The main goal of a family fun night is to have a good time. Ignite your competitive side with an entertaining alternative to going out—board game night.  Make sure that the board game you choose won’t be too challenging for your kids. Because of this, choosing the right board game can become a problem. The best way to approach this dilemma would be to select a board game that your youngest child won’t have a problem with.

• Cranium — A perfect game for a variety of ages, interests and skill levels, Cranium is probably the furthest from a passive board game you can get.$17.78;  Amazon.com
• Balderdash — Good at bluffing? Turn that talent into points when you make up phony answers to real but unbelievable facts in categories such as People, Words, Initials, Movies and Laughable Laws. $22.40; Amazon.com
• Taboo — Trying to get your team to guess the phrases on these cards will prove more fun than you expect, especially when the tension builds as you try not to utter any of the forbidden clues. $23.22; Amazon.com
• Clue: Secrets and Spies — Go undercover and use quick thinking, a spy light and even your cell phone to become the top agent. $19.97; Amazon.com

Family Game Night is a ton of fun. You’ll find ideas for board games for all ages and interests in these top picks.

Board Games

Planning a Family Trip to a Minor League Baseball Game

Between a busy work schedule and a busy school schedule it’s almost impossible to get togther for a family fun activity. Especially now with the economy down in the dumps, not only is time a problem but money is also an issue. I would like to share with you some tips on places that you can go that are inexpensive. This way you can be sure to spend that fun- family time you all need. The first thing that comes to mind is minor league baseball with New Jersey’s two top teams! Before you head out go to a dollar store and purchase some snacks and drinks for the family. Not only will you be spending time with your loved ones but by staying local you may run into people that live in your area. You can make friends too!

Fun Family Picnic

Another great family idea would be to go to a park and have a picnic. The weather is beautiful so you can have a barbecue too. While your kids are having a good time playing Frisbee, baseball, or volleyball you can prepare a nice barbecue lunch.

Family Picnic at a Pond or Lake

Still another great idea for  family fun is going out to the pond or lake. Bring some fishing poles and enjoy the relaxing isolation provided by the beautiful setting. What a perfect place for you and your family to catch up, have fun and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Baking cookies together is a great way to enjoy quality time with your family. As kids are crazy about cookies, they will readily agree with you – even if it keeps them away from the computer.

Family Fun

Here is the quickest Peanut Butter Cookie recipe we know of. For extra fun, try using animal shaped cookie cutters.
Ingredients:

• Peanut butter – 1 cup
• Sugar – ½ cup
• 1 Egg
• Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
• Flower – 1 cup
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Cream and chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation:

Blend everything together to create dough. Make small rolls and place them on slightly greased baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a spatula or spoon and cut out animal shapes with readymade cookie cutters. Bake at 350 degree Fahrenheit for about 15 to 18 minutes. Let the children play with their imagination in decorating cookies with yummy creams and caramels.

Have a great time!

Image: Flickr

Today’s fast urban life has taken away much of our time that we should be spending with family.  Here’s a quick, frugal idea that will put some togetherness and fun in your family life – the Egg and Wooden Spoon Race.

To play this game, you’ll need raw eggs, wooden or plastic spoons, and colored flags for marking boundaries.
How to Play:

Split your family into two teams. Draw a starting line and fix marker flags in the ground about twenty feet away, and five feet apart. Each team forms a line behind the starting line, with respect to each team’s marker.

As the whistle blows, the first player from each team runs straight, carrying the egg on the spoon and turning around the flag, returning to pass the egg onto the next teammate’s spoon (no hands allowed). If any one breaks the egg, he/she must start from the beginning with another egg. The race continues until one team completely finishes its course.

Have fun!

Image: Bestwestern.com