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Why Is Family Game Night Important?

By Gathered Again

Family game night is a time-honored tradition in many households. It’s a chance for families to come together and bond over some friendly competition. But it is more than just a fun way to spend an evening. It can also be an essential bonding experience that helps families build strong relationships. So if you’re considering starting a family game night tradition, you’re in the right place.

Why Should We Play Games Together As A Family?

There are many reasons why playing games together as a family is essential. Even more interesting is that those reasons can change as your family grows older.

For younger families, game time can promote basic motor skills. For example, you teach children to grasp game pieces and move them to specific places. Or, perhaps, you’re teaching children how to hold cards or deal from a deck of cards.

As your kids get older, the development becomes more brain-based. For example, you play strategy games that provide valuable practice time for strategic thinking and planning. They also offer opportunities to improve memory techniques.

How Can Playing Games Improve My Family Relationship?

It can help to promote bonding and togetherness. Family game night is a fantastic way to teach children cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. But, more importantly, it’s about family time. It also provides ample opportunity to have amazing conversations or even deep conversations.

What about school improvement? Studies are currently proving that children from families who are happier tend to do better in school. Of course, motivation in school can be challenging, but what if playing a few of your kid’s favorite games each month could change that?

In addition, playing together can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time together as a family. So if you’re looking for a way to connect with your loved ones, consider playing some games together.

What If My Kids Don’t Want To Play Board Games?

If your kids don’t want to play board games, you can do a few things to incentivize them. One is offering something fun as a reward, like pizza or other favorite food. You can also try making the family game night a regular event and making it a tradition.

Finally, explain to your kids why it is important to you and how it can be beneficial for them. Give them a positive perception of this new family tradition. With a little effort, you should be able to get your kids to enjoy board games and spend some quality time with the family.

Benefits of Playing Board Games with your family

There are many benefits to playing board games with your family. They can help improve communication and problem-solving skills and can be a fun way to bond with your loved ones. It can also be an important opportunity to teach children about fair play and how to handle winning and losing gracefully.

In addition, it helps reduce stress and anxiety and can be a great way to unwind after a long day. So whether you want to improve your family relationships or have fun, board games are a great option.

Builds Communication Skills

Playing with your family is a great way to teach kids about communication skills. By playing together, you can help them learn how to be clear and concise in their communication. So not only will your kids have fun, but they’ll also learn essential life skills.

Improves Social Skills

Board games are a great way to improve social skills. If your kids are shy or slightly introverted, then board games can help them get comfortable being in social settings and being emotive because their mind is on the game and not on what people think about them. This can be a great way to connect with your kids and help them develop social skills.

Helps Children Develop Their Imagination

Playing helps children use their imaginations, think creatively, and solve problems. So why not make it a regular tradition in your family? They don’t “spoonfeed” the imagery and world as video games do. Instead, they require a certain amount of critical thinking on the player’s part. This can help children develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

Encourages Creativity

Family game night is important because it encourages creativity. When children are allowed to be creative, they learn to think outside the box and develop new ideas. This valuable skill will help them in all areas of their life. In addition, it’s a chance to unplug from technology and have quality time together.

It’s A Great Family Bonding Time That Will Be Remembered For Years To Come!

Family game night is a great way to spend time together and bond as a family. It’s also a great way to teach kids essential life skills, such as cooperation, communication, and sportsmanship. In addition, it is a great way to relieve stress and have fun. So why not give it a try? You and your family will be glad you did.

How Do You Start A Family Game Night?

Family game night is a great way to spend time together and have fun. But what are the best ways to ensure everyone has a good time? Here are a few tips:

Choose The Right Games

First, choose suitable games. Make sure to select ones that everyone will enjoy and that are appropriate for the players’ ages. Family game night favorites include board games, card games, and role-playing games.

Choose A Day And Time (And Stick To It!)

Second, choose the day and time and ensure it doesn’t conflict with any extracurricular activities. This is a time for family, not for chaos. If things are disorganized, then it’s much more likely that family game night will become “that game night we did one time.” Many families choose to have a weekly game night to keep it easy to remember.

Make Sure Everyone Has Fun

Third, be flexible. If someone isn’t enjoying the game, try to find out why and if there are any other games they might want to try. If everyone has a good time, that’s the most important thing!

Let Each Other Win

If you have particularly young kids, it’s a good idea to let them win every once in a while. This will help build their confidence and increase their enjoyment of the game. But, of course, it’s also important to let them experience a loss, but if they lose every time, they’ll probably never want to play the game.

Great Games for Family Game Night

Family game night has many benefits, including bonding time, laughter, and learning. It’s a great way to get the whole family together and have some fun. Here are some games that are great for families:

Apples to Apples

Apples to Apples is a great family game for several reasons. First, Apples To Apples is a fun word game that is sure to give a laugh. Of the educational games, it’s one of my favorites. It teaches kids vocabulary, the differences between nouns and adjectives, creative wordplay, and creative comparisons.

