• Families share a variety of different activities to enjoy one another. Try picking up a game and laughing together. Some of these games may include the classics, such as: Pictionary, Monopoly, Life, Battleship, Sardines. Or you could switch it up with some more modern games like Apples to Apples, or Scene It. Game night is practically guaranteed to bring out everyone's inner kid, so make it a point to serve wholesome snacks to keep energy levels high.
• While some think of reading as a bit boring, it can be made fun and engaging by reading a book together as a family. This activity would be reading a book together as a family. This can be done in a variety of ways. You could listen to a book on tape, or read from a kindle. Adding reading to your family’s night would be a great way to lose yourself in a book with your children. It may seem difficult to choose a book that suits everyone’s needs, so you could decide between a classic, modern book, or perhaps one of the children’s school reading books. After you’re done reading, try discussing various characters and plot points that you loved or didn't love so much.
• While every family has needs specific to them, it is always a wonderful idea to think of others and volunteer together. This is an excellent way to create a sense of self-worth, and to help better the lives of those less fortunate. There are various places that are more than happy to take volunteers. For example, the local pediatric hospital, soup kitchens, churches, Habitat for Humanity, or you could sign up for a missions trip with a local church. You can always call up the local towns schools, hospitals and ask if they have any places where a volunteer would be welcomed.
• Scavenger hunts are always a favorite amongst children. Separate the family into teams. Give each team a list of items to find in and around the house. Use small or unique items to make the game interesting. For example, a hairbrush, a banana peel, and a blue sock are items that may take some hunting to find. The team that finds all of the items on its list first wins. Whatever setting and activity you choose, allow your kids be part of the preparation process.
• For small kids in particular, it doesn't take much to turn an ordinary living room into an improvised playground. A few sheets draped strategically around armchairs and couches can quickly morph furniture into a fabulous indoor fort perfect for your whole family. You can even make it a competition by seeing who can build the best playground, fort, or castle.
• Split your family up into two teams. Give each team a roll of toilet paper. Each team should choose one member to be the mummy. Use the toilet paper to wrap the mummy from head to toe, leaving only his eyes and nose free. The team who wraps their mummy first wins.
• Before this game, ask extended family members to reveal something funny or unknown about themselves. This works best with grandparents or other relatives who do not live in the home. Split the family into two teams for the trivia game. Read one fact about an extended family member. Each team has 30 seconds to choose which extended family member the fact is about. Repeat this process for every question. The team with more correct answers wins
• Think about making a family movie together. Another thing kids love to do is watch themselves on video. This time, put your children in charge of the camera and let them make a home video of family time. You could even encourage them to write their own scripts and have the whole family participate in creating a mini movie.

Games & Activities