With more than one kid and a full work week, one-on-one time is the first thing to go. It doesn't need to be a big outing. Fifteen minutes that's only theirs, on a day you picked ahead of time, does more than a Saturday you meant to plan.
A two-player card game Fits in a pocket for errands and waiting rooms. Find one
A book to read together One chapter a night is a habit that runs itself. Find one
A birdhouse or model kit An hour-long project with something to show for it. Find one
A basketball or a catch set For shooting hoops or playing catch until someone gets to ten. Find one
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What works at each age
Toddlers and preschoolers
Get on the floor and follow their lead. Ten minutes of their game, their way, with you all in.
Ages 5 to 9
They want to get good at something while you watch. Practice, projects and games with a score.
Ages 10 and up
Side by side beats face to face. Car rides, cooking, a show you only watch together. They'll talk more when it doesn't feel like a talk.
Pick the day ahead of time, before the week decides for you, and keep it small. Tap Plan it on any idea and it goes on your calendar and into Halftime on your phone, with a final whistle after. On the days that get away from you, call halftime: four taps, one play for the rest of the day. Free, no account.