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Best family calendar Apps

If you are like me and need some assistance with family plans and scheduling. A shared Family Calendar App might be just want you need. It takes care of everyone’s schedule and takes the headache out of having to take care and remember the entire family activities and brings a sense of order by placing all the family’s appointments, activities, and tasks in one easy-to-access spot.

They not only reduce those apps scheduling conflicts but also improve how everyone communicates.

As a busy parent heading into the winter months, I want to share how these apps can help you turn your family’s chaotic schedule into a manageable routine, whether you use them on your phone or display them on a digital wall calendar in your kitchen.

Top 4 Family Calendar Apps

Finding the best family calendar app for your phone or Digital Wall Calendar could be just what your family needs to make life a bit more harmonious and a lot less hectic. Here are my top 4 recommended.

1. Cozi Family Organizer – Best Calendar App for Families

Cozi is a digital organizer for families. It helps manage schedules, tasks, and messages all in one place. Cozi makes family life easier by combining important tools for planning and communication into one easy-to-use app. It’s seen as a helpful resource for families wanting to get better at planning and working together.

Cozi Key Benefits

• Keep track of everyone’s activities in one shared spot.
• Color codes to quickly see who is involved.
• Manage school events, practice schedules, vacations, and more.
• Family members get automatic notifications and emails to stay updated.
• Share grocery lists, to-dos, recipes, and more
• Integrates with Google

2. Ohai

The Ohai Family app, also referred to as “O,” is an AI-driven household assistant designed to help families manage their daily tasks and schedules more efficiently.

Here are the key features and functionalities of the app:

Ohai Key Benefits

• Add events to your calendar to keep track of everything.
• Set reminders for yourself and your family.
• Coordinate rides and other tasks with your family and friends.
• Create to-do lists, shopping lists, packing lists, and more.
• Get quick email updates and add important dates to your calendar.
• Plan meals, make grocery lists, and order groceries with Instacart.

3. Maple

Being a parent and staying organized is tough, but according to Maple they claim to have our backs.

This free app includes everything a family needs, from handling chores and planning meals to sharing family calendars and organizing vacations. With handy tools and a little AI help, managing life has never been easier.

Maple Key Benefits

• Every one can add events and manage their schedules.
• Use Household Plans to keep your home organized. Each plan includes a family chat, notes, to-dos, and events.
• Family chat helps everyone in the house communicate better by keeping everyone informed and organized through plans.
• Use Collaborative Notes to organize thoughts or share instructions with an easy editor that includes pictures and links.
• Organized to-do lists help the family get things done. Create shared lists, assign tasks, or see what’s available in the family journal. Maple keeps everyone updated as tasks are completed.
• A shared family calendar brings all your events and calendars together. Coordinate schedules, create events, and stay organized.

4. Jam

Jam claim they’ve designed their App to Help Families Get It Together. And it’s true, it makes handling family schedules and to-do lists simpler by putting everything in one place. This way everyone on the same page.

With Jam, you can see all your family events and tasks at a glance, so nothing gets forgotten. Whether you’re planning meals, managing school events, or keeping track of appointments, Jam helps everyone in the family stay informed and work together better.

Key Benefits

• Keep track of everyone’s events in one spot.
• Create events for different family members.
• Make a list of what you need to bring and decide who will bring it.
• Pick drivers for each event.
• Connect your Google or Apple calendars.
• Share event details with kids and caregivers without giving them full access.

Why Use a Family Calendar App?

Let me share my experience with our family calendar app. Three years ago, our kitchen whiteboard was a mess of scribbled appointments, and somehow we still kept missing things. I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday when I ended up at my son’s school for a parent-teacher conference while my husband was simultaneously trying to drop our daughter off at her dance recital. Talk about a communication breakdown!

Our color-coded calendar app changed everything. At first, I was skeptical – another app to manage. But real-time updates have actually simplified our lives. Yesterday, I got a notification that my husband’s work meeting got moved, which meant he could pick up our youngest from soccer practice. Before, that kind of last-minute switch would have meant a dozen text messages and probably some confusion.

