How to Host a Family Game Night

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Last Updated: December 9, 2024

Family game nights are a great way to connect and have fun with your family. Grab a couch, some drinks, and of course, a whole bunch of your friends and family! If you don't know how to host a family game night, fear not! This wikiHow guide will give you a step-by-step on how to host a family game night.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Planning

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1
Pick a date and time for the family game night. If it is just going to be you and the people you live with (such as your brother, sister, mom, or dad), then it should be easy to figure out a suitable time to do it. But if you're having a game night with relatives (such as cousins or aunts), check in with them to set a convenient time.
- Consider everyone's schedules. Remember that work commitments or school events can be a part of your family's schedule, so try to find a date when everyone is free.
- Figure out how long the game night will be. Game night hours typically range from two to five hours, so make sure that you consult accordingly.
2
Decide what part of the house you are going to host it in. In other words, set a comfortable space. Make it nicer by adding extra pillows to the couch, setting a tablecloth on the table, etc.
- If your family likes card games such as poker, then you could set up the family game night on the kitchen table.
- If your family is planning to play games such as Charades or a scavenger hunt, then you could set up the games in the living room.
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3
Get snacks and refreshments ready. Remember to check in with your relatives to see if they have any allergies or distastes. For example, if a relative doesn't like soda and won't let their kids drink it as well, then make sure to bring orange juice or chocolate milk so it suits everyone.
- Popular snacks for family nights are easy-to-eat snacks such as popcorn, chips, and pretzels. Put them in a bowl and let your family feast!
- You could also make a trail mix with things such as pretzels, M&Ms, nuts, and marshmallows into a bowl.
4
Set rules. A game night should have rules to keep everyone in check, so that games don't go out of hand and disputes are kept to a minimum.
- Try to limit distractions by making everyone put their electronics away.
- Make sure no one gets too competitive, and keep it friendly and considerate.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Playing

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1
Make the games fun and interactive. Game nights shouldn't involve everyone sitting on a couch being lazy. Try letting other family members lead games, or let them choose the game.
- Games like Simon Says or Charades are interactive because everyone's always doing something. In Simon Says, except for the times when Simon doesn't say "Simon Says" before the command, when Simon (a chosen person) says something, you have to do it. But in Charades, everyone works together to guess what is being acted out.
2
Play board games. Board games such as Monopoly, Candy Land, or Chutes and Ladders are classic board games that everyone enjoys. Card games like UNO or Poker are fun as well. Other games can include Sorry, Happy Salmon, Apples to Apples, and Guess Who.
- If you're playing Monopoly, get settled in because it may take a while for everyone to go bankrupt and things might get a little competitive.
3
Provide the snacks at a good time. After a good, competitive game or laughter after Charades, it's probably time to call a snack break. Put all the games aside and serve everyone snacks on paper plates. This shall continue the enjoyment!
- It's fun to put multiple snacks in separate bowls so that the family members can mix whatever they would like onto their plates.
To remember the night as a fun family reunion, pull in your family and take a group photo. You can also take a selfie or a portrait. No matter what type of photo you take, it will sure be a night to remember!

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Concluding

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For example, an inside joke your family made during a failed game of Simon Says. Discuss how you could plan another one and consider their ideas to make it even better.
Show them the photos you took, and point out the most memorable parts. If others in your family took some photos too, they can show you their photos.

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Create a comfortable environment.

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Encourage sportsmanship!

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Warnings

Avoid sensitive topics, like if you're playing Truth or Dare.

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Monitor the competitive spirit.

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