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Life is busy! It is so easy to get caught up in a schedule that separates you often as a family! You even have to be careful with kids activities and sports schedules because although you are often there at their practices and ballgames you don’t get much time for conversation and time to build relationships! This is what I love about family nights!
They are an intentional activity that helps you get quality family time in and it doesn’t have to be expensive! I would recommend that you schedule it on your calendar just like you would any activity, otherwise it won’t happen! It doesn’t have to be weekly, once a month is perfect! Also remember it doesn’t have to be Pinterest worthy, just simple things that help you spend quality time with your children!
In another post, I talked about planning the perfect family night. Now I want to give you some ideas for some.
Here are 10 of our favorite frugal family nights:
Board game night – Get out all your favorite board games and have fun playing a fun game of Monopoly or Life! Make some simple snacks and turn off your phones for some true intentional time with your kids!
Mattel Apples to Apples Party in a Box Game
Cardinal Mexican Train Domino Game with Aluminum CaseSpot ItPictionary Game
Movie night – pick a family friendly movie, pop some popcorn and enjoy!
Watch Family videos together – my kids love this one. My husband has taken so many videos over the years and we have hours and hours of home videos. My kids love seeing when they were babies and all the memories we made together!
My mother in law went home with the Lord several years ago so it such a gift to have her in so many videos and my youngest who doesn’t remember her gets to see her grandmother. It is such a blessing to have these!
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Video game night – If you do video games have a night where you get the game system out and compete in some good gaming! The Wii is great for family play!
Have a hobby/craft/scrapbook night – Sitting around the table and making things is a WONDERFUL way to bond with your children. Some children love crafts and some do not so keep that in mind while planning this night! You can also challenge yourself as a family to work on a large puzzle! Small ones if your children are young!
Listen to a fun audio book – Light candles and get your favorite blankets to cuddle with and listen to the great adventures of a good audio book or series! This creates great conversation and a true educational experience!
Outside Activities – Go to a park and picnic, go fishing, fly a kite, star gaze, blow bubbles and play with sidewalk chalk! Play hopscotch and outdoor games. Get a family softball game or throw a Frisbee. Nothing like the smell of a grill going. We love to grill out and after dinner, you can even do S’mores! There are so many things you can do outdoors if the weather is nice.
Kitchen/Baking – Have a baking/cooking night together. Grab a kid’s cookbook and let them create or make something you have seen on Pinterest together! GREAT conversation time, plus the pride that comes with creating a masterpiece of something that screams YUM!!
Have a picnic – A picnic outside under a tree or right inside. When my children were young we would get a blanket and have a picnic right in the middle of the living room. The kids loved it, they would get so excited on picnic days.
Camp Out At Home – It can be really fun to camp out in your backyard or if the weather isn’t good camp out right in your living room. Your kids will love it. Put up a small tent and do all the fun things you would do in a campground.
Great ideas!! Don’t cost a lot and using what you have to create memories that will last a lifetime! Awesome!
Thank you, I do try to come up with frugal ideas because we are a family that has to live on a tight budget. But that DOESN”T keep us from having fun memories together. Thanks for the visit!
Angela
What a great post! Wonderful ideas!!
I really appreciate your desire to help families connect. In my discussions with many second generation Christians, I have found that one of the things they say really influenced them was having a good relationship with their parents. From whatbI can see, it is vital that we connect with our kids!
Thank you for your helpful ideas!
In Christ,
Lisa
http://Www.LisaRaub.com
Thank you so much Lisa, that means so so much to me! Your right, it is vital especially in today’s world. Thanks for your sweet visits!
Angela
Nice list!! Another fun thing to do is play The TV Game or charades.
We love game nights, just our family or with friends. Here are 3 new games we love.