Family Fun Night Activities
Families are busier than ever. Work, school and extracurricular activities can keep families separated and disconnected. To bring everyone together, consider incorporating a family fun night into your schedule. No matter the size of your family or age of your children, activities can be found to entertain and engage even the most reclusive family member.
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Iron Chef Cook-Off
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Whether or not your family is familiar with the popular television show, you can still use the concept for a fun family night activity. Divide into two teams, pairing young children with adults or older siblings. Each team assigns a dish for the other to prepare. A variation is to write several main ingredient items on slips of paper, and then each team draws one slip from a bowl. You must then design your dish around that ingredient. Keep it simple by using things like peanut butter or apples as your item. When it is all over, enjoy eating the creations.
Sundae Bar
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Make a do-it-yourself sundae bar. Set out different flavors of ice cream and all your family's favorite toppings. Invest in some fun old fashioned sundae bowls and soda fountain glasses to complete your ice cream social. Retailers such as Target carry a wide variety of affordable ice cream accessories. Combine your sundae bar with movie night or board game night to complete your night of family fun.
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Talent Show
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Singing, dancing, magic tricks; let everyone find their talent and display it in a talent show. This activity helps to build the confidence of timid children, while simultaneously allowing your outgoing child to shine. Allow them to raid the costume box and your closets to really get creative with their performance. Mom and Dad, this is your time to show off hidden talents your children never knew you had.
Get Outdoors
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Plan an early evening hike or bicycle ride with the family. Play a game of flag football or basketball. Exercise is an ideal way to release stress for healthier bodies and minds. Collect nature finds on your walk to bring home and discuss. Small twigs and leaves can be saved to use in an art project another night. Team sports present an opportunity to teach children about teamwork and winning and losing. Remember safety measures, such as wearing a helmet when biking, avoid walking near busy roads, and stretching before sports.
Household Project
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Kill two birds with one stone by completing a household task while spending time together. Even small children can enjoy helping paint a room or filling a photo album with photos. Go through closets and try on old clothes to see if they still fit. Turn this activity into a fun fashion show. Gather clothes your family isn't wearing to donate to charity. This presents an ideal opportunity to introduce small children to the act of giving and an appreciation for their possessions.
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- Photo Credit family game image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
