These family calendar ideas will keep your household on track and on schedule while also doubling as serious eye candy. These calendar ideas give you the best of both worlds – form and function.
It’s back-to-school season, and things around our home are about to get really hectic. With a husband who coaches and teaches and two daughters, it’s essential that we’re all on the same (calendar) page when it comes to our day-to-day lives.
One of the best ways we’ve found to do that is a family calendar. Some of you may feel your heart start racing a little, while others may feel a bit queasy. Don’t worry – calendars really can be fun, and I’ll show you how! I’m kind of obsessed with them myself!
How to Choose Family Calendar Ideas That Work for You
First, decide whether you want a physical calendar everyone can see on the fridge or in a designated command center, or a digital option that lets everyone sync up on their phones and computers.
There are so many ways to keep track of your family’s schedule these days. From automatic syncing calendars to voice apps and day planners, there’s truly a system for everyone.
Technology is helpful, and we definitely use it at home, but I have to make a strong case for a physical calendar displayed prominently in your house. Think of it as a hub for everything going on in your daily life—a spot where appointments get jotted down and a drop zone for bills that need paying.
A physical calendar can also be a focal point of your home. Is it where you’ll lead guests to sit and relax? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean any of these family calendar ideas have to be an eyesore or tucked away out of sight.
I’ve shared some of my favorite Family Command Centers (click here) – if you need ideas.
The Best DIY Family Calendar Ideas
Here are some of my favorite family calendar ideas from around the internet. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how gorgeous they are!
DIY Dry Erase Family Wall Calendar
I’ll admit it: I’m pretty obsessed with my DIY dry erase wall calendar (including a free printable)! It’s one of my favorite projects to date, since it turned something super functional into something lovely to look at without losing any of the function.
This calendar hangs in my office and helps me run my business, but it would be perfect for a family calendar, too!
Bicycle Wheel Chalkboard Calendar
This bicycle wheel chalkboard calendar by Thistlewood Farms is truly stunning. Not only does it give you a fabulous way to keep track of your weekly tasks, it also adds style to your space. It’s especially great if you have a rustic or farmhouse theme at home. There’s something about this chalkboard calendar that just draws you in. You can use traditional chalk or buy some chalk pens and plan until your heart is content.
Dry Erase Family Calendar Printable
Keep track of all your events, grocery lists and even your dinner menu on this dry erase family calendar printable by Somewhat Simple. I love how sleek and clean the design is. Plus, it just feels good to have everything organized in one easy-to-find spot.
There are three different font options to choose from. Once you’ve picked a design, print it and place it in a frame. Then you can add and remove things quickly. How easy is that?
Acrylic Wall Calendar
If you’re looking for a stylish, elegant command center, this is exactly what belongs on your family calendar ideas list. It’s so pretty and would look wonderful in an office or any other spot in your home.
This acrylic wall calendar by The House Of Wood is sure to impress anyone who lays eyes on it. Don’t worry if you’ve never worked with acrylic before; she gives a detailed tutorial with easy-to-follow instructions.
DIY Chalkboard Magnetic Calendar
36th Avenue is at it again with this beautiful DIY chalkboard magnetic calendar. You can never go wrong with a chalkboard calendar. Making it magnetic takes it to the next level!
You can even make your own magnets so they match your style and design choices. This is one of the most functional family calendar ideas, and it’s simple to make, too.
Chalkboard Wall Calendar
This isn’t just an ordinary wall calendar; it’s beyond extraordinary! You can actually paint the chalkboard calendar directly onto your wall. What a terrific idea, and the look is so pretty.
This chalkboard wall calendar by It All Started With Paint is a must-try project. It’s one of those family calendar ideas that’s so gorgeous your friends will be jealous they don’t have one.
Colorful Chalkboard Calendar
Adding some color to your space is a great way to decorate while keeping things functional, too. This colorful chalkboard calendar by Princess Pinky Girl is adorable. You can get as wild and creative as you like with this project. I love how she chose subtle color instead of bold.
Giant Rustic Wall Calendar
If you’re a fan of rustic style, you’re going to LOVE this simple yet charming DIY giant rustic wall calendar by Houseful of Homemade. Add it to your list of family calendar ideas, because it’s awesome! They also have a printable giant rustic calendar you can use too. Sleek yet rustic is the perfect way to describe this beauty.
Dry Erase Calendar With Washi Tape
The options are endless with this pretty dry erase calendar with washi tape by The Homes I Have Made. There are so many types of washi tape out there, in thousands of colors and designs. Your family command center just got even better with this lovely idea.
Mirror Makeover Chalkboard Calendar
I love this calendar because they took an old mirror and transformed it into a usable (and stunning) functional piece.
This mirror makeover chalkboard calendar from Sincerely Sara D is more like art. I’d definitely consider this option for your family calendar ideas, because you probably already have what you need around the house. Easy and pretty!
Educational Home DIY Wall Calendar
This stunning idea is so much more than a calendar. It’s a fantastic educational home DIY wall calendar by Fresh Mommy Blog. It’s charming, and each day your children can go change the date. They’ll be so excited to help and learn along the way, too.
Best Family Calendars to Purchase
I know you’re busy; I’m busy; we’re all busy. And sometimes life doesn’t call for a DIY project. In fact, this year I bought this adorable paper calendar, stuck it on the side of a kitchen cabinet and called it a day.
I usually like to make a photo calendar from Shutterfly, which I LOVE, and my girls love them too. But I just didn’t have time to make one this year.
Curious about that chore chart below my calendar? Click here for my Back-to-School Organization Ideas that include things like an awesome homework caddy and these chore charts. I just slip them between laminating sheets, and the girls check them off daily. If they complete everything on the sheet each day, they earn their allowance.
But back to the calendars… these are some great ones to buy if you’re short on time or just don’t enjoy DIY projects:
Digital Family Calendar Ideas
If you’re not a fan of physical calendars like I am, you might want to try one of these digital options. I personally use the calendar app on my iPhone to remind me of major appointments, like the hair salon, eye doctor, family doctor, and so on. But I also add them to my personal planner and the family calendar, too.
Calendar App on the iPhone – This app is great because it’s already on the iPhone and can sync with other family members who have iPhones.
Google Calendar – I love Google apps for everything from spreadsheets to documents, and for keeping my business files in order, but they also have a robust calendar app. It’s hugely popular because it’s free, easy to use and can be accessed from any device. It’s great for sharing with older kids and even a nanny, since you can set permissions to control what other users can and can’t see.
Other digital calendars to consider: Evernote, Trello and Cozi.
Final Thoughts
Which of these family calendar ideas are you most excited about? Remember, the best calendar is the one you actually use, so experiment until you find what works for your family.