Hoot Owl Hoot!

“Hoot Owl Hoot!” is a great cooperative game for families with young kids. In Hoot Owl Hoot, players work together to help the owls fly back to their nest before the sun comes up. Hoot Owl Hoot is simple to learn and can be played in about 20 minutes. It’s a great way to spend quality time together as a family. Also, it’s super adorable.

Monopoly

Monopoly is a classic that is perfect for family game night. It teaches kids about money and strategy and is fun for everyone. Of course, the rules can be a bit complex, so if you have younger children, you might opt for Monopoly Junior, which is much more friendly to younger kids.

Ticket To Ride

“Ticket To Ride” is a great family game for several reasons. First, Ticket To Ride can is enjoyed by people ages 8 and up (although they have a junior version too). Second, it allows between 2-5 players. Third, Ticket to Ride is a fun game that takes place in early America (depending on the version you get) and is an entertaining way to spend 45 minutes together as a family.

Final Thoughts

Family game night is vital for many reasons. First, it provides quality time for families to bond and connect. It also helps to teach children essential life skills, such as cooperation, communication, and how to handle winning and losing. Additionally, it can be a fun and stress-free way to unwind and relax after a long week. Whether you’re playing classic board games or trying out the latest party game, spending time with your loved ones is always valuable.

5 Fun Theme Parks For Families To E...
5 Fun Theme Parks For Families To Enjoy

160+ Dinner Conversation Starters for Families: Family Dinner Topics And Questions (From School to Family History)

By Gathered Again

Life just seems to get busier and busier. It’s easy to let work, school, and life get in the way of your relationships. Dinner is a perfect time for everyone to set aside technology and enjoy each other’s company. But here’s the tricky part: How do you start the fun family bonding?

You always want to ensure you’re having fun with your family. It’s even more critical as parents because you want to create memories that last a lifetime. Conversations can be a fun and engaging way to make those memories.

This guide will help you find excellent dinner conversation starters for families. We’ll cover everything from simple questions to deep philosophical discussions. And we’ll also share our top tips for making dinner conversations memorable.

Once you learn these top family dinner topics, you’ll never run out of ideas again. I’ve created a list of over 100 dinner conversation starter ideas to make your family dinners more enjoyable and strengthen your family bonds.

You’ll also learn how to get started with these topics and how to expand your repertoire. If you are ready to enjoy talking with your family, even more, grab a pen and paper and read on. We’ll dive deep into the topic of family dinner conversation starters.

How To Frame Your Family Dinner Conversation Questions

Before we get to the questions, I wanted to provide a few tips when choosing questions or thinking of your own. These tips are pretty simple but critical to your success.

Ask Only Relevant Questions

This might seem apparent initially, but remember that what you think happens in someone’s life and what is happening can be very different. For example, asking your kid about a class they aren’t taking will make you look disengaged in their life.

Frame Questions In A Positive Way

Positivity gets people to open up. Negativity makes people uncomfortable and shy. Instead of asking questions like “are you failing in any of your classes” ask questions like “which subject is your absolute favorite” or “if you had the power to get rid of any class, which class would it be?” It will make your family feel like you’re interested in them rather than interrogating them.

Throughout these questions, I’ve tried to frame all questions positively except for a few negative questions that won’t make someone defensive (like “which movie do you like least?”).

20 Conversation Starters About School

School is an excellent topic for conversation starters with your kids because everyone goes through school at some point. While some things might be different, many of the challenges of going through school are similar.

This common ground provides a natural place to bond with your family around the dinner table. You can offer informed advice and relate to stories from your own experience. This creates a safe environment for your kids to open up to you.

The critical thing you need to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t be too general. If you ask, “how was your day at school?” You’ll receive a simple “fine,” and that will be the end of the conversation. Here are some questions you can use to get some real conversation happening.

  1. “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned in the last few days at school?”
  2. “Did any of your friends do anything funny recently?”
  3. “Tell me what a ride on the school bus is like. It’s been a while since I’ve been on one.”
  4. “Who is your favorite teacher right now?”
  5. “Which school subject are you doing the best in?”
  6. “What is your favorite memory about being in school?”
  7. “If you could make the school offer anything as a class, what class would you have them offer?”
  8. “What have you found is the best way to get along with other kids at school?”
  9. “How did you feel when you were told you had passed a test you thought you didn’t do well on?”
  10. “What is the hardest part of getting back into school after summer break?”
  11. “What is something you wish you knew before starting school?”
  12. “Describe to me what you think it was like to go to school when I was a kid?”
  13. “What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year at school?”
  14. “What do you think is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far at school?”
  15. “What do you think is your greatest strength at school?”
  16. “If there was one thing you could tell yourself before starting school, what would it be?”
  17. “What is an example of a time where you made a mistake but handled it well?”
  18. “What is the most challenging thing about school?”
  19. “What is the funniest thing you’ve seen happen at school?”
  20. “If you could get rid of one food in the school cafeteria forever, which one would it be?”

