5 Fun Ideas for A “Family Date Night”

Spending time with loved ones helps increase your bond. But yeah, we’ve all been spending a lot of time together these last months. A family “date night” is a great way to shake things up and reconnect in fresh, meaningful ways. Here are some tips for planning something different.

First, start by including everyone in the planning. It will make them feel appreciated — and you might get some fun out-of-the-box ideas. In the meantime, here are some great ways to kickstart ideas for your Family Date Night.

1.    Game Night

Turn off the screens and dust off the classic, tried-and-true games: Monopoly, Risk, Yahtzee, Uno, Parcheesi…even Candy Land!  Find one you used to play before Life overtook things. You’ll have fun and kick up some nostalgia. It’s always good to reminisce.

2.    Movie Night

Since everyone is likely to have an opinion on which movie to watch, make a game out of the selection. Write suggestions on pieces of paper and then pick one, randomly. This is a fun way to start the night and builds excitement.

Prepare snacks, the same kind you would have if you’d actually gone out. Families with young children can add to the  vibe by making little “movie tickets.” If you’re able to, take it to another level by doing an outdoor “screening,” complete with a picnic meal and cozy firepit.

3.    Cook Together

Choose a recipe for the entire family to prepare together. Ensure that everyone plays a role; if they don’t like cooking, they could take videos or provide some entertainment (like creating/manning a cooking “playlist.”) However, don’t pick a meal that takes hours to prepare; the last thing you want is a bored, tired, and hungry family.

4.    Family Dance Party

Music makes everything better! Consider dancing together to a playlist that everyone loves. Mix it up and play everyone’s song preferences at different intervals. Find virtual dancing games and competitions, or have a “dance battle.” Don’t forget the prizes!

5.    Think Like A Kid

Remember how much fun fingerpainting was? Or just creating a little “masterpiece” with pastels or watercolors? You’re never too old. You could have a family “art show” and award prizes (ensuring that everyone gets a little something). Maybe the family can bond together by building an old-fashioned blanket fort or having a pillow fight? The point is, let your “inner child” inspire fun ideas that the whole family can enjoy together.

A Family Date Night can be a welcome break from the everyday stress of quarantine, face masks, and Zoom meetings/classes!

-Wahu Kariuki

Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels