We recently started to play board games on a regular basis in our family. Even I was surprised how great of a time everyone involved is having. Not only was it a lot of fun to play board and card games, but we also got to chat about our day and anything else that’s going on in our busy lives.

How do you start your own game night? It doesn’t have to be complicated at all. Start by picking one night a month that everyone will be at home. If you have busy teens in the house, you may want to let them know about a week ahead of time that you expect them to stay in that night. With younger kids it’s usually just a matter of finding a night without soccer or swimming practice and your husband doesn’t have a late meeting or bowling night with the guys.

Choose some games ahead of time and make sure all the game pieces are complete. You don’t want to find out that you can’t play monopoly, because someone took all the little houses out of the box years ago. Think about what games you have around the house and take a look at what shape they are in. When it comes time to choose the actual games, keep all players in mind. If you have younger children, you may want to start with games like memory, Candyland or Go Fish. Older kids may enjoy the game of life, mystery or card games. Choose at least one game that each family member will really like to make sure everyone is having a good time.

Of course board and card games aren’t your only options when it comes to family game night. Younger children will enjoy simple games like “Simon Says” and of course charades are always a favorite. Other ideas are hangman, tick-tac-toe and “I Spy”. I’m sure once you start playing some of these games, you’ll remember some other old time favorites.

Get some sack foods like chips, popcorn and pigs in a blanket for everyone to munch on while you are playing. You could even fix a few different types of appetizers and skip dinner. Grab some ice and a few different sodas and you are all set for game night.

Pick a comfy spot for your game night. The kitchen table usually works well for board games, but your living room coffee table may work as well. You can even throw a few pillows on the living room floor and hang out there to play games.

That’s all there’s too it. Just get everyone playing and see for yourself what a great time you can have with game night. They’ll be ready for more next month, or you could even make it a weekly event. What a great way to reconnect with your family and enjoy each other’s company.
 

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