The whole family uses it differently. My teenage daughter adds her study group meetings and track practice. My husband syncs his work calendar and adds family dinner nights (his cooking nights are marked in red – pizza, usually!). I manage most of the appointments and school events. Even our 10-year-old checks it to see when his friends are coming over for game night.

One feature I didn’t expect to love was calendar syncing. All our separate Google and Outlook calendars feed into one place. No more switching between apps or forgetting about that dentist appointment I put in my work calendar. The digital calendar keeps everything organized, and everyone has access to what they need to see.

Here’s what surprised me: the app actually helped with family responsibilities too. We use it to track chores and meal-planning. Each kid has their tasks color-coded, and they get notifications when it’s their turn to feed the dog or empty the dishwasher. The shared calendar app means no more “But Mom, you never told me!” excuses.

Some days still get hectic. Last week, despite having everything in the calendar, we had an overlapping band practice and orthodontist appointment. But now we catch these conflicts early and can plan around them. The app lets us adjust events and appointments quickly, and everyone gets updated automatically.

What I’ve learned is that the best calendar app is the one your family will actually use. For us, it took a few weeks of gentle reminders (okay, maybe some nagging) before everyone got into the habit. Now my husband, who once insisted on his paper planner, is the first to check the family’s schedule each morning.

I still keep a physical calendar on the fridge – old habits die hard! But it’s more of a monthly overview now, thanks to the many features of the app. The real organizing happens within the app, where we can manage our time more effectively. Every family has their own rhythm, and finding an app that fits yours makes all the difference.

The best part? Family activities don’t fall through the cracks anymore. Whether it’s my daughter’s chorus concert or my son’s science fair, everything’s there with reminders set. We even use it for fun stuff, like planning movie nights and weekend trips. Having one calendar that everyone can access keeps us all on the same page.

Sure, technology isn’t perfect. Sometimes the calendar syncing hiccups, or someone forgets to update an event. But compared to our old system of sticky notes and hoping for the best? This is so much better. Our busy family finally has a way to keep track of everything without losing our minds in the process.

Key Features to Look for in Family Calendar Apps

I’ve been through the wringer trying to find the perfect one for our crazy household. I learned a thing or two about what really matters.

Here is my view on the key features that can really make your life easier:

Easy-to-use for All Family Age Groups

The app should be easy for everyone to use – I can’t stress this enough. I once downloaded this app that looked super fancy, but it was like trying to decipher ancient hieroglyphics.

My tech-savvy teenager got it right away, but my husband? Forget about it. He took one look and said, “Nope, I’m out.” Lesson learned: if it’s not intuitive for everyone from Grandma to little Timmy, it’s not worth the headache.

Shared calendars with customizable access levels

Having a shared calendar is an absolute must- but you’ll want to control who sees what…..Let’s just say there was an… incident. I had added a surprise party for my husband to our shared calendar, forgetting he could see everything.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t a surprise anymore. Oops! Now I make sure I can control who sees what in our shared family journal. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver for birthdays, anniversary plans, or even just those dentist appointments your kids mysteriously “forget” about.

Customizable access keeps those secrets safe!

Color-coding Options for Different Family Members or Event Types

Color-coding is more helpful than it seems. In our house, blue is for Dad’s work stuff, green for the kids’ school events, purple for my book club and yoga classes… you get the idea. It’s like having a visual roadmap of our week. One glance, and I know if Tuesday is gonna be a “need extra coffee” kind of day.

Reminders and Notifications for Upcoming Events

I admit, without reminders, I’d forget everything. Whether it’s soccer practice or snack duty for the PTA, those little alerts are lifesavers. They keep me and my family on track.

Task Lists and To-do Management Capabilities

Task lists and to-do management might sound a bit much, but they’re not. It helps with managing all the small tasks like who picks up the dry cleaning or when the dog’s vet appointment is….. things that keep a family running.

