Keeping kids entertained can be a daunting task. But you can go beyond watching movies, playing board games, reading books, and relying on video games for a family fun night. Here’s a look at some ideas for safe, simple, and affordable ways for you to bond with your brood:
Family blog night
Forget family newsletters — in this high-tech era, your kids will have a blast helping you put together a family blog, vlog, or social media page. Susan Merrill, a contributor to iMom, recommends letting your kids lend their creativity by choosing a blog name, coming up with a color scheme, and selecting photos to feature. Plus, a family blog is a convenient way to keep your loved ones in the loop on your family’s milestones and activities. And if privacy is a concern, most blogging and social media platforms enable you to share your posts and videos with a select group of friends and family members.
Scavenger hunt
Just about every kid loves the thrill of a scavenger hunt. The family fun experts at GoTrovo recommend these easy games as an easy way to help your kids practice interpreting clues and following directions. Depending on the age of your youngsters, you can offer a variety of prizes for completing the hunt. Little ones could enjoy something as simple as a new toy or some treats, while bigger kids might enjoy a few dollars to spend, a new book, or a small present like nail polish, a new piece of sports equipment, or some art supplies. To make this activity easier, you can find printable scavenger hunt checklists online, so you don’t have to spend time cooking up your own clues.
Learn a new skill together
Enjoy some bonding time by learning a new skill or craft together. Mess-free and budget-friendly options include drawing, writing poetry, singing karaoke, and learning card tricks. If you’d like a more hands-on activity — and don’t mind a little cleanup — try painting, sculpting, or cooking up an easy new recipe. Merrill suggests this activity as a way to teach your youngsters a new life skill, such as performing an oil change, or creating a budget. You or your kids just might find an enjoyable new way to pass the time.
Build a fort
Kids enjoy the creative rush of building pillow forts. Get in on playtime by helping them rearrange furniture and drape blankets to create tent-like “roofs” for their playhouses. If you don’t want to deconstruct your living room furniture for family fun night, there are other options. You can buy or make a modular PVC pipe kit, so you and your kids can focus on having fun constructing a framework for their playhouse, be it in the backyard, living room, or playroom. If your home doesn’t have the space for projects like these, have a construction competition with toy blocks. See who can craft the coolest castle, car, or creature from the materials on hand.
Family fun night can relieve stress and provide a feeling of togetherness. While you may have been spending more time under the same roof over the last several months, it is important to make sure you carve out true quality time as a family. With a little resourcefulness, you can dream up activities to make memories that will last a lifetime.