8 Family Games to Reinvigorate Family Game Night

As we all know, family game night is an easy way for parents and kids to reconnect and have fun after a long week of school and work. But even the best traditions can fade when the games start to feel boring.

Well, get that date back on the calendar, because now you’ve got all you need to reinvigorate game night in a big way. These eight family game ideas will spark fresh fun and remind everyone that time together matters most.

Play Classic Outdoor Games

Take game night outside! Try old favorites like Hot Potato, Ghost in the Graveyard or Mother May I. These games don’t need much, just room to run and a sense of play. Try one of these 15 outdoor family games and start creating fun (and sometimes cardio-beneficial) nights.

Throw a Family Dance Party

When you can’t go outside, turn up the music and have a dance party. Let everyone show off silly moves. Or host a dance-off, musical chairs or freeze dance competitioin.

Bake, Decorate and Play with Your Food

Your turn to contribute to the bake sale? Tackle this task AND family night simultaneously by making treats together! Kids can decorate to their hearts’ content (yes, a cupcake should have 4 gummy worms on top) and — bonus! — you can feel good doing a kind deed for your school or community. Need a little help to get started? Try one of our family-friendly recipes.

Craft a Family Project

Swap a game night for a craft night. Spark curiosity around what makes your family unique by drawing a family crest or make a project the whole family can contribute to like starting a neighborhood zine. Pick a craft and create something together right at your kitchen table.

Littlest Voices Lead Story Time

Put a spin on snuggle time and let your little one lead at storytime. Ask kids to tell you tales about their favorite stuffed animal, pet or action figure. Write down their stories into a journal or notebook dedicated to your family’s stories. You’ll love reading the stories back for years to come.

Challenge the Whole Family with Puzzle Night

Create friendly competition as family members take turns completing challenges, or go head to head to see who can finish first. The Great Big Book of My First Puzzles lets even preschool-age kids join in the fun! Looking for a challenge? Try some of the hardest Hidden Pictures puzzles ever.

Play Word Games in the Car

Parents know that these days, you’ve got to grab quality time when you can find it – whether it’s on a visit to grandma’s house, at dinnertime or even during a car ride. Go back to the basics — no materials or batteries required. Some of the best games to take along are the ones that families have been enjoying for generations. Print this refresher of 7 Family Games to Play Anywhere, and have it handy in the car as your answer to the inevitable question, “Are we there yet?”

Explore New States from Home 

Turn your kitchen table into a launchpad for adventure. With a Which Way USA subscription, your family gets puzzle books, maps and souvenir from two new U.S. states each month. Kids can solve riddles, learn fun facts and collect stickers. No suitcase needed.