Having a shared to-do list has saved us from so many “I thought you were doing that” arguments.

Sync with Other Popular Calendar Services (Google, Apple, etc.)

Syncing with other calendars is a massive benefit. I sync ours with my work Google Calendar, and my husband links his Apple Calendar. It’s like the United Nations of scheduling – everything plays nice together.

Mobile App Availability for On-the-go Access

Having a mobile app is a must. Life doesn’t just happen when we’re sitting at home in front of a computer. I need to be able to check our schedule while I’m waiting in the carpool line or add an event while I’m out grocery shopping and remember we need to visit Aunt Susan next weekend.

Before settling on an app, try it out first. Most offer free trials, and it’s worth seeing how it fits your family’s needs. Some even let you attach files or notes to events, which is super handy for things like school newsletters or packing lists.

The goal is to make life simpler and less stressful, so a good family calendar app should feel like a helpful friend, not a chore. Once you find the right one, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

How to Choose the Right Family Calendar App

When I learned that the average family handles over 400 events each year, I finally understood why 78% of us parents feel so stressed about managing appointments and tasks. Finding the best family calendar app for your phone or Digital Wall Calendar could be just what your family needs to make life a bit more harmonious and a lot less hectic.

Choosing the right family calendar app might seem tricky, but with some tips, you’ll find the perfect one without the headaches. Let’s break it down!

Assess Your Family’s Specific Needs and Pain Points

Start by figuring out what your family really needs. Is it constant reminders or a better way to track dentist appointments? For us, it was the constant “Who’s picking up the kids?” text messages. I was sick of feeling like a broken record. Know your pain points before diving into options. Whatever it is, get clear on it before you start shopping around.

Consider the Tech-Savviness of All Family Members

Pick an app that everyone can use, from tech-loving teens to tech-challenged folks. If Great-Aunt Edna will check the calendar, make sure it’s simple enough for her to navigate.

Evaluate the App’s User Interface and Ease of Use

Speaking of ease of use, don’t underestimate the importance of a good interface. You want an app that’s easy to use and pleasing to look at.

If you’re struggling to add an event, it’s not worth your time.

Look for something that’s intuitive and easy on the eyes. If you’re squinting and scratching your head trying to figure out how to add appointments and tasks like a simple dentist appointment, move on.

Check Compatibility with Your Existing Devices and Systems

Compatibility is huge, folks. In our house, we’re a mixed bag of Apple and Android users. Finding an app that played nice with everyone’s devices was like trying to herd cats. But it’s so worth it when you finally find that perfect fit.

Make sure whatever you choose works seamlessly across all your family’s gadgets. Trust me, you don’t want to be the one telling your kid they can’t access the family calendar because they have the “wrong” phone.

Read User Reviews and Ratings for Real-World Feedback

I’m a big believer in learning from other people’s mistakes. Or successes, for that matter. User reviews are gold. I always sort by the most recent ones to get the latest scoop.

User reviews are super helpful. Look beyond the stars and read detailed reviews to find out what works and what doesn’t with the best shared calendar options. Sometimes, you’ll discover features you didn’t even think about.

Take Advantage of Free Trials to Test the App’s Functionality

Oh, and free trials? They’re your best friend. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sold on an app’s features list, only to find out it’s clunkier than a pair of lead shoes in real life. Take advantage of those free trials, people! Use ’em, abuse ’em (okay, maybe not abuse), but really put the app through its paces.

Here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: pay attention to how the app handles recurring events. We have so many weekly and monthly commitments, and manually entering them every single time is a total pain. A good app should make setting up recurring events a breeze.

Another thing to consider is how the app handles last-minute changes. Because let’s face it, life happens. Soccer practice gets rained out, or your boss throws a surprise meeting your way. You want an app that makes it easy to adjust on the fly and notifies everyone who needs to know.

And don’t forget about the notification system. Some apps blast you with so many alerts you feel like you’re under attack. Others are so quiet you might as well not have notifications at all. Find that sweet spot where you’re informed but not overwhelmed.