21 Conversation Starters About Future Plans

With life being so busy with deadlines, projects, and chores, it’s easy to forget that there is more to life than the “present.” We are all on journeys through life, and it’s good to think about where our destinations are.

Here are some questions to help your family start thinking about the future, not just for themselves, but for the family as a whole!

  1. “What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?”
  2. “Are there any places you want our family to visit in the future?”
  3. “What are three landmarks you would love to see?”
  4. “If you could own any business, which one would it be?”
  5. “What do we need to work on right now to ensure we have a happy, healthy, successful family in the future?”
  6. “How can I make this year better than last year?”
  7. “What will we do when we retire? Where will we live?”
  8. “What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?”
  9. “Who do you want to spend more time with?”
  10. “What does God want us to learn from this season of life?”
  11. “What are some things that you would like me to teach you in the future?”
  12. “What kind of jobs would you like to do?”
  13. “What would your dream job be if you could do anything?”
  14. “What things could you start doing today to get where you hope to be in the future?”
  15. “What are your friends’ hopes, dreams, and aspirations?”
  16. “If you could have three wishes or prayers granted, but they would only come true ten years from now, what would they be?”
  17. “50 years ago, the world was very different. How do you think the world will change 50 years from now?”
  18. “What changes do you think will happen in your lifetime?”
  19. “What would you like to see changed in the world?”
  20. “What is a task we have to do now that we will no longer need to do in the future?”
  21. “What do you think will be the coolest technological advancement ten years from now?”

14 Conversation Starters About Upcoming Events

It’s good to talk about upcoming events at dinner because it helps get your family excited about the event! Additionally, you can get everyone’s feedback about what they think should happen at the event. Quality conversations lead to even better quality time! That’s a win-win!

What kind of food do they want at the upcoming 4th of July party? Where do they want to go for winter vacation? Lots of good information can be had, and you get to enjoy the excitement of upcoming events before they even happen!

  1. “What are you looking forward to most about the 4th of July?”
  2. “What are three fun activities you’d like to do together this summer?”
  3. “Where should we celebrate the next birthday?”
  4. “What Christmas movies do you want to watch as Christmas approaches?”
  5. “What food should we have on the 4th of July?”
  6. “Where would you most like to go for your birthday dinner?”
  7. “What two things would you like to try this holiday season?”
  8. “What should we do on Mother’s Day?”
  9. “Which holiday are you looking forward to most?”
  10. “What are your top 3 favorite Thanksgiving desserts?”
  11. “If you could see a New Year’s Eve firework display anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
  12. “National Hot Dog Day is next Wednesday. What toppings would you have on your perfect hot dog?”
  13. “On the last day of school, what special things would you want to do?”
  14. “Who are you most excited to see at the upcoming family reunion?”

18 Conversation Starters About Traveling As A Family

Have you ever wanted to travel somewhere new but didn’t know where? Or maybe you just don’t know what places your family would enjoy visiting. Well, now is the chance to find out!

Travel planning is a fun activity for families to engage in together. It allows them to share their interests and desires while learning about each other’s interests and desires.

Here are some conversation starters about traveling:

  1. “What countries do you want to visit someday?”
  2. “Would you rather camp at the base of a snowy mountain or on the banks of a huge lake?”
  3. “What are some places you’ve always wanted to visit?”
  4. “What are five places you’d like to visit in the near future?”
  5. “Would you rather stay in a hotel or rent a house when traveling?”
  6. “What are five things you’ll never leave home without?”
  7. “Would you rather fly, drive, or rent an RV when traveling?”
  8. “Would you rather stay at a fancy hotel, rent an RV, or camp using tents?”
  9. “Would you rather relax on the beaches of Costa Rica or ski in the Swiss Alps?”
  10. “If you could go on a road trip anywhere, what would the destination be, and where would you want to stop along the way?”
  11. “Would you rather stay at an all-inclusive resort or go on a cruise?”
  12. “If you were going on a cruise, would you rather cruise through the arctic or tropical islands?
  13. “Would you rather spend time with friends or family when traveling?”
  14. “Are there any destinations that you’re not interested in visiting?”
  15. “If you were going on a cruise, what three things would you need to bring, besides clothes or toiletries?”
  16. “If you could only take one picture on our upcoming trip, what picture would you take?”
  17. “Would you prefer taking lots of pictures for the memories or just being in the moment, even if it means having no pictures of the trip?”
  18. “What is one food you would like to try in a different country?”

15 Conversation Starters About Family History

Family history is a fun activity for families to engage in together. It allows them to share their interests and desires while learning about each other’s interests and desires.

