Family time is a precious thing, and it’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s era. With busy schedules, crazy work deadlines, and a dizzying array of responsibilities to tend to, today’s families struggle to secure quality time with members every week. Luckily, the trend of family gatherings for fun and games is on the rise, with more parents understanding the value and importance of family game night. If yours is among one of the growing numbers of families who enjoy a healthy round of competitive gaming, that’s fantastic. However, how do you keep those family game nights freshy-fresh? Here are some innovative ideas for family game night to keep your gatherings fun, stimulating, and memorable.
Use Your Home Smart Speaker for Game Night
Did you know your Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart home speaker can revolutionize your family game night? They can. Choose between new or classic games the whole family can play simply by engaging your smart home speaker device. For instance, you can engage the entire family with classic Alexa games like Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Jeopardy, or Wheel of Fortune. Whether your family prefers traditional TV show games or more elaborate gameplay, check in with your smart speaker to get a whole new gaming experience on game night.
Revisit Your Old Favorites
There is a reason why board games are hugely popular. In fact, from 2022 to 2026, the sales of board games are projected to increase by roughly 11% from previous years, resulting in an almost $5 billion dollar industry. Board games are popular because they are relatively easy to learn, they force participants to communicate across the board, and of course – they’re just downright fun. Therefore, consider revisiting some old favorites such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, or Sorry. These are the most popular games because they promise rich interaction with family members and endless smiles around the board.
Learn a New Card Game
You don’t have to set up an elaborate board and line up all the game pieces to have a good time with your family on game night. Sometimes, one deck of cards can lead to hours of delight and laughter. Boxed card games such as Uno, Skip-bo, or Old Maid are a great choice for family entertainment. But what if you don’t have any of these card game sets? Not to worry. According to the International Playing-Card Society, there are anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 games you and your family members can play with one simple 52-card standard deck of cards.
Get Outside
If the weather is agreeable, think about venturing out into the great outdoors for family game night. There’s nothing more amusing than a spirited game of hide-and-seek or a splashing game of Marco Polo in the pool or pond. You might even create your own outdoor game, such as “Who can find the most acorns?” Even playing traditional games such as charades or Pictionary can elevate your game night when played outside among singing birds and rolling clouds. Playing outside as a family has been shown to not only strengthen family bonds but also improve physical well-being.
Make New Family Games
Nothing is saying your family game night is restricted to these suggestions. In fact, when it comes to gathering and game-playing with the family, the sky’s the limit. Think about creating your own unique games with your family. Recruit all the family members to determine the rules of the game. Your DIY games can be as simple or complex as you see fit. While unconventional, family-created games can become incredibly satisfying for everyone involved.
In conclusion, what types of games you and your family play on your special night are up to you. However, we hope these best ideas for family game night inspire you to think outside the game box, mix things up a bit, and try something new. After all, it’s hard to get in the mood for playing games if they become boring, a weekly obligation, or a chore. Therefore, think of ways to make playtime fun, fresh, exciting, and stimulating each week. From playing horseshoes outside to dunking for apples on an autumnal game night – there is no limit to the antics you and your family members can concoct on your next game night.
