If you have kiddos, you’ll be starting back to school routines in no time. Whether you homeschool, send them to private or public schools – the kids will have a big shift in their lives. Now it’s time to pack in some family fun before that routine starts up again! Here are some fun ideas on every budget:
MOVIE NIGHT
Pick out your favorite movies and settle in for a day of movies together!
- Snacks: Pick your own popcorn seasoning, put your drink and snacks in a reusable wooden snack tray, or get some pre-popped YUMMY flavored popcorn in bags! Of course, you can’t forget the candy!
- Movies: Check your paid streaming platforms, but also peruse the FREE platforms for movies: Tubi, Plex, 123Movies, Pluto
- Cozies: Grab comforters and blankets to make the most comfortable seating for your movies! You could even wear matching pajamas for the occasion. Super fluffy throws start at only $9.99 & would be a fun addition! Make a fort for even more fun together!
Get more ideas for Movie Night!
TIME CAPSULE
Create a place to store memories, together!
- Print: Print out photos and social media posts to put in your capsule! Add in trinkets and other small items you’ll want to keep safe, and open up to enjoy later! Bury your capsule in the backyard or anywhere it’ll be safe, and set a time to dig it up and open it as a family! You can even purchase actual capsules or time capsule kits, too!
- Go Digital: Create a digital time capsule! If tangible items to bury isn’t your thing, consider a digital option! Google “digital time capsule” for multiple options on the web.
- Family Interviews: Add in some fun family interviews to really capture everyone’s personalities at the time the capsule was buried! Find engaging family interview questions and even family interview books you could add to your capsule!
FAMILY DINNER
- Cook: Make a meal together, as a family! Give out chores for every member, turn on some music, and enjoy the time together. You could even spice it up with wine for the parents and sparkling juices for the kids to enjoy, since this is a special night! The Kitchn has some great ideas for cooking with kids.
- Favorites: You could also plan the evening around everyone’s favorite meals. Each member will feast on their favorite meal – and leftovers can always go in lunches that week! Everyone gets what they want, and the entire family has quality time together.
- Just Dessert: Try a just dessert night! Instead of dessert before dinner, it’s JUST dessert! Make everyone’s favorites, or a buffet of sweet treats to snack on!
GAME NIGHT
Family game night is always a classic for quality time!
- The Games: Classic to crazy, here are some great deals on board and card games for the entire family to enjoy:
—Tetra Tower
—Do You Really Know Your Family?
—Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
—Grab the Mic
—Jenga
—Guess in 10 Disney Edition
—Sorry!
—Uno
—Scrabble
—Pictionary
- FREE Games: Tired of the games you have, and no budget for new games? Here are some FREE games you can play with the fam!
—Charades: pick topics, write on scraps of paper, and act them out!
—Hide-n-Seek: an epic game indoors OR out for the entire family!
—Forts: create a fort city in your home – each room makes a fort, and other family members stop by to visit!
—Paper Airplanes: get to folding! Use tutorials on YouTube to help you!
—Freeze Dance: turn on music and everyone dances! When the music stops, you must FREEZE!
–Indoor Bowling: set up water or soda bottles and roll a ball down the hallway!
—Scavenger Hunt: create your own list, or check out this fun Family Scavenger Hunt idea!
BACKYARD CAMPING
Break out the tent and camping gear – your backyard awaits!
- S’mores: The classic! Get a fondue maker that can double as a s’more maker, or score some roasting forks for the classic version. These Marshmallow Roasting Sticks are absolutely adorable AND glow in the dark! Check out these 25 awesome s’mores recipes from Like Mother, Like Daughter!
- Set Up Camp: Grab your tents, sleeping bags, and lanterns for a great night in the “wilderness” of your backyard! Check out these fun glow in the dark kids sleeping bags!
- Scary Stories: KOA has some amazing options for not-so-scary stories for kids!
ZERO BUDGET FAMILY NIGHT
- Bucket List Creation: Discuss goals for the school year & create a family bucket list!
- Positive Notes: Everyone can write multiple notes for each other’s lunchboxes to encourage each other!
- Family Walk: Take a walk to the bus stop or school together, even if it’s just a short distance. OR just take a walk around your local park or lake for quality family time.
- Dance Party: Host a dance party at home – pajamas or crazy attire, music, and lots of laughter!
- Book Nook: Create a super cozy book nook in a corner. Fill it with fuzzy blankets & pillows, and read everyone’s favorite books together.
Happy back to school season! Have more ideas? Leave them in the comments!