Here are some conversation starters about family history:

  1. “What is one piece of our family history you’re not sure about?”
  2. “Do you have any photos from our family’s past?”
  3. “What are five things you would like to learn more about your family’s history?”
  4. “What is the most interesting family heirloom that we own?”
  5. “What is one family tradition that you would like to start?”
  6. “What is your earliest memory?”
  7. You can discuss any exciting discoveries about your family’s genealogy.
  8. Discuss a specific member of your family’s lineage.
  9. Discuss information about different countries your family originates from, including what the country was like when your ancestor lived there.
  10. Talk about laws during the time your ancestors were alive and how those laws might have impacted them and your family tree.
  11. What are some of the customs and holidays that your ancestors might have done or celebrated?
  12. What civic groups did your ancestors participate in, and what were their goals?
  13. Share newspaper clippings you can find about your family members.
  14. Did your ancestors start any kind of charity or volunteer to make the world a better place? You can discuss their story to help inspire selflessness in your family.
  15. Do you have any authors in your family tree? Perhaps obtain their book and read some of it at dinner if you can.

17 Conversation Starters About Your Family Pets

Pets are a constant source of fun and affection. They’re also a perfect topic to add some light-hearted fun to a family dinner conversation.

Here are some conversation starters about pets:

  1. “What is the silliest thing you’ve seen our pet do?”
  2. “Would you rather have a cat, dog, or a bird? Why?”
  3. “If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, which animal would you choose?”
  4. “If you had a pet tiger, what would you name it, and what tricks would you want to teach it?”
  5. “What is the best thing about having a pet?”
  6. “What is the worst thing about having a pet?”
  7. “What is the best pet trick that you have ever seen?”
  8. “If you could dress your pet up as any celebrity, which celebrity would that be?”
  9. “If your pet were in a movie, which movie do you think they’d fit best in?”
  10. “What song describes your pet best?”
  11. “What is the silliest pet costume that you have ever seen?”
  12. “What is the best way to show your love for your pet?”
  13. “What is the funniest pet video you’ve ever seen?”
  14. “Which do you think is smarter, a dog or a cat?”
  15. “Which breed of dog do you think is the cutest?”
  16. “Which breed of dog do you think is the most intimidating?”
  17. “What kind of pets will you want when you’re older?”

15 Conversation Starters About Your Family’s Favorite Things

This section is all about finding out all of your family’s favorite things. This is a great way to get to know your family members. This will also give you ideas for arranging more quality time opportunities. Knowing favorites will help you plan holiday meals, birthday parties, and other important events and celebrations.

  1. “What is your favorite family tradition that we do?”
  2. “What is your favorite holiday?”
  3. What are your top favorite foods?”
  4. “What is your favorite song?
  5. “What is your favorite music genre?”
  6. “What is your favorite family memory?
  7. “What is your favorite season and why?”
  8. “What is (or would be) your favorite family vacation destination?”
  9. “What is your favorite family activity to do together?”
  10. “What is your favorite movie of all time?”
  11. “Who is your favorite movie character?”
  12. “Who is your favorite cartoon character?”
  13. “Who is your favorite book character?”
  14. “Who is your favorite biblical figure?”
  15. “What is your favorite time period?”

13 Conversation Starters About Games

Games are not only great for entertaining your family, but they’re also a source of conversation that people are enthusiastic to talk about. They can be something that you all share in common or something that is specific to one member of the family.

Here are some conversation starters about games:

  1. “What is the best game that you have ever played?”
  2. “What is the worst game that you have ever played?”
  3. “Which is better, Rock, Paper, Scissors, or Tic Tac Toe?” Afterward, you can challenge the whole family to a game.
  4. “Do you prefer playing games or watching people play games?”
  5. “Do you have any favorite games you want to share with us?”
  6. “Which games would make for a great family game night?”
  7. “What is your best memory of playing your favorite game?”
  8. “Do you get to play your favorite games with your friends, or are they more 1-player games?”
  9. “Do you prefer board games, word games, or video games?”
  10. “If you could make any game into a movie, which game would you pick, and what would the movie plot be?”
  11. “If you could only play one game for the rest of your life, which game would it be?”
  12. “What is better, word searches or crosswords?”
  13. “What book or movie should be turned into a game?”

16 Conversation Starters About Movies

Movies are a thread that ties together many generations. While you may not be up-to-date on the latest actors, the stories in modern movies are often very similar to movies you enjoyed as a kid. Another great thing about movies is that people tend to be passionate about their favorites.

