Family Fun Night Ideas: 11 Creative At Home Activities

A unique list of at home family fun night ideas to help create some new memories without ever leaving the house.

The best days of my life started the moment I met my best friend. We married a little over a year later and welcomed our two sweet kiddos into the world in the years that followed. God has given us a beautiful gift in our children… so many precious memories. I genuinely want these years to last forever. Well, most days anyways!

Every once and a while the thought will hit me that someday my children will be grown and leave our home. If I’m completely honest here, I’d have to admit that I’ve gotten a bit teary eyed at that thought on more than one occasion.

Yes, these child-rearing years can be exhausting. And yes, they can be overwhelming. But they can also be the most joy-filled years of our lives.

And they go by much too quickly.

A few months ago I decided that I needed to be a little less focused on keeping a spotless home, cooking perfect meals, and having every single one of my ducks in a row… I realized that what I really needed was to zero in on being more intentional with the time I spend with my children.

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11 Family Fun Night Ideas

We decided to start having some planned family time each Friday evening. These family fun night ideas have done this momma’s heart a world of good! I’m pretty sure my husband and kids would wholeheartedly agree as well.

Below is a list of fun family activities to do at home that we’ve done together recently and a couple of extra that we plan on doing in the near future if you’re looking for some fresh ideas to try.

1. Hide-n-seek in the Dark with Glow Sticks

This is currently my children’s favorite! We bought some glow stick bracelets from the dollar store (16 for $1!) and each of us wears a different color, taking turns counting and hiding. It really is more challenging in the dark!

2. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Enjoy a sweet treat after dinner. Have fun picking out those toppings! Nuts, hot fudge, melted peanut butter (YUM!), sprinkles, a favorite candy, etc. It’s amazing how a simple shared treat can create smiles and spark conversation.

Although I like to encourage my kiddos to eat healthy, it’s completely okay to enjoy a special treat every once and a while. Make it fun! (Note: So Delicious Cashew milk ice cream is a tasty dairy free option.)

3. Water Gun Fights

This is a super simple family fun night idea (weather permitting of course) that always seems to include lots of chasing and squeals! And FYI the Marshmallow Blaster is a fun indoor alternative if need be 😉

4. Create A Stair Slide

If you’re looking for an inexpensive family fun night idea, I’d suggest you give this one a go! It’s pretty entertaining to say the least! My husband cut some cardboard boxes to create a flat surface, attached them together, and taped them to one side of the staircase.

After we both did a test run from the top we decided it was best for the kids to start at the half way point instead lol. Just be sure to place plenty of pillows at the landing!

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5. DIY Pizza Night

Prep some personal size pizza crusts and then allow your kiddos to get creative with their toppings! Ham and pineapple, chicken and veggies, BLT, pepperoni and cheese, etc. (Note: Cashew “cheese” is a delicious alternative to dairy cheese.)

6. Family Fort

Gather up a bunch of pillows and blankets and work together to create a giant fort! Or get extra creative and try one of these unique fort creations! Don’t forget to bring some flashlights and books for some family reading or storytelling.

7. Exercise

This is probably the family fun night idea that we do most frequently. Working out as a family can honestly be so much fun. Whether it’s a family walk, bike ride, or shooting some hoops, just getting in some physical activity can be such a great way to bond.

8. Nerf Gun War

Pick out some fun Nerf guns for the family. Place some cardboard boxes around the house as bunkers and have at it!

9. Game Night- Family Fun Night Ideas

A classic game night is always fun too, and happens to be one of my favorite indoor family night ideas! My children are still young, so right now we enjoy simple board games and cards. Sorry, Guess Who, Sequence, Mancala and Monopoly Jr. are a few of our current favorite quarantine family games.

10. Movie Night with Smores

My little guy is finally starting to sit still long enough to watch a movie (or at least part of one). Every once and a while we’ll enjoy a nice family movie over the weekend. To make it a little more exciting you can make some indoor smores to enjoy while you watch! This is one of our kiddos top requested fun night activities at home!

11. Camp Out In The Backyard With Movie Projector

If the weather is decent head outside one evening for some star gazing and a campout! You could even purchase a phone movie projector and project a movie on the side of your house, shed, or barn!

This concept can easily be brought indoors. Just pop open a tent, gather some comfy blankets, good books, a flashlight, some fun snacks and use your movie projector on the wall or ceiling =)

What Can Families Do for Fun Night?

There are so many options when it comes to creating fun family activities. You may even discover that the most precious memories can be made without ever leaving the house. The comforts of home have a way of naturally bringing about smiles, laughter, and sweet moments.

Think of your children’s interests and hobbies and try to include those in your family night activities. Be silly together. Encourage one another. Make each other laugh.

We’ve learned that our time together doesn’t have to be an expensive night out. There are plenty of fun things to do as a family at home.

I hope this list of family fun night ideas is helpful for you and that your family enjoys making some new memories. <3 Our time together truly is precious!

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