Last Updated on March 28, 2024
Does the idea of keeping “family togetherness fun” alive make you slump a little lower in your seat? Never fear. There are tons of easy family night ideas at home that will help you pass the time!
If the thought of “What can we do now?” makes you want to inspect your split ends in boredom, help is only a paragraph away! While binge-watching shows out of sheer desperation has become the go-to for your family, don’t be afraid to make some changes and try something new!
Whether it’s spring break, summer break, winter break or just another weekend that seems to drag on and on, Tracey and I have come up with a month’s worth of easy, creative family fun night ideas just for you. No matter what age your kids are, there’s something for you on this list.
Repeat with us: I think I can. I think I can. Check out the list below and save a few of your favorites to try ASAP!
Fun family night ideas at home
1. Have a family talent show.
2. Hold a family Olympics.
3. Take fun and creative pictures of each other. Grab a few crazy hats, sunglasses, and capes or other zany props like large, open photo frames to look through.
4. Race the clock on a crossword puzzle, word find, or jigsaw puzzle, or compete against each other in groups.
5. Set up the backyard, or a floor in the corner of the living room, for an evening picnic—and maybe a game of Ultimate Frisbee — paper plates work indoors.
6. Decide on a service project together. it can be as simple as spending the night texting encouraging words and Bible verses. Tip: If the kids choose and get to administrate a little, they’ll be more invested in your project!
7. Choose a room makeover project. Pick a room, give the family a budget, hit the home improvement store, and get to work!
8. Have a fondue night. Let the kids help with melting the chocolate and cheese.
9. Gather supplies for a cookie-decorating night—or a cake that you all work to frost together. Look on the web for ideas, and get creative!
10. Play a family night of Hide-and-Seek. Older kids may like a more challenging version, like blindfolded!
11. Have a board game tournament. To take it up a notch, play for small prizes like treats, who gets to choose dinner, or a day with no chores.
12. Haul out the home videos and old photo albums. Younger kids love watching themselves!
13. Make individual pizzas in cake pans or pie plates.
14. Camp out in the backyard. Don’t forget the s’mores!
15. On long summer evenings, fly kites before it gets dark.
16. Let the kids make your kitchen into a restaurant for dinner, with only one or two simple entrée choices. Give them tablecloths and notepads—maybe even candles—having them set the table and make menus. They might even dress the part of waiters. Put on your best manners, everyone!
17. A simple night of star-gazing on the lawn, or through a window!
18. Hold a cooking contest.
19. Create a large nest out of cushions, pillows, and blankets. Then cuddle up for a marathon story time—about birds, perhaps?
20. Take a deck of cards and hide them all over the house – kids love hunt and find!
21. On hot summer nights, battle it out in a water fight!
22. Make ice cream sundaes; let everyone pick a topping at the store. While you chow down, talk about some of your favorite family memories.
23. Have a family reward night, get a special restaurant take out, when the whole family has accomplished a goal (a home improvement project, memorizing a passage of Scripture together, finishing a great book or service project day, a week of zero fighting, etc.).
24. Create obstacle courses in the living room with cushions, pillows, stools, chairs, etc.—or do it in the yard. Grab a timer, and have everyone compete against their best time. Then change it up and try it again!
25. Purchase some small, inexpensive art canvases. Or use paper plates. Let the kids paint them as artwork to hang in their room—and create an instant keepsake and memory.
26. Play Nerf tag. For an inexpensive version (with a little more prep), cut narrow PVC pipe in 2-foot lengths to make your own blow guns for Nerf darts! Mini-marshmallows work, too.
27. Have a scavenger hunt.
28. Create impromptu plays on the lawn—favorite religious stories, storybooks, plays from the kids’ imagination. Your theater can be as elaborate as you choose, with tickets, costumes, and set design. Tip: If you have a clothes line and a set of sheets, you’ve got a stage!
29. Bring out the lawn games: bocce ball, badminton, or croquet or create an obstacle course!
30. Use Plaster of Paris to make casts of the kids’ handprints.
31. Collect washed food containers, utensils, and a couple of watering cans — make mud pies!
32. Bonus: Create wearable art. Purchase some plain T-shirts, flip-flops, hats, or totes, or use some from home. Make ‘em snazzy with fabric paint, tie-dye, buttons, or whatever you can find.
This list is full of great ideas that are sure to keep the boredom at bay – and help you create some quality family memories! Which of these ideas will YOU try out first?
Looking for more ways to keep you kids busy? Check out 53 Fun Role-Playing Ideas for Kids.
What GREAT ideas!! Thank you for sharing!
Blessings~
Susan