Transform family time with Generative AI

Finding time for family activities and bonding can sometimes be as elusive as spotting a lion in a Nairobi estate — although to be fair, there was that time in Ongata Rongai. That's why recent news about generative AI model updates to increase their capabilities is exciting.

It is a technology revolutionising how we approach creativity and problem-solving, often generating novel ideas with useful solutions for everyday life. Think of it as a very sophisticated Google search engine.

A primary benefit of generative AI is its ability to provide personalised suggestions based on a family’s preferences and interests. Using applications like ChatGPT or Claude that have free versions, you can input details such as location, your children's ages, and budget to receive tailored suggestions.

In this regard, it is like a super imaginative Auntie who never runs out of fun ideas. For instance, if you ask, "What are some free outdoor activities for a family with young children in Nakuru?" the AI might suggest a nature scavenger hunt in Nakuru City Park or a picnic with games at Lemon Valley.

As you interact more, providing feedback on what your family enjoys, will refine its suggestions. If your family loves art, you might propose a DIY painting session using natural materials available in your house.

For sports enthusiasts, it could suggest organising a mini-Olympics with family members or neighbours, using common household items you have. Perhaps a ‘Chapo Flipping' and 'Sprint to the Fridge During Ad Breaks' league.

Generative AI can also be a goldmine of ideas for DIY crafts and projects. By inputting a few personal details, AI-powered websites and apps can generate simple step-by-step instructions for various crafts using items available in your home. From creating homemade decorations to building simple science projects, these activities can entertain and educate.

Moreover, the satisfaction of creating something together can strengthen family bonds and provide lasting memories.

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Family activities often revolve around food, and generative AI can be valuable in planning budget-friendly meals that are both nutritious and fun to prepare together. You could ask for recipes using affordable, locally available ingredients like ndumas, or ideas on turning meal preparation into a game.

Imagine a Great Kenyan Bake Off competition or Smart Food Show at home, where each family member creates something from a mystery box of ingredients! Cooking together teaches children valuable skills and provides a fun, interactive way for the family to spend time together.

AI-driven technology can additionally help families discover free or low-cost local events, whether in urban centres or shags. It scours the internet in seconds and suggests personalised options for the entire family.

For outdoor enthusiasts, generative AI can recommend activities based on local parks, trails, and natural attractions. Whether it's a hike in a nearby forest, a day at the beach, or a visit to a game reserve, the tools can suggest locations and itineraries that suit your family's preferences.

Additionally, they can provide information on the best times to visit, what to bring, and any special considerations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable outing. It analyses hundreds of data points, including those from Kenya Met and thousands of visitor reviews.

The technology will help organise game nights, with recommendations for board, card, and digital games suitable for all ages if prompted correctly.

Tools like Perplexity AI can generate trivia questions, charades topics, and other interactive activities that encourage family members to work together and compete in a friendly manner. These activities are often inexpensive, requiring only basic materials you likely already have at home.

And with Midjourney AI, you can create game cards featuring a mash-up of Lupita Nyong'o as an Avenger or a Mau Mau general in dreadlocks addressing the UK House of Lords—because why not?

This innovation offers a powerful tool for Kenyan families looking to enjoy quality time together without straining their budgets.

Providing a constant stream of ideas tailored to your family's interests, local context, and available resources, can help overcome the common hurdle of "What should we do today?" that many families face. Remember, the goal is not to rely solely on AI but to use it as a starting point for your family's adventures and memories.

Why not give it a try? Your next unforgettable family day could be just a generative AI question away! And never again will you have to dread these words, “tuna-do nini leo?”

The writer is a lecturer at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom