5 Tips for Organizing a Fun Family Game Night

It’s always great to spend quality time together as a family. It’s a chance to bond with kids, make great memories, and just kick back and relax. But to ensure everyone has a good time, it doesn’t hurt to have an activity planned and there’s no better theme than family game night. Family game night can become the new routine weekly, monthly, or any other interval of your choosing. You can shake things up and pick a different game each time, or stick to a few family favorites.

But to ensure your family game night is nothing but fun, here are five useful tips to keep in mind.

Choose Age-Appropriate Games for the Kids

While you may be tempted to choose a game that adults love, it needs to be easy enough for the kids to understand and play. If not, you’re in for a world of frustration and not the fun times you had hoped for. Even age-appropriate kids’ games can still pose a challenge, so it’s smart to have some tools and resources on hand to help them play.

A great example is the game Scrabble, which is always a family-favorite. The problem is that kids can get stuck with their letters and start getting frustrated with the game. An online tool will help them come up with ways to use up to 15 letters including two wildcards. It could also be useful to have a dictionary and/or thesaurus handy for them.

If you’re stuck on what games are age-appropriate, simply refer to the instructions on the box, or try doing a little research online. There are plenty of lists that break down games based on age.

Get Input from the Kids – What Do They Want to Play?

And speaking of picking the ideal game, why not get input from the kids and ask them what they feel like playing? You can take turns rotating through the entire household, each picking the game of their choice for the evening. This keeps things on an equal playing field, and it ensures variety.

Pick a Comfortable Spot in the House with Plenty of Seating

Now it’s time to get organized and figure out where family game night is going to take place. You want to be sure you have ample comfortable seating, as family game night could be hours in length. A kitchen or dining room table tends to make a great option since the board or playing surface can be placed in the middle of the table.

Snacks and Drinks Will Play a Big Part in the Night’s Success

Besides the perfect game, you’ll also need the right snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy and feeling satisfied. Opt for easy-to-eat finger foods, so there’s no need to stop gameplay each time people want a snack.

Some great food options for the family game night can include:

• Chips
• Popcorn
• Tortilla chips
• Bite-sized muffins or cupcakes
• Cookies
• Sliced-up veggies and dip
• Slice up fruit
• Dried fruit and nuts

Game Night May Take a More High-Tech Turn

It’s also worth noting that family game night may take a more high-tech turn. Video games can also be enjoyed on family game night with plenty being perfect for multiplayer. Again, the game will need to be age-appropriate and easy for everyone to understand.

A few family-friendly video game options you may want to consider include:

• Overcooked
• Minecraft
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Super Mario 3D World
• Rayman Legends
• Rocket League
• Super Smash Bros Ultimate
• Mario Kart 8
• Wii Sports Resort

Be Prepared for Family Game Night to Be a Smashing Success

All of these tips will help ensure that your family game night is a smashing success for everyone involved.