As the New Year rolls in, many of us are busy setting personal goals—but what about our families?
It’s easy to catch up in daily life’s rush, leaving the people we love most on the backburner.
Why not make a resolution to deepen those bonds this year? It’s not about perfect family outings or grand gestures but simple moments that bring you closer.
After all, a stronger family foundation isn’t built overnight—it’s created through small, intentional steps that make each day a little more connected and more fulfilling.
So, as you set your resolutions, why not include fun, happy new year resolutions for family – that’ll help everyone thrive?
New Year Resolutions for Families
- Create weird food combinations and taste-test them
- Try a new recipe each month with a family member
- Create a family YouTube channel and post once a week
- Organize a monthly game night with family
- Write a letter or draw a picture for a family member each week
- Start a family service project and volunteer together
- Participate in a community clean-up event together
- Limit screen time and try tech-free activities
- Attend a local event or festival to learn something new
- Take a day trip to somewhere you’ve never been
- Plan a monthly adventure outing with family (hiking, museum trips)
- Compliment a family member each day
- Learn a dance together as a family and perform it
- Start a family book club where everyone reads the same book
- Cook a new recipe together every month
- Create family traditions for special occasions
- Spend less time on the phone and don’t get distracted during interactions
- Say ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’ to everyone
- Practice gratitude, especially at mealtimes
- Drink more water (at least 8 glasses a day!)
- Take a weekly family walk together
- Start a family yoga practice
- Read one book a month out loud as a family
- Visit a new museum or historical site every three months
- Have a family game night once a week
- Host a monthly dinner party
- Volunteer at a local charity once a month
- Start a family recycling program
- Help a neighbor in need
- Put together a family chore chart
- Plan a long family vacation
- Declutter the house together
- Set aside one evening a week for board games, card games, or video games
- Choose a book to read and discuss together
- Set fitness goals and support each other in achieving them
- Have a monthly DIY project
- Make homemade pizza
- Learn to make homemade jams and preserves
- Start a family storytelling night
- Make homemade ice cream
- Meditate together
- Shop for local and organic meat, fruit and vegetables together
- Start a family savings challenge
- Create a family bucket list and start ticking items off
- Organize a family photo shoot once a year
- Build a family tree together
- Make a playlist and have dance parties
- Write letters to each other and read them during family dinners
- Set up a family trivia night with fun questions about each other
- Create a “Kindness Calendar” listing daily acts of kindness
- Create a family motto or slogan
- Have a “yes” day where everyone’s suggestions are accepted
- Have themed dinner nights (like taco night or Italian night)
- A family debate night with fun topics
- Watch documentaries together
- Explore family history and ancestry together
- Hold a family “Shark Tank” style event for business ideas
- Dedicate a spot on the wall for family achievements and milestones
- Make and send holiday cards to friends and family
- Share three things you’re grateful for each day
- Get together to watch a movie marathon
- Start walking, jogging, yoga together
- Eat healthier meals together
- Cut out images and words that represent your goals and desires and create a family vision board
- Plant a tree together
- Cut back on soda and fizzy drinks
- Write down family goals for the year and track your progress
How to Set and Stick to Your Family New Year’s Resolutions
- Involve everyone. Make a family meeting and discuss what everyone wants to accomplish in the new year. It’ll make them feel accountable and in control.
- Set goals together that are specific, measurable, and attainable. For example, set “we’ll eat dinner together as a family three times a week” instead of “we’ll spend more time together.”
- Break big goals down into smaller, manageable ones. Also, track your progress so everyone stays motivated.
- Schedule your time so you can work on your goals. Developing new habits takes consistency.
- Stay on top of your progress and celebrate your wins as a family. You’ll motivate each other together and keep working towards your goals.
- Don’t give up. Be flexible and patient with sticking to your resolutions. Don’t be too hard on yourselves if you slip up. Learn from the mistakes and move forward.
- Involve rewards and activities to make it more fun. This will make everyone more engaged and motivated to reach the resolutions.
Bottom line
Setting New Year’s resolutions doesn’t have to be all about huge goals or strict routines—they can be about creating memories, having fun, and growing closer together.
These New Year resolutions for family call for connection, laughter, and shared experiences.
Choose activities that everyone can enjoy and participate in so everyone can make this a year filled with joy, creativity, and new traditions.
So, gather the family, pick a few (or all!) of these New Year resolution ideas, and get set for an epic year ahead.
