A great night with the family isn’t something that just happens. Sometimes you need to do a little planning beforehand. These six ideas will help you take your family time to the next level.
Photo by Christine Olson Photography
Musical Sing-A-Long Fun
Most kids enjoy music. Having a family music night can be a lot of fun for everyone. You can easily find karaoke style music videos online. Take turns singing along. More musically talented families can add instruments such as a guitar or ukulele to the mix for even more fun.
Story Night
Kids have great imaginations. Get a few candles and gather your family for a night of stories. Turn those lights off and start a story. Hand the story off to someone else. After a few minutes have them pass it on. This lets everyone talk, but keeps the story going. Remember that smaller kids may not be able to tell a whole story at once just yet. Older children may enjoy telling an entire story. Their creativity will amaze you.
Movie Night
Movies are something everyone can get into. Pick up a few newly released DVDs and some popcorn and you’re all set. Most families have a mixture of different tastes. Try to get a few movies so that your family has a few choices. You can run the G rated movies for the young ones and save those scary flicks for after the little ones fall asleep. Places like Pristine Sales sale plenty of different types of DVD’s that are perfect for children and adults. Pop your popcorn and settle in for a great time.
Arts and Crafts Night
Kids and glitter go together in a great way. All you need is some paper, glitter and kid friendly glue. Have everyone draw designs with the glue. Carefully sprinkle glitter on the wet glue and let it dry. Tap off the extra glitter into the trash. Hang your new art in the kitchen.
Cookout
Stick a few hot dogs and burgers on the grill. It may just be the back yard for you, but kids love the novelty. Cooking and eating out-of-doors is an easy but fun way to entertain any warm summer day. Finish off the night with roasted marshmallows on sticks.
Volunteer
Many people wouldn’t think of a night volunteering as entertainment. Most kids will enjoy an evening playing with puppies or kittens at a local shelter. It’s more than just some fun. Teaching kids to be involved with their community reinforces a child’s natural empathy.
Entertaining evenings with the family are something that you and your kids will never forget. Whether it’s watching a newly released DVD at home or petting puppies at a shelter, these are the memories that will last a lifetime.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day! 
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