With everything going on across the country, you may be hesitant to engage in some of the activities you were used to doing with your family prior to Covid. Outings like seeing movies, going bowling and attending sports games may have been put on pause, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate that same fun at home. Safety is first and foremost in these unknown times, and if you can keep your family protected and still have fun, they might just think you’re the best mom ever! Continue reading below to learn more about some ways in which you can plan a fun night in for your family this upcoming fall season.
Bring the Movies to You
If you and your family are big movie buffs but the theaters around you remain closed, the next best thing is a movie night in! With a little creativity, you can easily transform your living room into the ultimate cozy theater setting complete with your favorite pillows, blankets and even your comfy clothes. In addition to being comfortable, one of the major perks of an at home movie night is you can watch more than one family favorite without having to buy multiple admission tickets! After all the preparation, selecting which movies you’ll watch and finally settling down, you may realize you’ve forgotten one of the most important components, the snacks! Have no fear, you can order everyone’s favorites to be delivered straight from your mobile device. From Flamin Hot Cheetos to Butterfinger Bites and even a pack of hard seltzers for the adults, everyone’s individual needs can be met and the movie night at home can commence! The most important thing to remember is that you’re enjoying each other’s company while staying safe which is what matters during uncertain times like these.
Get Creative in the Kitchen
With all the hustle and bustle of the work week, you may find yourself doing whatever it takes to get a some-what nutritious meal on the table for your family each night. Some nights it may be homemade and other nights it may be via the drive-thru. Once the weekend hits, you have some time to slow down and test out that new recipe you’ve had your eye on. This is also a great time to involve your family, especially little ones, in the cooking and cleaning up process. Assign each member of the family a specific task whether it’s cracking eggs or measuring out spices. It will be that much more enjoyable when the finished product comes out knowing that this was truly a group effort. Who would have thought teamwork could be taught right in your very own kitchen? For more inspiration on family friendly recipes you can try out on your night in, check out this site.
Camp Out in the Backyard
Although some campgrounds are probably open and it’s technically considered “safe” to be outside, you could save on travel time by pitching a tent right in your backyard! There are so many possibilities when it comes to backyard camping. Depending on the size of your yard, you can set up games like corn hole or Kan-Jam for everyone to enjoy. Once the sun goes down, you can get a fire going in a fire pit like this, which is intended specifically for backyard use. Then break out the hot dogs, marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers and go to town. Once you’ve filled your bellies, everyone can gather around the fire and tell scary or not-so-scary stories, depending on the crowd. The best part about backyard camping is that at the end of the night you have the option to decide whether or not you actually want to sleep out under the stars or head inside to your comfy bed. Either way, the time you do end up spending will be quality time, and many memories are sure to be made in the safety of your own space.
Have a Silent Disco
If the idea of staying in has you worried about how your family will release all that pent up energy, the perfect solution is to have a dance party, more specifically a silent disco! If you’re unfamiliar, a silent disco is an event where each person wears their own set of headphones and dances to the music of their choosing. This works out perfectly for a family as each person can listen to their favorite variety of music while still enjoying each other’s company. All you need to make your silent disco a success is a pair of wireless headphones for each participant. If you want to create a more club-like atmosphere, grab some glow sticks, a strobe light, or even a disco ball, turn out the lights and get the party started. You’ll feel safer knowing your family is not in contact with any strangers but still able to dance off that excess energy and have some fun.
Connect with Loved Ones
Keep in mind, you’re not the only family adhering to quarantine or social distancing. It’s likely many of your loved ones, both near and far, are following these same guidelines. While it’s sad not to spend that in person time together, thanks to modern day technology you can still remain connected. With apps like Houseparty and Zoom, you can not only catch up on what’s been happening in your day-to-day lives, but you can also break out into teams and play games. Although it’s not the same as being together in person, right now we must make the most of the situation we’re dealing with, and believe it or not, even via video, things can get competitive! For more on video-friendly activities you can partake in with your loved ones near and far, check out this article.
Although times are different and we can’t necessarily partake in certain activities we have in the past, there are plenty of ways to have fun with your family and regain a sense of normalcy. Whether it’s a movie night with all your favorite snacks, cooking up a new recipe, toasting marshmallows in the backyard, dancing to your favorite songs, or taking time to connect with loved ones near and far, staying home doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun! Remember, your family’s safety is priority and it’s up to you to make the best decision for them.
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