One of the things I absolutely live for is GAME NIGHT.
When I was a kid, I used to play with my cousins all the time (we all grew up together that way), and while we would play lots of imaginative games together, as kids do, it was more rare for a full family focused board game. Adults are busy, ya know? But it was always a highlight, getting to spend that time together with moms, dads, aunts and uncles and get a full on family game going! Quite often it was cards, and it look a few years before us kids were old enough to get the rules of Euchre, Canasta, and Pinochle. . .but we could play Scrabble, Sorry, Scattergories, Trivial Pursuit…and probably a few others I don’t think even exist anymore!
(Anyone heard of Upwords?)
Ok, so I guess it’s still around, but the classic is going for a pretty penny! 💵
The point is, game night is something my husband and I made sure to keep alive with our own kids, and we make sure to lock in at least one dedicated family game night per month. Now that our boys are a little older (hello, pre and actual teens), it’s only expanded the list of games we can play.
Behold, our game closet – and it’s not even all of our games!
As a tried and true board game lover, I’ve created a list of the ultimate games for family game night, adults and kids included! Check out my personally curated list of games!
Building a fabulous library of games isn’t done overnight, and it’s not all that cheap, either. In true DIY fashion, I’m all for coming up with new games, ones you can create yourself!
If you’re like-minded and looking for a way to turn your next family night from meh to memorable, then why not bring some of your favorite TV game shows right into your living room? It’s a super easy, fun way to get everyone off their phones (even the teenagers—yes, it’s possible!) and create some epic family memories. Whether you’re more into trivia or physical challenges, I’ve got some ideas that’ll get your crew laughing, competing, and maybe even showing off some hidden talents.
Here are a few of my favorite game shows you can recreate at home:
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Family Feud
I mean, who doesn’t love Family Feud? This one’s a classic for a reason. It’s all about getting two teams to go head-to-head, answering random survey questions in a way that usually results in hilariously wrong answers. To recreate this at home, just split your family into two teams and use online resources to find some fun survey questions—or make your own! (Pro tip: Inside jokes and family quirks make for the best questions.) One person plays the host and keeps track of the points, and the first team to hit 300 wins!
Celebrity Twist
For even more fun (because why not?), have everyone impersonate a celebrity while playing. The worse the impression, the better, in my opinion! My brother actually does a really great Stitch impression, which I think would be HYSTERICAL to see him perform as for an entire game.
Prefer to just buy it? I get ya – grab it here!
Jeopardy!
Got some trivia buffs in the fam? (Um, that would be ME!) Time to bring Jeopardy! into the mix! All you need is to create categories based on what your family is into—movies, history, random facts, whatever!
Well, that and people willing to play with you. I have a few niche specific trivia games collecting dust for that very reason – no one will play with me! 😟 Poor, poor neglected FRIENDS trivia. . . .
Ok, my sob story aside – Write your questions on index cards or use an app if you’re feeling fancy. Don’t forget to answer in the form of a question (because Jeopardy! rules), and maybe keep a buzzer nearby for those quick reflexes!
Make it Personal
To really up the fun, create personalized categories. Think “Mom’s Famous Phrases” or “Things Dad Says While Driving.” (Actually, maybe that’s not the best one if you want to keep it friendly for young ears, LOL!) You’d be surprised how competitive people get when the trivia is all about family moments—or maybe you won’t, if your family is a lot like mine. We’re here to WIN, and my alter ego, Monica Gellar, suffers no fools in the process . . .
American Ninja Warrior
If your crew needs to burn off some energy, American Ninja Warrior is where it’s at! Now, before you start tearing apart the living room, don’t worry—you don’t need a massive obstacle course. (As evidenced by my mini balloon course!) Grab some pillows, chairs, or anything safe and soft, and set up a fun (but challenging!) course in your backyard or living room. You can also set up a home Ninja Warrior course with a few essentials. Time each person as they tackle the course and see who can finish the fastest!
Want to Add a Little Drama?
Throw in an inflatable pool under the toughest parts of the course! It adds an extra level of suspense and, let’s face it, everyone loves a good splashdown—especially if it’s unexpected. Most obstacle courses on game shows come with a pool of water for contestants to land safely. You may not have access to many yards of pool, but using an inflatable pool under certain obstacles ensures safety and fun for your family.
Fill pools with one to two feet of water and lay foam mats on the bottom for added cushion. Everyone will feel more confident in their movements as they make their way through the course. Fill it with a little water and some foam mats for safety, and you’ve got yourself a mini Ninja Warrior course!
Final Thoughts: Game Shows = Family Fun
If you’re looking to shake things up for family night, ditch the regular board games and give these game show ideas a try. It has always made game night WAY more fun in our house when we dial up the competition and add a custom theme to it, like modeling the classic game shows of yore . . . (am I already at “yore” level?? Eek!)
And if you want to get started RIGHT NOW . . . I’ve made you a printable game for that!
