There are more options than you think for good family night activities. Here are some that have worked well for us.
Low Impact Outside Games. Our children are not great athletes, but they love the competition. We put a badminton net up in the backyard, and love to play a little badminton. Croquet is another favorite. And sometimes we have played basketball shooting games like Horse or Around the World that even the smaller children can enjoy (with a little help).
Family Service. Last week for our family night, we all met in the kitchen to mix up and bake cookies to take to some neighbors we like. The kitchen was a bit of a disaster when we were done, but it was a lot of fun. After the cookies cooled, we got in the car and delivered them, spending a few minutes visiting at each home.
Hiking or Walking. We are fortunate to have a beautiful paved walking trail near our home, so we occasionally take a family night to walk and talk. We can stop along the way to check out trees, little animals and the like. Many areas have such trails; find one close by and head out with your comfortable walking shoes and your family.
Do Joint Activities. One of our favorite memories as a family was when a family with children the same ages as ours called and invited us to a three-family softball game. It was a lot of fun and a time when we could have a little broader experience while still being together. Consider some occasions when you invite another family to share your family night with you.
Consider Craft Projects. We have had some great times making crafts together. We have made bird feeders out of 2 liter pop bottles. We have helped tie a quilt for a humanitarian project. Through projects like this, our children have learned some skills and developed an appreciation for nature, for the needs of others, and for the community.
A Family Production. Give some thoughts to skits, plays and readers' theaters. The children love the make-believe aspects and appreciate being able to role play and work together. Even consider video taping the production for posterity. Several years ago, we made our own "music video" with a CD of a favorite song, some props and costumes and a little creativity.
Check on the Web for Ideas. For more ideas, you can check several web sites to stimulate your thinking. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a strong promoter of the family night concept, and has an entire section of their website dedicated to family activities.
Conclusion
Family night sounds like a lot of work. Sometimes it is. It requires commitment, careful planning and a focus on building good memories. In a time when many families are feeling fractured and find themselves running in all sorts of directions, family night can make a big difference in building family unity and strengthening relationships.
