Family connections
Resources for parents
Family connections build brighter futures
Just one meal a week makes a difference!
Eating meals as a family can make a big difference in our lives. Kids who have regular family meals make healthier food choices, feel closer to their families, show signs of stronger vocabulary development, and do better in school.
Utah youth who eat at least one meal a week with their family are:
- 45% less likely to feel depressed.
- 70% less likely to vape.
- 54% less likely to consider suicide.
Start small—connection grows from consistency. Start with a few meals a week that work for everyone’s schedule. Learn more at sharp.utah.gov.
Connection makes a difference, no matter your age!
Kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from strong families. Positive, supportive, and warm social connections help us live longer, healthier lives. Family connections can help us manage stress, improve our mental and emotional well-being, and boost our self-confidence.
- People who feel like they belong in their community are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health than people who don't. (Holt-Lunstad, et al, 2010)
- Knowing 6 or more of your neighbors reduces the likelihood of feeling lonely and is linked to lower depression, social anxiety, and financial concerns. (Nextdoor KIND Challenge)
Sources: U.S. Surgeon General Social Connection, Family Relationships and Well-Being, Strengthening Families, Social Relationships and Health, CDC
Kids who get too much screen time may not learn important skills or reach developmental milestones as quickly!
Turn off all screens during meals and family outings.
Don’t let kids have screens in their bedrooms.
Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums.
Try not to use screens 1 hour before bedtime.
It may take longer for your child to fall asleep or they may not sleep as well if they watch TV or use a phone or tablet right before bed.
Turn off the TV and other devices when you’re not using them.
This will limit distractions and help your child focus on what they’re doing.
Start a timer when you start screen time.
Have another activity ready for your child to do when screen time ends.
Learn about parental controls and limit your own screen use around children to model healthy screen habits.
Connect with your family
What you do in your home and with your family matters—to your kids and to our communities. Positive, supportive, and warm social connections help us live longer, healthier lives. Strong family connections provide the foundation for children to thrive.
Take time to connect with your family and neighbors during Family Connection Week, June 9 to June 15.
Outdoor adventures
Float a local river:
Rent tubes, kayaks, or paddleboards and float down a family-friendly river near you. Options include the Provo River in northern Utah, the Weber River in the Wasatch region, or the Sevier River near Marysvale in Central Utah. Always check for safety conditions and designated access points.
Fishing together:
Head to a nearby reservoir, lake, or community pond in your area, like Willard Bay, Jordanelle, Strawberry, Panguitch Lake, or Blanding’s Rec Pond. Utah’s Free Fishing Day (Saturday, June 7) is a great opportunity with no license required. Check out wildlife.utah.gov for details and a list of fishing locations.
Fly Fishing Clinic in Richfield (Saturday, June 14):
Are you looking for a new angle on fishing? Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for an Introduction to Fly Fishing Clinic from 9 a.m. to noon! Learn more
Lee Kay Public Shooting Range Open House (Saturday, June 14):
Join us at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range Open House from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring shooting demonstrations, dog training, decoy placement, and more! Learn more
Take a hike or nature walk:
Whether it’s Zion, Bryce Canyon, Logan Canyon, Cottonwood Canyons, or your local trail, hiking or walking together gives families time to talk and explore. Use the Utah State Parks site to find a trail in your area.
Camping under the stars:
Pitch a tent in your backyard or at a state or national park near you. Share stories and unplug.
Watch wildlife:
Visit wildlife viewing areas across the state—from Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Northern Utah, to Zion National Park and Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge in the South and Central regions. Bring binoculars and a guidebook to identify animals.
Try a new outdoor activity:
Go biking, take an ATV ride, try kayaking, go horseback, or tee off at a family-friendly golf course.
Picnic in a park:
Choose a city or county park and enjoy a screen-free picnic. Bring a Frisbee, board games, or just enjoy being together.
Visit your nearest state park
Get outside, have some fun, and check out Utah’s state parks at stateparks.utah.gov/parks.
