How to Put More Fun in Your Family Game Night

Tired of watching movies on Family Night? Looking for an inexpensive, and easy way to have fun with the family now that the weather is turning colder? Why not host a Family Game Night? 

It's an inexpensive way to get the family together because you most likely already have a closet full of games and plenty of snacks. I love Family Game Night because it allows us to talk and really connect with the kids while playing the game. Plus, with a little creativity using items you already have around the house, you can make this a truly special night that the family looks forward to.

Here are a few ideas to inject a little more fun and creativity into Family Game Night. 

Dress it up. 
Why just play a game when you can play the game in a silly way? For example, if you are playing a pirate game, have everyone wear pirate hats or eye patches. If playing the Snorta animal game, wear an animal mask. Make them out of paper plates before the game begins.

I think everything is more fun when you are wearing a hat, so grab some of those plastic poker dealer hats and enjoy the silliness.

Get a Bigger Family!
Family Game Night isn’t limited to just your immediate family. While it’s definitely fun to spend time with the kids talking and bonding over games, shake it up a little and invite another family over to double the fun. Have them bring their favorite family games so you can try new ones.

Create a mood.
Sometimes just changing the location of game night can be exciting. Instead of playing on the kitchen table, play on the floor of the family room. Put your jammies on and play on Mom & Dad’s bed. Set up a table in the backyard and play. Or pitch a tent to host game night.

Prizes? I Love prizes!
If you’re going to play games, you need prizes. Large chocolate bars or movie-theater size boxes of candy are great prizes to give to the game winners. If you are playing with younger kids you may need to make sure that everyone is a winner and receives prizes, but for older kids and adults let the competition begin.

You can also play for chores or activities as prizes.

If Mom wins, she gets to give a chore coupon to someone in the house so they have to empty the dishwasher. Mom or Dad can make up some unique coupons letting the kids stay up an hour later, get out of chores, earn an extra dollar of allowance or get 30 minutes to play on the computer. 

I hope these ideas have inspired you to plan a family game night. What are you waiting for? Go get your game on!

What is your family's favorite game to play together? How do you make Family Game Night fun?

For more ideas on how to spice up family game night, choose the right game for your kids, and tasty snack ideas, read all of my posts on planning Family Game Night.