Lastly, think about growth. Will this app still work for your family in a year? Five years? Kids grow up, schedules change, and you don’t want to be app-hopping every few months when you can use Cozi for everything.

Choosing a family calendar app might seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on your daily life. Take your time, do your homework, and find the one that feels right for your crew.

Tips for Maximizing Your Family Calendar App

Let me spill the tea on how to really squeeze every last drop of usefulness out of your family calendar app, including Cozi and its many features. I’ve been through the ringer with these things, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way.

Here are some practical tips to make scheduling easier and more fun!

Color Coding

When we first started using our app, I assigned each family member their own color. Now, at a glance, I can see that the blue events are my husband’s work stuff, the pink ones are my daughter’s dance classes, and the green ones are my son’s soccer practices.

Recurring Events

Set up recurring events for things that happen regularly, like weekly Swimming lessons or monthly Book Club.

I used to spend every Sunday night manually entering in all our regular weekly activities. What a waste of time! Now, I set up recurring events for things like my weekly yoga class, the kids’ music lessons, and my husband’s bowling league. Set it and forget it!

Chore and Task Assignment

Assigning tasks and chores through the app? Genius. Absolute genius. No more “But Mom, I didn’t know it was my turn to take out the trash!” excuses. Everything’s right there in black and white (or whatever color you’ve assigned to chores).

Regular Calendar Check-ins

Here’s something I learned the hard way: you gotta review and update that calendar regularly as a family. We now have a weekly “calendar check-in” every Sunday evening. It’s not always fun (try getting teenagers excited about family planning), but it’s so worth it.

We go over the upcoming week, make any necessary changes, and make sure everyone’s on the same page. It’s actually become a nice little family bonding time. Who knew that using a free calendar could simplify our lives so much?

Reminders

Set reminders for important events. If you’re prone to forgetting PTA meetings or doctor’s appointments, those little pings are lifesavers. They keep everyone on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Smart Home Integration

If you have a smart home device, integrate your calendar with it. We linked our calendar to our smart speaker, and now Alexa reminds us about upcoming events. “Don’t forget, Tommy has a dentist appointment in an hour,” she’ll chirp. It’s like having a personal assistant, minus the salary.

Notes for Events

One thing I’ve found super helpful is using the notes section for each event. You can add important details like addresses, what to bring, or even outfit requirements. No more scrambling at the last minute because you forgot your kid needs to wear all black for their choir performance.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: use your calendar app for meal planning too. I schedule our dinners for the week, and it’s been a total game-changer. No more 5 pm panic about what to cook!

Another neat trick? Use it for goal setting. We have a family goal to read more, so we schedule in reading time and track our progress. It’s surprisingly motivating!

Don’t forget about using the app for family fun stuff too. We have a monthly “Family Fun Night” scheduled, and we take turns choosing the activity. It ensures we’re making time for each other amidst all the craziness.

Meal Planning

Use your calendar for meal planning. Add your weekly dinner menu so you know what to cook and what groceries to buy. It makes dinnertime much less stressful.

Goal Setting

Plan and track family goals. Whether it’s saving for a vacation or reading a certain number of books, keeping goals visible helps everyone stay motivated.

Planning Family Fun Nights

Don’t forget to schedule fun! Plan regular family game nights or movie evenings. It ensures that amidst the chaos, there’s always time for laughter and bonding.

By using these tips, your family calendar app can become a powerful tool for organizing and enhancing family life. It’s all about making things easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Happy scheduling!

My Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect family calendar app can totally change how you handle your busy life. Imagine having everything organized without the usual chaos!

There are several great options out there. Cozi packs in a bunch of helpful features, Google Calendar lets everyone access it easily, and 2houses is awesome for families with co-parenting needs, making it one of the best shared options. Pick the one that fits your family best.

These apps help you keep track of everyone’s schedule, make communication smoother, and manage tasks so you can all stay on the same page.

Frequently Asked Questions