Here are some conversation starters about movies:

  1. “What is your favorite movie?”
  2. “What is the worst movie that you have ever seen?”
  3. “What is the best movie that you have ever seen?”
  4. “What is the most popular movie that you know of?”
  5. “Which movie do you think would make for a great family movie night?“
  6. “What is your favorite scene from a movie?”
  7. “If you could be any character in any movie, which character would you want to be?”
  8. “Which character in a movie do you think is most like you?”
  9. “Which two heroes from any movies do you think would make excellent partners in a new movie?”
  10. “Have you ever wanted to make a movie? If so, what would it be about?”
  11. “If you could replace the actor/actress in any movie, which actor/actress would you replace and why?”
  12. “If you could change any movie plot, which movie plot would you change and why?”
  13. “What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever noticed in a movie?”
  14. “If you could remake any movie using animals, which movie would you remake and which animals would you use?”
  15. “What is your favorite movie about animals?”
  16. If any book could be turned into a movie, which book would you choose?”

12 Silly Conversation Starters

A family meal wouldn’t be complete without some laughs and silliness. Here are some silly and funny conversation starters to bring out the laughs in your family.

  1. “If you could have any superpower that isn’t useful, what superpower would you choose?”
  2. “If you could use a time machine to go back in time and blow people’s minds with something, what time period would you travel to, and what would you show or tell them?”
  3. “What three foods should you never bring to a family picnic?”
  4. “You are mistaken as a tour guide for the Statue of Liberty. Do your best to make up facts and give a fake tour.”
  5. “Make up the grossest meal you can think of.”
  6. “The police pull you over for speeding; what’s the worst excuse you can think of?”
  7. “You are judging the ‘worst talent show on earth.’ What is the winner’s talent?”
  8. “You are traveling back to the 1700s; what three items would you bring?”
  9. “Starting with the first letter of your first name, what words describe your mom?”
  10. “If you turned on the faucet and could have anything come out, what would it be?”
  11. “You’re the king or queen of a castle being invaded; you only have children’s toys to defend it. Which toys do you use, and how do you use them?”
  12. “You must invent a potato chip flavor that doesn’t taste like another food. What is the flavor you think of?”

Final Thoughts

Conversation starters are a fantastic way to start a lively discussion with your family at dinner time. By sharing topics you are passionate about, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for talking about anything and everything.

When gathering around the family dinner table, it’s critical to make the most of it. The time goes by so quickly, and it’s so special. Today is the day when you promise yourself: “no more quiet dinners.” I know you won’t regret it.

I hope this list of questions helps your family enjoy their time together more. I hope it helps bring a deeper level of connection to your family.

Weeknight Family Activities: Our Top 16 Activities for Weeknights

By Gathered Again

It’s tough being a parent sometimes. There are just not enough hours in the day to do everything we want to do with our children. So, how can you entertain your family during weeknights?

When it comes to family activities, weeknights are usually the most difficult. We have to juggle work, errands, homework, chores, etc. while trying to squeeze in quality time with our families. But your family can do many fun family bonding activities during the week without breaking the bank. Many of these activities are free or very inexpensive.

This list includes over 16 ideas for fun activities that will help you bond with your kids, teach them valuable skills, and entertain them at the same time. These activities range from arts & crafts projects to sports to outdoor adventures.

I hope you find something here that sparks an idea for some weeknight family fun that you can add to your weekly routine.

First, let’s start with some tips that simplify planning your weeknight family fun. These tips have served my family well, and I want to pass them on to you.

Set Your Weeknight Family Activities Up For Success!

If you want your family to enjoy spending quality time together, you must set your weekly activities up for success. In this section, I’ll share some tips to help you make sure your family has fun while also ensuring you have enough energy to succeed during the week.

Plan Your Activities Ahead Of Time!

Preparing ahead is the key to ensuring you can get home and get straight to the fun. If you know what you want to do, it’s much easier to plan out how you will accomplish it. Plus, when you know what you’re doing precisely, you won’t waste time trying to figure things out as you go along.

Make a list of all the activities you think your family would enjoy on any weeknight (we also have a list of our favorite ideas below). Organize the ideas from least effort to most effort. On nights where you have less time, or perhaps the day was more stressful, you can choose ideas closer to the top of the list.

Have All Of The Materials For Your Weeknight Family Activity On-hand

When planning your activity, consider all the materials you may need. You don’t want to run around searching for something or worse, go to the store. Having everything ready in advance helps ensure you aren’t wasting time later.

Take Advantage Of The Time You Already Use

There is already time you give to your family. So how can you use it better to bond with them? For example, instead of everyone sitting quietly at dinner, why not ask your kids about their day?

Feel free to spice this idea up by introducing a “family conversation starter” to your family dinner. They can be about anything, even silly things. You can also let your kids think of conversation starters to ask at dinnertime. Here are a few conversation starters you can use at your next dinner:

12 Conversation Starters for a Family Dinner:

  1. “What did you like most about your day?”
  2. “What was the most challenging thing you’ve overcome recently?
  3. “If I could be anything in the future, then I would be…”
  4. “Have you helped anyone recently? If so, what did you do?”
  5. “If someone knocked on our door right now, who would you want it to be?”
  6. “If you could be in any TV show, which show would it be?”
  7. “If I could combine any two animals and keep it as a pet, then I would mix…”
  8. “If you could make any movie, which movie would you make?”
  9. “If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be…”
  10. “What is your perfect meal if you could have anything on your plate you wished?”
  11. “My favorite board game is…” (ask them to explain what they love about it)
  12. “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you visit?”

