Affordable Family Night Activities

We all know how difficult it can be to engage kids in family night activities. But, if you make spending quality time together a tradition from the beginning, your children will likely look forward to family nights no matter their age.

There's nothing better than sharing those priceless moments of pure laughter and emotion with the people you adore the most. If you choose the right activities, your family will interact and strengthen the bonds of love and respect between one other — and you don't have to spend a lot of money to do it. Here are 12 frugal family night activities to try.

1. Make Your Own Movie

Instead of watching a movie, create one from scratch! You can all play different roles and create a storyline of your liking.

2. Go Camping Inside or Outside Your Home

Camping is an incredibly exciting activity to do with your kids, especially when they're young. But you don't have to head to a campground to do it. Try setting up a tent in the backyard, or if the weather is bad, the living room works just as well. Whether you camp outside or inside, though, don't forget to tell some spooky campfire stories.

3. Put Your Cooking Skills to the Test

Does your family enjoy cooking? Try choosing a new meal to create together. You could also stage your own version of "Chopped." If your family loves sweets, you can simply bake your favorite kinds of cookies.

4. Play a Boardgame

The key to playing board games during family night is this: Avoid the boring ones. There's nothing worse than sitting through the agonizing pain that is participating in a boring activity.

So, when you're ready to battle for first place in your game of choice, clear off the table, serve your favorite snacks and let the games begin! Whether you decide to play Apples to Apples, a celebrity-backed game, Battleship, Monopoly or your favorite childhood board game, your family will enjoy some light (or intense) competition.

5. Build a Blanket Fort

There's nothing quite like constructing the perfect blanket fort. Once you've used all the blankets and pillows in your house to build an epic dwelling, the quality time will continue. Sit inside your newly built fort and play board games or have a snack.

6. Get Creative With Cardboard Boxes

Kids love cardboard boxes. If they're still at that age where their imagination runs freely, having a cardboard-themed family night will be a huge hit. Transform your cardboard boxes into rocket ships, beds, cash registers and more.

7. Volunteer

Research some local volunteering opportunities to give back to your community — as a family. No matter what kind of volunteer activity you choose, your family will enjoy helping others with your free time. Kindness is priceless.

8. Read a Book

Pick some books and read them as a family. Take turns reading and play around with different voices for different characters! If it's a longer book, you can take turns reading chapters.

9. Have a Karaoke Night

Even if you're not the next singing sensation, there's nothing quite like belting out your favorite songs as a family to create some epic memories.

10. Make Up a New Game

If you're not sure what game to play for your family night, create your own! Bring everyone in on the conversation and have them help come up with ideas. Then give it a try and feel free to adjust the rules and strategies as needed.

11. Write a Story

This family night activity encourages creativity. Sit in a circle and take turns adding one sentence to a story that your family creates!

12. Have Dinner at Tasty Pizza

Let's be honest. Dining on delicious pizza can really make for some ideal family bonding. If you need food for your family night, take advantage of our daily specials and deals and join us at Tasty Pizza.