you leave with bellies AND hearts full.
6. Family Video Archives Day
Pull out old family photos and videos for a nostalgic blast from the past. Dig into embarrassing outfits, hilarious haircuts, and priceless memories, inspiring laughter across all generations (including that specific kind of laugh from teens who “can’t believe you wore that”).
7. Arts & Crafts Extravaganza
Get creative with a crafting session. Think painting, making handmade cards, or even knitting. Not only is crafting relaxing, but everyone leaves with something they made themselves!
Grandparents can teach traditional skills like needlework, while younger family members can show off their finger-painting flair.
Affordable crafting demos? Think toilet roll penguins, anyone?
8. Gardening Day
Dig into the garden together to plant flowers, vegetables, or even design a fairy garden corner for the kids. Gardening is a beautiful way to bond and gives fun long-term rewards (imagine picking tomatoes together next season!).
Not everyone can get “hands dirty”? Assign watering to young helpers or leaf-sweeping duties to teens. There’s a role for every green thumb in the family!
9. Board Game Championship
Rainy day? No worries—pull out the board games for a little family competition. From Scrabble to Monopoly to simple card games, there’s something for everyone. Create a leaderboard to spice it up—and if you want to include prizes, keep it silly! Think “Best Poker Face” or “Most Likely to Flip Over a Monopoly Board.”
Got elderly family members less mobile? Card games, crossword puzzles, and team-based trivia work wonders for everyone seated comfortably.
10. Local Park Picnic & Games
There’s magic in a simple picnic. Pack homemade sandwiches, chips, and drinks, throw in a frisbee or a football, and hit the local park.
Older family members can enjoy the serenity of the outdoors while sitting on foldable chairs or scooters with canopies. Meanwhile, the younger ones burn energy with games while everyone enjoys great food and even better company.
Don’t forget dessert—hello, cupcakes!
Budget Family Bonding
When it comes to spending time together, it isn’t the size of your budget that counts—it’s the size of your laughs and the time spent together. Multigenerational families can create incredible moments, even on limited funds, by focusing on what truly matters—connection, understanding, and creating space for everyone to have fun.
Cassia Rowley is the mastermind behind advertising at The Bad Pod. She blends creativity with strategy to make sure ads on our site do more than just show up—they spark interest and make connections. Cassia turns simple ad placements into engaging experiences that mesh seamlessly with our content, truly capturing the attention of our audience.