Dinner conversation starters are a beautiful way to get some extra quality family time.

Our Top 16 Weeknight Family Activity Ideas

So, what are some fun things kids can do on weeknights? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite weeknight family activities.

1. Blanket Forts For Evening Fun!

Blanket forts are an excellent way to have fun during the evening. It’s a simple, cheap family activity that requires no special equipment or preparation. This is a perfect activity for the busiest evenings.

Kids love building a cozy fort because it gives them their own space where they can do other activities such as coloring, reading, or puzzles. Once your kids are done, you can easily transition to doing an indoor family campout!

Another simple alternative if you don’t feel like all of your sheets being unfolded or having to make beds is to make a fort from couch cushions.

2. Do Puzzles Together As A Family

Puzzles are a great way to challenge kids’ brains and improve their problem-solving skills. In addition, doing puzzles together is a great way to spend quality family time.

Puzzles are also a great way of teaching kids logic and reasoning. I know many people don’t do puzzles because they take too long, but this is good. You can get a puzzle mat that lets you roll up a puzzle in progress and put it away for another day.

This allows you to do more challenging puzzles with your family and gives you something to look forward to. Best of all, you won’t have a puzzle occupying your dinner table for the next month!

3. Play Board Games

Board games are a classic pastime for families. I mean, family game night exists for a reason! They provide hours of entertainment and are a perfect way to spend a family night.

There are hundreds of board game choices out there. Some are educational, others are silly, and others are just plain fun. For example, Ticket to Ride has become our official family board game. We can’t get enough of it! So here are some board games that don’t take long to play.

10 Board Games That Don’t Take A Long Time

  1. Guess Who – 5-10 minutes
  2. Blokus – 15-20 minutes
  3. Candyland – 15-20 minutes
  4. Sorry – 15-20 minutes
  5. Splendor – 30 minutes
  6. Sequence – 30-40 minutes
  7. Clue – 30-45 minutes
  8. Monopoly Junior – 30-45 minutes
  9. Mouse Trap – 30-45 minutes
  10. Trouble – 30-45 minutes

4. Play Sports

Sports are a great way to spend time with your kids. Playing sports together builds teamwork, communication, and leadership skills among kids.

This is a great way to encourage kids to participate in physical activities. For example, if you don’t have basketball hoops or soccer goals, you can choose other sports that don’t require expensive equipment like Frisbees, dodgeball, or just throwing a football around.

5. Make Crafts

Making crafts is another great way to pass the time with your kids. Doing craft projects together teaches kids creativity and patience.

Crafts are also a great way for kids to express themselves creatively. You can do many age-appropriate projects and maybe even some fun STEM projects that mix art and science.

Recently, my sons and I grew crystals using a crystal growing kit. It was excellent; after a few days, my kids had their crystals in display cases that they could be proud of.

6. Read Books Together

Reading your favorite books together is another great way for kids to spend time together. Reading books together encourages kids to read independently and improves their vocabulary.

Books are also a great way to introduce kids to topics they may find interesting. For example, reading The Chronicles of Narnia series will allow kids to explore fantasy worlds and learn about perseverance.

7. Cook Dinner Together

Cooking dinner together is yet another great way to spend quality time together as a family. In addition, cooking meals together teaches kids responsibility and encourages them to prepare food for themselves.

They may even learn how to cook something new. This is also an excellent opportunity to teach your kids a family recipe or show them how to plan a family taco night.

8. Family Movie Night

Who doesn’t love a good movie? Watching movies together allows parents to relax after a busy day and gives kids a chance to unwind. So teach your kid how to make popcorn in the microwave and prepare for a great night!

Movies also offer the opportunity to discuss themes and issues raised in the movie. Again, this is a great bonding opportunity for the whole family. Make sure you check out our Family Movie Night guide for more tips!

9. Play Games Together

Playing a fun game together is another great thing to do on weeknights. There are tons of games available that are suitable for children and adults alike.

Games are a great way to pass the time together and bond. Plus, playing games together helps kids learn problem-solving skills and develop critical thinking abilities.

You don’t want games that will take forever, so while Monopoly might be a favorite game, it’s probably best to save that one for the weekend.

10 Quick Games Your Family Will Love

Here are some games that are fun but also quick:

  1. Connect 4
  2. Farkle (this simple game is a family favorite!)
  3. Operation
  4. Rock-Paper-Scissor (my family makes a competition out of it to make it last longer)
  5. Battleship
  6. Checkers
  7. Tic Tac Toe
  8. Mastermind
  9. War Card Game (this is my kids’ favorite card game)
  10. Sushi Go

10. Bake Cookies Together

I love the smell of a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house. Baking cookies together is a fun activity that promotes sharing and caring between families. In addition, it gives the kids something to look forward to once the work is complete (and it makes the house smell glorious)!

