Family game night (or day) is a fun tradition to start as a family this winter! If you’re thinking about getting your game on as a family, here are 5 tips to keep in mind from our parent company, The Local Moms Network… including game suggestions for a variety of ages!
Keep Snacks Simple
Game night eats should be easy to make and eat. If you’re serving dinner, make it a pizza night (frozen or delivery). Microwave popcorn, pretzels and other easy to grab eats make good choices, too. Juice boxes (or water bottles and cups with lids) keep hydration spill-free. Hot chocolate is another sweet treat for winter game nights, but keep it in the kitchen for younger kids to avoid a mess that ends your fun. My family LOVES a snack mix of popcorn, candy, pretzels, etc. mixed together in a bowl!
Set a Cozy Scene
Dim the lights, give anyone seated on the ground a soft cushion, pass around blankets. Let your kids play DJ on Alexa and light a candle. A few cozy touches go a long way.
Turn Technology Off
Game night is the perfect opportunity to go analog. Everyone is engaged, and together. Lead by example by leaving your phone in the next room, and tweens and teens will follow.
Choose the Right Game(s)
You know your kids! Not only their age and ability, but also their personalities and family dynamics. Think about which games will engage everyone, and won’t start massive fights. Uno is a favorite in our house and is great for multiple ages! Here are some favorites:
Younger Kids
Candy Land, $13
A pre-school classic for a reason, this is a great game for non-readers who are just learning to take turns.
Chutes & Ladders, $15
Another classic for non-readers—just watch out for big feelings around chutes..
Telling Time The Fidget Game, $35
This collection of games helps kids learn without feeling like they are learning. The best part? The game comes with cards at different levels so you can tailor each turn to the child playing.
School Age Kids
Sorry, $7
A fast-paced option, this game of revenge can bring out the best (and worst) in kids…you’ve been warned.
The Game of Life, $21
A precursor to Monopoly, kids of all ages will love picking their career, building a family and of course, retiring.
Exploding Kittens, $25
The goal of this high-energy, easy-to-learn card game, the goal is to avoid the exploding kitten. Great for travel, and you can buy a bigger version for larger groups.
Tweens & Teens
Monopoly, $15
This game first came out in 1935, and has been popular ever since. There are also dozens of versions specific to family interests, from Wicked (explore “the amazafying land of Oz”) to World Football Stars (fans of Messi will get a kick out of this one).
Hues & Cues, $25
A newer one, players try to guess a specific color using one and two-word clues.
The Chameleon, $23
A bluffing game recommended for teens and adults, for 3 to 8 players.
Make It a Regular Thing
Traditions take off when they happen regularly. Friday or Sunday game night might work well for your family, but if you have hectic or irregular schedules, try to work one in once a month! It’s something for everyone to look forward to!!