School, work, hobbies - there is often too little time for the family in everyday life. Yet family time together is particularly important for a harmonious and strong bond between children and parents. On today's International Family Day, we have a few tips for you on how to spend more quality time as a family.

#1: Quality before quantity

Everyday life is stressful, no question about it. And it's also clear that parents don't have time to play a game of Ludo or Uno every day. And that's perfectly okay, because the amount of time isn't that important. Take 5 minutes, switch off the TV, put the mobile phone away and read a book together, tell each other jokes or talk about a topic that is important to you.

#2: Trying out new things together

Climbing on the high ropes course, climbing onto the roof of Cologne Cathedral or exploring a particularly great playground: Children love trying out new things, perhaps even overcoming fears and experiencing thrills together with their parents. Just take a look at what your neighbourhood has to offer! You can also find lots of tips for excursions in the Rhineland here in our news blog. We are currently even looking for families to test certain destinations for us. If you would like to explore the archaeological park in Xanten, visit the new Schwebodrom in Wuppertal or discover the port of Duisburg on a round trip, apply now. We'll give you free entry. In return, send us a short report on your experience and at least five pictures of your excursion. You can take part here.

#3: Travelling together

Holidays together are family time deluxe! It doesn't really matter how far you're travelling: you can have a great time together right on your doorstep, e.g. in a youth hostel in the Rhineland. Our hostels offer a variety of activities - with or without a programme. How about a short holiday at the weekend, for example? At the „Rocket Workshop“ in Bad Münstereifel Youth Hostel, you can build your own airworthy rocket as a family team and launch it into the sky. You can also walk through the wonderful Eifel forests to the Astropeiler, the first freely movable radio telescope in Germany. You can find more weekend programmes here. Do you prefer to make your own programme? Also good: Many houses offer you favourable Family specials, such as the 3-for-2 special offer, the 3 or 5-day family break or various weekend packages that include admission to an activity.