No dining out, no hanging out and no (real) face time with friends? This June break can hardly be counted as a holiday, if you ask your teens.

But wait – being home during the June holidays can still mean some memorable together-time.

Here are some ways to enjoy the holidays under one roof.

1. “Battle it out” online 

Instead of getting annoyed with your teens for hiding behind a screen all day, join them!

Forget mainstream video call platforms like Zoom or Skype.

Online platforms such as Discord and Houseparty allow for more dynamic interaction.

Both offer built-in multiplayer games for groups to play while catching up virtually.

Users can also create private rooms to prevent outsiders from entering. 

In popular multiplayer deduction game Among Us, players – otherwise known as the crew – have to work together to figure out who The Imposter is. 

Among Us is a multiplayer game that highlights teamwork. Screenshot from Among Us app.

Skribbl.io and Codenames allow for many players in a single game.

Plato and Crazy Games offer a variety of games for those who are easily bored.

Grow Games is an app created by church leaders and is “ministry tested”. There are more than 500 games on offer such as virtual scavenger hunts and charades.

Fun and faith go together on the Grow Games app. Screenshot from Grow Games website.

Or how about throwing a Netflix or Disney Plus watch party? It’s one way to still “invite friends over”.

Laugh and cry over family-friendly Christian movies on  Salt Media, Christian Cinema, Pureflix and Faithlife TV. 

Or start your own family book club – Cru Singapore Media Ministry is offering a 30% discount on six book titles until June 16. 

2. Sweat together

Outdoor time is still allowed for families in the same household under Heightened Alert restrictions.

The National Parks website (NParks) offers a list of more than 30 locations to walk, run or cycle.

Get fresh air and an energy boost when you work out outdoors. Screenshot of Chemperai Trail at Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie Boardwalk) from National Parks website.

They range from the popular cycling location Coney Island Park to the Chemperai Trail at Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie Boardwalk) with tranquil views of the reservoir.

NParks adds that “most trails provide excellent opportunities for spotting large numbers of biodiversity and hundreds of bird species”.

If your family prefers less sun, roll out your mats infront of the TV and turn to YouTube channels Body Praise and Christ Glorified Fitness. 

You can also organise Zoom workouts with groups of friends you miss.

3. Check out what’s trending

Dalgona coffee may be so last-year, but there are lots of old-school, hands-on trends to try at home.

How about growing your own salad or starting a balcony flower patch? Online gardening stores such as The Garden Store, Greenspade and noah garden centre can help you discover your green thumb. 

Beginners can get gardening tips from YouTube channels Epic Gardening and Garden Tips. 

Whether you bomb in the kitchen or create a gastronomic masterpiece, cooking together can make meal times memorable. Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

Foodies can take over the kitchen for gastronomic experiments.

Tasty and The Spruce Eats are just two among many websites with a variety of recipes to choose from. Fancy up your meal by serving it up by candlelight (or lay out your picnic mat on your balcony). 

Prefer making things you can wear? 

YouTube channels Made to Sew and Bella Coco Crochet provide step-by-step videos for beginners.

You also purchase sewing and crocheting materials from websites such as Sew Can She, The Spruce Crafts and Crochet For You or Spotlight. You can even make accessories and outfits for the family pet!

The whole idea is not to be perfect in your projects but to just hang out over a common activity and enjoy one another’s company.

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