Ideas for games and activities for a successful family weekend
Organize a family weekend near Paris, in the countryside, with simple ideas for games and activities for all ages. Book your stay.
Organize a family weekend near Paris, in the countryside, with simple ideas for games and activities for all ages. Book your stay.
For a successful family weekend in Île-de-France, less than an hour from Paris or a little further afield in the countryside, the key is to plan simple games, activities suitable for all ages, and some quiet time together. At The Oasis House country homes, just an hour from Paris, the large garden, living areas, and numerous on-site activities provide the ideal playground for creating these moments.
Whether you dream of a family weekend in Île-de-France, a family weekend 1 hour from Paris, or a weekend in the countryside near Paris, your choice of location will determine your activities. The Oasis House properties, such as La Source, one hour from Paris, or La Prairie, one and a half hours away, are designed as large country houses for private use, with gardens, terraces, swimming pools depending on the location, and spacious communal areas.
This setting makes it easy to switch from outdoor playtime to quieter indoor activities. In the countryside, less than two hours from the capital, nature becomes an ally in getting children active, reconnecting teenagers, and offering adults a real chance to relax.
A family weekend near Paris is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the garden, surrounding paths, and outdoor facilities. Depending on the location, The Oasis House country homes feature heated swimming pools, pétanque courts, padel tennis courts, large green spaces, and access to forest walks.
You can organize a big treasure hunt in the park or on the trails surrounding your home. All you need is a simple map, a few clues appropriate for the children's ages, and a small final treasure to share with the family. This type of game works just as well with young children as it does with teenagers if you add more complex puzzles or challenges.
Outdoor Olympics are another easy option to organize. Divide the family into teams mixing adults and children and set up a series of short challenges: sack races, spoon and ball relays, mini-petanque tournaments, improvised goal shooting, and obstacle courses. The important thing is to keep the events quick, accessible to everyone, and above all, to emphasize cooperation rather than competition.
To enjoy the scenery around the house, turn a walk into a photo scavenger hunt or nature bingo. Each participant receives a short list: find a leaf of a particular color, photograph a remarkable tree, spot a flower or an animal. The areas around Fontainebleau, Gâtinais, and other natural areas near Paris are ideal for this type of activity.
Finally, don't forget the great group games such as dodgeball, chicken, fox and viper, or the famous "capture the flag." In a large country house garden, these games become real adventures for children... and a good opportunity for adults to get some exercise too.
Even during a weekend in the countryside near Paris, it's a good idea to plan indoor games for the end of the day, in case of uncertain weather, or for times when the younger ones need to settle down. The Oasis House properties feature spacious living rooms, rooms dedicated to relaxation, and, in some cases, family rooms or play areas.
Board games remain a safe bet. Set up a large table dedicated to family games and offer a mix of classics (card games, fast-paced party games) and games suitable for different ages. For evenings, you can organize a mini family tournament with a scoreboard displayed in the living room.
Another idea is to create a "home escape game." Before the weekend, prepare a series of clues to hide around the house, a few simple padlocks, coded messages, or objects to find. The scenario can be very simple: free a "captive" stuffed animal, find a hidden dessert recipe, or discover the secret plan for the next day.
Creative workshops work very well with children and teenagers: painting, drawing, making small decorations, creating a weekend journal. You can also organize a movie night with a screening in the living room, or a karaoke night if the house has a suitable sound system or if you use the entertainment services offered by The Oasis House.
The idea is to offer more relaxed moments that are conducive to conversation, without losing the fun aspect that makes the weekend so magical.
For a family weekend in Île-de-France to be truly successful, it is helpful to involve everyone, including in the preparation of activities. For example, you could form a "games committee" made up of children and adults, responsible for choosing the next day's activities and assigning roles.
Collaborative games where everyone has a task to perform are particularly good at promoting this dynamic. A cooking workshop where some people prepare the dough, others set the table, and others decorate the dessert can transform a simple meal into a real event. At The Oasis House country homes, large, convivial kitchens and à la carte services (private chef, kitchen assistant) facilitate this type of experience.
You can also organize an end-of-weekend show: skits, simple choreography, mini-concerts on the piano if the house has one, readings aloud. Everyone chooses a role according to their preference: artist, director, set designer, lighting technician.
For multigenerational families, it is a good idea to offer games that create intergenerational pairs: a grandparent with a grandchild for a memory workshop, a teenager in charge of musical entertainment, a parent in charge of photos or videos. These moments strengthen bonds and leave shared memories that last beyond the weekend.
A few simple habits will help you make the most of your weekend. Start by adapting games to different times of the day: energetic activities in the morning, quieter games after lunch, and fun activities in the early evening. Also, allow for some free time without any plans so that everyone can rest or spend time alone if they feel the need.
In terms of logistics, before you leave, put together a small "activity kit" with card games, dice, markers, notebooks, and accessories for treasure hunts and Olympic games. Once you arrive, take advantage of the facilities already available at The Oasis House: swimming pool, sports fields, wellness areas, and equipment for creative or relaxation workshops, depending on the house.
Finally, don't hesitate to rely on The Oasis House team to help you plan your family weekend. The teams can advise you on nearby activities, experiences to organize on site, and the best way to balance games, quiet time, and meals so that everyone can fully enjoy their stay.
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What activities can you offer for a family weekend in Île-de-France?
You can combine simple outdoor games (treasure hunts, Olympics, photo rallies, large group games) with indoor activities such as board games, a homemade escape game, a creative workshop, or a movie night. The important thing is to alternate between energetic activities and quiet time so that everyone gets something out of it.
How can you keep children of different ages entertained during a weekend in the countryside near Paris?
The trick is to offer games that are suitable for everyone. For example, during a treasure hunt, the younger children can look for objects while the older ones solve the puzzles. For the Olympics, choose short, cooperative events. Indoors, set up several play areas: a board game table, a reading or drawing corner, and a creative workshop.
Should we set aside a specific budget for games and activities?
Most activities can be very simple and free: fun walks, card games, creative activities requiring few materials. You can supplement these with a few accessories for treasure hunts or Olympic games. If you wish, you can add supervised experiences offered by The Oasis House, such as workshops or sports activities, with a budget tailored to your needs.
How can The Oasis House help you organize a successful family weekend?
The Oasis House offers country houses near Paris, designed to accommodate groups and families, with large spaces, comfortable rooms, and numerous amenities. The teams can help you choose the most suitable house, suggest activities on site, and, if necessary, coordinate certain experiences so that you can fully enjoy your family weekend.
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