Baking cookies together also allows kids to practice following recipes and learning basic kitchen skills. It also gives them a delicious reward for their efforts.

11. An Indoor Scavenger Hunt

An indoor scavenger hunt is another great way to have fun during the week. They’re easy to set up and usually involve finding items around the house or yard.

If you want to be particularly crafty, you could create a “chore scavenger hunt” where the items on the list are the nightly chores. For example:

  1. Walk the dog.
  2. Pick up legos.
  3. Brush your teeth.
  4. Get pajamas on.
  5. Put laundry in the hamper.

Otherwise, you can create a regular scavenger hunt or do a “book scavenger hunt” where your kids need to find certain things in a book, such as characters, places, or if it’s a picture book, then items in the pictures in the book.

12. Discuss Family History

While this might not seem like the most exciting idea on the list, kids are often interested in learning facts they never knew. If you have a funny family story, all the better!

This is also an excellent opportunity to explain how a family tradition might have started or teach your children how the world used to work. For example, my kids were amazed when they found out I couldn’t just binge-watch any show I wanted when I was a kid!

13. Watch A Family Video or Look At Family Photos

Family videos are a great way to connect and share memories. Kids love seeing themselves on TV, so be prepared for them to be laughing hysterically.

You can also show them important videos from your family’s history, such as your wedding video or any videos you might have of coming home from the hospital with one of your babies. This idea can make for surprisingly fun family bonding time.

14. Make Homemade Pizza

Making pizza at home is a great way to get everyone involved. Whether you let each kid make their own individual pizza or you show them how to make a large, gourmet pizza, your kids will love getting a chance to see how the pizza is made.

You don’t have to get too fancy either. Feel free to make tortilla pizzas, french bread pizzas, or English muffin pizzas.

15. Teach Your Kids A New (Classic) Card Game

There are tons of classic card games that kids can play together. My favorites include Go Fish, War, Crazy Eights, and Old Maid. The fun of this idea is that kids love learning new things, and you get to teach them something you already know.

I’ve also noticed, at least with my kids, that when you teach them a new game, they can’t wait to play it with others. I often wonder what my kids are up to because the house gets awkwardly quiet, just to find them all huddled together playing a game I taught them. “Rock, Paper, Scissors” was a very big deal in my household!

16. Make A Grocery List With Your Kids

I don’t mean to brag, but this is kind of a brilliant idea. Kids love this because they like making decisions, especially if their decisions can get them cookies and candy.

But here is why I truly love this idea:

  1. It’s a chore you already have to do.
  2. It helps teach your kids a task they’ll eventually have to do themselves.
  3. You get to impart wisdom about health, nutrition, and value.
  4. You can use it as an opportunity to learn what your kids like and have them help you plan how to make your family healthier.

Those are a lot of benefits for simply including your child in a task you already have to do! This also gives you an endless opportunity to teach your kids skills they’ll need later in life.

What are some of your favorite weeknight family activities?

Safe Journey Prayer: A Prayer for Family Protection When Traveling

By Gathered Again

Ask yourself these questions: “Why do I pray?” and “When do I pray?” Some people pray for thanksgiving, some ask for forgiveness, while others pray for guidance, safekeeping, and protection. It may occur daily, often, or every once in a blue moon. Regardless of how frequent it is, prayer is a bridge for us to converse with God—to talk to Him, to ask for His grace and for our personal intentions. 

Oftentimes, we pray when we need something, and we wish something for ourselves. But, as we talk to God, let us also include others in our prayers. Pray for and pray with the family. It’s one of the best and valuable gifts we could ever give to a person.

There are times when we need to go on a long journey or to travel for work or for school. And, when we pray for our safety, it gives us comfort. It is highly recommended for each and everyone to start their journey with a prayer. Ask for the Lord’s guidance and protection upon departing, and give praise and thanksgiving when you arrive at your destination. 

Prayer helps us ease and calm our minds because God is with us. As said in 1 John 5:4, “Faith can overcome anything.”

Converse with God through This Prayer Points for Traveling

“Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” —Philippians 4:6 

Start your conversation with God with these prayer points, asking for His blessing, grace, and protection when traveling.

Pray for a Safe Travel

This is usually our intention when we pray—for us to be safe. We pray that our drivers or captains will drive us safely and protect us from any travel harm. For sure, God has heard your prayer through this Bible verse from Luke 4:10, “He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully.” 

Dear God,

We come to You in prayer today to pray for a safe trip. Please ensure we have a smooth journey and a safe flight. I pray for nothing but a wonderful time filled with happy memories. I pray for the airplane captain, the flight attendant, and our fellow passengers journeying with us. I pray it is a beautiful journey as we bask in Your invisible protection. We pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen!

