If you’ve ever wondered how to make your in-home lifestyle photography session feel natural, full of connection, and truly reflective of your family—this is your guide.
As a lifestyle photographer, I believe the most meaningful photos come from real moments. That’s why I encourage all of my clients to choose 2 to 3 everyday activities to do during our session together. Not only does this create a more relaxed and comfortable experience, but it also tells the story of your life as it is right now—beautiful, raw, and completely yours.
This blog post includes 100 unique activity ideas designed to inspire and help you choose the perfect set for your session. From quiet, cozy moments to lively, laughter-filled traditions, these ideas are broken into helpful categories. Bookmark this post for your session planning, and return to it whenever you want a reminder that your ordinary moments are worth remembering.
Why Choose Activities for Lifestyle Sessions?
When you’re planning a lifestyle session, it’s tempting to tidy the house, dress everyone up, and stand still for the perfect smile. But the magic happens when you let go of perfection and embrace the rhythms of real life.
Selecting a few activities helps everyone—kids especially—feel comfortable and engaged. These activities give us something to do with our hands, they prompt genuine emotion, and they reflect your family’s unique dynamic. Whether you’re baking cookies, folding laundry, or dancing in the living room, you’re telling a story: this is your home, your love, your legacy.
Categories & Activities
Kitchen Moments (12 ideas)
- Baking cookies or muffins
- Making homemade pizza
- Mixing pancake batter
- Squeezing fresh orange juice
- Decorating cupcakes
- Cooking Sunday breakfast
- Washing dishes together
- Rolling out dough
- Sharing a snack around the counter
- Prepping a family recipe
- Brewing tea or coffee
- Packing school lunches
Slow Mornings (10 ideas)
- Making the bed together
- Pajama cuddles on the couch
- Reading a devotional or children’s book
- Morning snuggles in bed
- Brushing teeth and hair
- Stretching or yoga
- Sharing a slow breakfast
- Pouring coffee and chatting
- Journaling or writing notes
- Looking through photo albums
Creative Play (10 ideas)
- Drawing with chalk
- Finger painting
- Coloring or watercolors
- Playing with kinetic sand
- Building block towers
- Playing dress-up
- Crafting paper airplanes
- Making bead jewelry
- Sculpting with clay or playdough
- Sticker books or activity pads
Games & Entertainment (8 ideas)
- Board games at the table
- Card games
- Puzzle building
- Charades or Pictionary
- Building a blanket fort
- Hide and seek
- Dance party with music
- Puppet show with socks or toys
Household Life (10 ideas)
- Folding laundry together
- Sweeping the floor
- Watering houseplants
- Making to-do lists
- Cleaning windows (kid-level!)
- Organizing a toy bin
- Vacuuming with a toy vacuum
- Hanging art on the fridge
- Putting away groceries
- Sorting laundry colors
Backyard & Porch (10 ideas)
- Gardening or planting herbs
- Blowing bubbles
- Chalk art on the pavement
- Feeding chickens or animals
- Picking flowers
- Water balloon fun
- Hanging in a hammock
- Having a snack on a picnic blanket
- Jumping on a trampoline
- Porch swing stories
Family Connection (10 ideas)
- Family hugs and pile-ups
- Tickles on the couch
- Sharing affirmations
- Giving piggyback rides
- Holding hands and walking around yard
- Eye contact games
- Saying prayers together
- Family meeting or circle time
- Slow dancing
- Kissing boo-boos and bandaging knees
Pet Involvement (5 ideas)
- Feeding the dog or cat
- Walking the dog around the yard
- Brushing a pet
- Playing fetch
- Cuddling with pets on the couch
Seasonal (10 ideas)
- Decorating the Christmas tree
- Carving pumpkins
- Filling Easter baskets
- Writing Valentines
- Drinking hot cocoa under blankets
- Making leaf piles
- Reading holiday stories
- Hanging seasonal decor
- Making snow angels (outdoors)
- Making lemonade in the summer
Learning & Homeschool (10 ideas)
- Working in a workbook
- Practicing letters on a chalkboard
- Science experiment at the kitchen table
- Reading aloud together
- Calendar time or morning basket
- Counting with toys
- Painting maps or timelines
- Practicing music
- Memorizing scripture
- Listening to an audiobook
Bedtime Routines (5 ideas)
- Combing hair
- Pajama story time
- Singing lullabies
- Brushing teeth
- Goodnight kisses in bed
Tips for Choosing Your Activities
- Pick what you naturally do as a family. Don’t overthink it.
- Choose things your kids enjoy and can do independently.
- Don’t be afraid of mess—it often makes the best photos.
- Simple is best: a story doesn’t need props to be beautiful.
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What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
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How to Declutter Digital Photos and Escape Overwhelm