See more “Every Kid Outdoors” ideas at Recreation.utah.gov/eko/
Community and local events
Utah Arts Festival (June 19–22):
Downtown Salt Lake City at Library Square
uaf.org
Utah Shakespeare Festival (Cedar City):
Attend a show or take a behind-the-scenes tour. Great for older kids and teens.
Utah Olympic Park (Park City):
Try ziplining, ropes courses, or alpine slides. Learn about Utah’s Olympic legacy.
Food truck night:
Many cities—all across the state—host regular food truck roundups. Let each person pick a dish and eat together, screen-free.
Visit a farmers market:
Many communities around the state have farmers markets every week. It’s a fun, easy way to support local agriculture, farmers, and businesses. Plus, you can use your Double Up Food Bucks at many of them. Find a farmers market near you!
"Pop into the Park" family fun & free screenings!
Davis County Health Department will bring their mobile bus to parks in Davis County this summer. Come meet our friendly public health nurses, get free child development and postpartum mental health screenings, and connect with resources! There will be free learning activities for kids - face painting, bubbles, chalk, music, and more!
Every Friday (June 8 to August 8) 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Heritage Park (Kaysville, Utah)
Tuesday, June 10, 1-3 p.m. at Loy Blake Park (West Point, Utah)
Tuesday, June 17, 1-3 p.m. at Forbush Park (Farmington, Utah)
Explore a local landmark or museum:
Visit a historic site, state park, or local museum in your area—whether it’s the Dinosaur National Monument in Vernal, Fremont Indian State Park near Sevier, or Topaz Museum in Delta.
Find a local event in your neighborhood:
Every part of Utah has something special. From rodeos to farmers markets, check your local tourism page for fairs, concerts, markets, or other events happening near you.
Neighborhood walk:
Plan a neighborhood walk. Pick a day and time for everyone to get out of their house and go for a walk. Ask 3 neighbors to “host” a treat station. Create simple maps with the locations of the treat stations and hand them out a few days before the walk. It’s a fun, easy way to get to know your neighbors better and get some exercise!
Hands-on projects and challenges
Campfire cooking challenge:
Make creative foil dinners, s’mores variations, or try cooking on a camp stove together.
DIY escape room at home:
Use printable kits or create puzzles. Compete in teams to see who can “escape” the fastest.
Family game show night:
Make trivia based on family memories. Play for fun prizes or bragging rights.
Family recipe swap and cook-off:
Pick a theme like “Grandma’s Recipes” or “International Favorites.” Cook together, then sit down for a family meal.
Creative and reflective activities
Build a birdhouse or garden box:
Pick up supplies at a hardware store. Work together and have fun.
DIY family mural or banner:
Use a backyard wall, large canvas, or poster board. Have each person contribute a piece that reflects your family.
Service and giving back
Volunteer as a family:
Opportunities include sorting food at local food banks, visiting senior centers, or helping animal shelters. Check out https://www.justserve.org/ for ideas.
Neighborhood clean-up:
Pick up trash at a nearby trail, park, or neighborhood. Give each person a role—trash picker, bag carrier, recycler.
Invite a neighbor over for dinner:
Ask a neighbor who may be lonely or who doesn’t have a lot of family around to come over for dinner. It doesn’t have to be fancy! Order takeout and get to know each other better. Conversation and connection are what matter.
Simple acts of connection
Have dinner together
(screen-free):
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services encourages families to share a meal during the week. Don’t have family close by? Have dinner with a friend, neighbor, or your roommate. Or invite your kid’s friends over for pizza! Use the time to check in with one another—phones off, conversation on.
Share stories:
Take turns telling a favorite memory or funny moment from your life.
Gratitude time:
Each person names three things they’re thankful for that day.
One-on-one moments:
Spend 15 minutes of individual time with each family member—let them pick the activity.
Dance party:
Put on your favorite songs and dance it out together in the living room.
Compliment circle:
Everyone gives one kind or encouraging word to each family member.