Pray for a Stress-Free Travel

Let us also pray that the travel you are about to embark on would be smooth and stress-free. Pray that everything will be according to plan and God’s will. “You will travel safely, you will neither tire nor trip… because God will be right there with you. He will keep you safe and sound” (Proverbs 3:23, 26)

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask that You guide every single step of the journey we are about to embark upon. We are about to go on a road trip, and I pray that You keep each of us from harm. Please bless the roads we travel upon and the other drivers we drive around. I pray for safe driving from everyone and that everyone is paying close attention on this upcoming trip. I pray You to help us have a lovely time and make unforgettable memories on our trip. Thank You Lord for Your divine protection and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray to Ease Your Travel-Related Anxieties

Whenever you feel uneasy, worried, and anxious before or during traveling, always cling to God, and ask for His guidance and grace. Doing so can calm your mind and soul, ensuring that everything will be alright. 

Remember what was written in Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.”

Dear God,

You know my heart and the anxiety that I have about traveling. I pray for this journey to be a beautiful experience with a safe return. I pray that every single moment is a great memory and that my mind not dwell on what could happen. I pray for a safe arrival, and I place all my trust in you as I know you are in absolute control. I ask these things in Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray for a Blessed Trip

As you embark on a new trip, may God bless you fervently. May this Bible verse help you compose a prayer, asking His blessing for this trip, “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord makes his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lifts up his countenance upon you and gives you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Dear God,

I pray that You bless this wonderful journey we embark upon. I pray that it be a beautiful trip and an amazing time for everyone coming. I pray for an alert mind and the trust that you hold us in your arm of safety. Please allow us to focus on this memorable journey you have blessed us with, and that we have a safe and beautiful arrival at our destination. We pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray for Those Traveling with Kids

There are times when we travel with our kids and family. Remember that the Lord will keep you from all harm. As said in Psalm 121:7-8, “He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” He will watch over you and your kids, and He will keep you in His loving arms and protect you all from evil.

Pray for Those Left at Home

Let us also not forget our loved ones who are left at home when we travel. May they be healthy and safe while we are away. Let us pray for God’s blessing and grace to calm their minds and ease their worries away as we leave our homes without them. May they be protected and guarded by our guardian angels sent by the Lord.

Sample Prayers for a Safe Journey

Have a meaningful and solemn conversation with God through these sample prayers, asking for His protection, guidance, and grace for a safe journey ahead with each prayer point enumerated above:

Prayer for Anxiety-Free Traveling

“Heavenly Father, as I start my journey today, please keep me safe and free from any harm. Embrace me with Your Spirit to calm and ease my anxious mind and heart. I am worried of the various uncertainties that lie ahead, Lord God. May this journey be filled with peace and serenity. Please lead the way, Lord, and I will follow what You have written for me. May I make most out of this trip, and offer all of these things to You, Lord.

Amen.”

Prayer for Traveling Safe

“Almighty Father, we thank you for blessing and providing us a trip that binds us together. As we come to You in this prayer, O Lord, we ask that this may be a blessed trip, for You are with us on this journey. 

Please keep us safe all the time, Lord. May we enjoy the presence of one another, and cherish Your wonderful creation on this vacation. Please guide us on our way and back to our homes safely. We ask these through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Amen.”

Prayer for Traveling with Kids

“Lord God, thank you for this opportunity to have a family trip with my kids. As we go along on this journey, I wish nothing but the best for my kids; may they be healthy enough for this trip. I pray that they will enjoy and be happy all throughout this journey. 

Enlighten me, Lord, to keep an eye on my kids’ well-being. May I be sensitive enough if they are tired, so that we can pause or rest. I genuinely pray for their utmost happiness, safety, and best of health. 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Prayer for Those Left at Home

“Dear God, as I leave my home and family, I pray for our safety. Please protect me, as well as my family. I leave them up to you, Lord. Please watch over them, and may they be free from harm. Bless their minds and souls to not worry for me, as You are with me on this journey. With You, I know we will all be safe. Amen.”

Prayer for Family Protection When Traveling

“Heavenly Father, we come to you in prayer to give thanks for this day and the opportunity to travel. We ask for your grace and protection on our journey. 

Please keep us safe, Lord. Calm our minds and ease our worries and anxieties, and give us the peace that this will be a fruitful and blessed trip. Send us your Holy Spirit to guide us in everything we do. 

Please bless and protect my family whom I left at home. May they be safe, too, Lord. We ask these through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.”

Final Thoughts

Most of the time, prayer is the strongest weapon in our everyday battles. It can be worrisome and often stressful, causing us to panic or have anxieties when traveling or when family members travel. Indeed, prayer is a good kickstart to lessen our worries, and trust we’re traveling safe. When we have God with us, for sure, we will never be lost. Instead, He will always lead us to the right path.