Kids Say These Are the Top 10 Things They Want to Do with Their Parents More

Summer is officially here, and if you’re a parent juggling work-from-home chaos with guilt over not spending enough time with your kids, you’re far from alone. Turns out, your kids feel it too.

In a study conducted a few years ago, a whopping 70% of kids said their parents are too distracted. A psychologist weighed in, saying that while routines make life easier, they can also make us forget to carve out meaningful moments with our families. So whether it’s a long weekend or just a random Wednesday afternoon, making space for connection matters.

Not sure where to start? Researchers asked kids to name the activities they wish they could do more with their parents—and the answers are both wholesome and totally doable.

Here are the top 10 things kids say they want to do more with mom and dad:

1. Go to the beach – Sandcastles, waves, and maybe a little too much sunscreen.
2. Exercise together – From bike rides to yoga in the living room, kids love moving with you.
3. Play sports – Whether it’s a pickup basketball game or backyard soccer, it’s about the fun, not the score.
4. Go to the pool – Because cannonballs and floaties never go out of style.
5. Go to the movies – Shared popcorn and big-screen action? Count them in.
6. Play at a park – Simple, free, and full of chances to actually talk without screens in the way.
7. Go camping – Even if it’s just in the backyard, the memories are big.
8. Visit a zoo, museum, or amusement park – Day-trips can feel like huge adventures to kids.
9. Play video games – Yes, even if you’re terrible at them. That’s part of the fun.
10. Go shopping – It’s less about what you buy and more about the one-on-one time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of packing all this in, don’t stress. Even one or two of these can make a big impact. The key is being present, and maybe letting them pick the playlist on the way.