Family Fun Night

Long after the thrill of new toys or the latest movie, etc. wears off, the memories your preschooler makes spending quality time–or the lack thereof-with family will remain in their hearts and yours for a lifetime, and influence the adult they will become. Instituting a monthly or even weekly Family Fun Night is an easy and fun way to make family bonding a priority, and raise emotionally healthy and happy preschoolers.

What Is Family Fun Night?

Family Fun Night is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a night set aside for the immediate family to simply have fun and enjoy one another’s company. No neighbors. No friends. Just mom, dad, your preschooler and their siblings. You can, however, make an exception to the “no outsiders rule” and include the family pet!

How to Start a Family Fun Night

Choose an evening when the entire family can comfortably devote two to four hours of their time uninterrupted to hang out together, and mark it on the calendar, which will build anticipation for younger preschoolers as they count down the days to an evening of exciting family activities. For example, your Family Fun Night might be the last Friday of every month from 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Secondly, select a “host’ for your Family Fun Night. It’s a lot of fun to have each family member take a turn hosting the Family Fun Night. As host, you will be responsible to plan the family activity, provide snacks, etc. Of course, when it’s your preschooler’s turn to host, mom or dad will want to help out with the preparations, but be sure to leave all the ideas up to your preschooler. Preschoolers are sure to get a kick out of planning the evening’s festivities.

And Voila! All that’s left is to have fun as a family.

Benefits of Family Fun Night

Family Fun Night is certain to create fond memories that will last a lifetime and facilitate close bonds and friendships among family members that are sure to benefit you in every aspect of your family life.

And don’t let Family Fun Night fall by the wayside as your preschooler gets older. This is a great tradition to carry on into adulthood to continue fostering family bonds. Often times, as preschoolers get older, especially in the teenager years, spending time with the family can fall by the wayside. Continuing Family Fun Night will ensure that family always remains a priority! And hopefully, your preschooler will end up having their own Family Fun Night with their children someday.

Activity Ideas for Family Fun Night

*Bring on the friendly competition with a family game night. Twister, Operation and Candy Land are just of few of Preschool Activities’ favorite picks!

*Get physical by taking a family walk through the neighborhood. If possible, stop by a nearby schoolyard or park and play on the playground.

*Host your very own family talent show. Every preschooler loves to sing and dance! You’ll definitely want the video camera handy for this one.

*Bring out your family’s artsy side and create a mural using finger paints.

*A family movie night is guaranteed to please. Pop some popcorn and watch your favorite blockbuster. Preschool Activities movie critic recommends Happy Feet, Ant Bully and Toy Story.

If you have a tried-and-true Family Fun Night activity to share with our readers, tell us about it and we’ll publish it here!

Links to Family Fun Night Activity Ideas

Preschool Food Activity - Fun and Messy Family Dinner
Color on the Walls Mural Activity
Nature Scavenger Hunt Preschool Activity

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