How to Build a Stronger Relationship with Your Adult Children — Activities You’ll Both Enjoy

For many parents, there comes a time when the kids are grown, living on their own, and building lives of their own. Family holidays might still bring everyone together, but everyday interactions often become fewer and farther between. The shift from raising children to having relationships with adult children can feel tricky — balancing connection without overstepping.

But staying close doesn’t have to be complicated. Finding activities that feel natural, fun, and meaningful for everyone involved can strengthen bonds in a way that grows with your changing family dynamic.

Why Shared Activities Matter After Kids Grow Up

As children become adults, relationships shift from caretaking to companionship. Activities that once centered on teaching or guiding now work best when they’re shared experiences between equals. These shared moments:

Build mutual respect
Create new memories
Encourage open conversation
Allow both generations to learn from each other

Activities That Foster Connection with Adult Children

1. Cooking or Baking Together

Trying a new recipe or cooking an old favorite can be a low-pressure way to spend time together — whether in person or via a video call. Cooking fosters collaboration and often sparks conversation naturally.

2. Taking a Class Together

Whether it’s a cooking class, art workshop, dance lesson, or online course, learning something side by side turns the experience into a shared adventure.

3. Outdoor Adventures

Hiking, biking, or even walking in a park can be a great way to spend time without the distractions of screens or formal plans.

4. Volunteering for a Cause You Both Care About

Helping others can create strong bonds and meaningful conversations — plus, it’s a way to build positive memories together.

5. Attending Events or Concerts

Find a show, sports game, or event you both enjoy. Sharing entertainment can open the door to more personal conversations afterward.

6. DIY Projects or Home Improvement Tasks

Working on a project — whether it’s a home repair, gardening, or a creative craft — lets you collaborate with a clear, shared goal.

7. Exploring a Shared Hobby or Interest

Photography, fishing, wine tasting, board games — anything you both enjoy can be a great bridge for regular connection.

8. Traveling Together

Even a weekend getaway can become a memorable way to share time and deepen your relationship.

Making It Comfortable for Both Sides

Be open to their interests — Don’t just suggest activities you love; invite them to share what they enjoy.
Avoid making it feel like an obligation — Keep plans flexible and low-pressure.
Respect their time — Understand that adult children often juggle busy schedules.
Enjoy the moment — Focus on the experience, not the outcome.

FAQs About Spending Time with Adult Children

How often should I suggest activities?
Aim for natural, occasional invitations. Too frequent can feel pressured; too rare may leave things distant.

What if they seem uninterested?
Start small. Casual meet-ups, brief visits, or shared errands can build into more meaningful time.

Is it okay to suggest activities with their friends or partners involved?
Yes — sometimes group settings take the pressure off and make things more relaxed.

Can virtual activities count?
Absolutely. Virtual game nights, video calls, or watching the same show can help bridge the distance.

The Bottom Line: It’s About Connection, Not Control

Building relationships with adult children is less about planned bonding and more about creating natural opportunities for connection. Shared activities — especially those chosen together — offer a way to enjoy each other’s company without pressure or expectation.

Because sometimes, the best way to stay close is simply to share a part of everyday life.