Adding Family Game Night to Your Schedule

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by North Star Games. All opinions are my own.

Schedules get so crazy. There are days that even though I’m in the same room (or vehicle) with my kids, I feel like I don’t see them or that we really don’t have any time together. One of my goals for the new year is to add more family time to our schedule without adding a lot more work or stress. We all enjoy sitting down and playing games together so that’s where we’re going to start. See how you can add a family game night to your family’s schedule without adding any more work or stress.

Picking a Game

Right now, my kids are 5, 11, and 13 so it can be a challenge to find a game that everyone likes and can play together. My boys (the older two) and I love to play card games like spoons together, but that’s tricky for the little one (though she’s happy to hold on to cards and pretend to play along). We received a couple of versions of Happy Salmon. Not only is the storage case quirky, it’s something we can all play together. I spent a few minutes going over the different cards with my daughter and we all reviewed the rules, then we were playing in no time.

Game Night Food

Are you going to go with snack foods to eat while you play? Or are you eating in between rounds? Either way is totally fine. Consider setting up a table with food nearby so you can grab snacks as time permits. Make sure that if you’re eating playing, you’ve got lots of napkins on hand and your food isn’t too greasy to keep your hands cleaner. Serve drinks in bottles or cups with lids to help prevent any accidental spills if you get a little rowdy while playing.

Fitting It In

You don’t need a big, elaborate plan to make add game night to your routine. It doesn’t even have to been on the same night each week (if you’re even able to do it that often). Set a goal to do it once a month. And maybe your schedule allows you the time on Saturday mornings so you have Game Morning instead of Game Night. That’s totally ok! Do what works for you and your family.

Adding to Your Collection

Chances are good that you’ve got some games in your house already. Picking out new games can also be another fun, family activity. Look for them at garage sales or thrift stores (just double check all the pieces are accounted for). Games also make great gifts for Easter, Christmas, birthdays, stocking stuffers, or other celebrations throughout the year. Or budget for getting a new game every couple of months. Traveling soon? Pick out a new game you can play in the car together. Can’t find a game that you love? Make one!

Want to see how to play Happy Salmon for yourself? Check out our video: