Maybe the longer summer days have left you empty of ideas when it comes to making plans for a family fun night. Here are 15 ideas to the rescue! Whether the kids in your life are closer to 3 or 13, this list has something everyone can enjoy.
1. Game Night
Pull out an old board game from the back of your closet that you haven’t played in a long time. Clue is one of our family favorites.
2. Backyard Camping
My kids are ALWAYS up for camping. What is easier than pulling out the tent and sleeping bag and going out in the backyard on a nice night? S’mores are always a good thing to add to your camping scenario.
3. Baking Giveaway
Pull out some recipes for pumpkin bread or apple pie and bake together. Then, deliver those warm goodies to people in your church or neighborhood who may appreciate them.
4. Neighborhood Kickball Game
Do you have a big lawn area in your neighborhood? Grab your neighbors, a kickball, and some bases to play a friendly game of neighborhood kickball. After the final kick, pull out some refreshing popsicles to end your time together.
5. Prayer Mailbox
Create a prayer mailbox for your neighborhood. Decorate it and put it out where people can see it. Let people know about it, and make grabbing the prayer cards a regular part of your routine. Pray for your neighbors specifically and by name.
6. Put on a Puppet Show
My kids love to perform. Help kids make sock puppets, and let them put on a puppet show for you.
7. Craft Night
Pull up Pinterest and search “kids crafts.” Scroll through the page and identify crafts that you have all the supplies for, then make those things together as a family.
8. Wii Night
We have so many Wii games that we don’t play very often. Pull them out and have a Wii family night. We love Wii sports (Mario Kart is the best!), and they are so fun to play together! Of course, bring the popcorn.
9. Bike Night
Take your bikes to your local greenway and take a bike ride together. It would be even better to bring a little picnic with you and ride over to picnic tables, eat, and ride back to your car.
10. Hiking
My kids just got old enough to enjoy hiking. As you hike, make a list of all the fun things you see or take pictures of animals and interesting plants you come across. When you are finished with your hike, learn about the those things online.
11. Art/Painting Class
Many cities now have little shops you can visit that either let you paint a specific picture together (each person paints the same picture) or make and paint your own pottery. This is always fun if your kids are in the mood to explore their creative sides.
12. Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things in your city and hunt together as a family to find and take pictures of your scavenger hunt items. If you have a big family, split up and make it a contest!
13. Dress Up Night
Prepare a fancy dinner and set out the good china you never use. Dress up. Light some candles. Play soft music. Pretend you are out at a nice restaurant.
14. Mini-Golf
Play mini-golf with your family. Kids of all ages love this. Our city just got a “glow golf” place that we love because you can putt-putt even on a rainy night!
15. Movie Night
I’ve heard of people putting a big sheet up in their backyard with a projector and watching a movie out under the stars. Or, if you are not that ambitious (like me!) just watch a movie inside together. Make cookies, popcorn, or coke floats and watch a movie that you all enjoy.
Amy Lowe is the manager of the Adult Ministry Publishing area at Lifeway. She is married to Matt, who serves as Family Pastor at their church, and they are parents to two energetic kids, Claire (6) and Jack (3).
