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.