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Family Games

Christmas Games for Kids

By Sharla Kostelyk

These fun Christmas games for kids can be played at in the classroom, at holiday parties, or at home with family. They are simple to set up and provide hours of possibilities. We like to add activities to all our holiday events. Laughing together as a family is a wonderful way to create memories.a collage of images of different holiday activities with text that reads "Christmas Games for Kids"

Easy Christmas party games for kids make great ice breakers. Everyone can focus on the fun and before long, laughter ensues and new friendships are made.

Christmas Games for Kids:

By far our family’s favourite are the Christmas Minute to Win It games. They are hilarious to play and so easy and inexpensive to set up. Great for all ages!

The printable Christmas Who Am I? Game at Childhood 101 is kind of like a holiday version of the popular game Hedbanz.

I’m a huge fan of the cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies. So huge in fact that I just ordered myself this shirt to wear this cheesy-movie-watching season! If you’re also a fan, you’re gonna love our Christmas Movie Bingo. And y’all? These bingo cards are funny. If you’ve seen a lot of the movies, you know there’s a formula and some common themes which is what makes these cards so clever.

The Saran Wrap Ball Game is always a hit. Everyone wins something so it’s great for all ages. It’s easy to set up and you can make it have a holiday theme.collage of photos of making a ball of plastic wrap filled with prizesSilliness will abound with these Christmas Movies Emoji Game printable pages from Play Party Plan.

Roll a Santa with help from the printable game at Kiddy Charts.

The whole family can participate in Christmas Charades with the printable cards from Teach Beside Me. It’s a great game if you have a group with a variety of ages.

Get cards to play Christmas Charades at Childhood 101.

Snowman Twister is an adorable activity for kids. It’s easy to set up and tons of fun. This would be really cute for a children’s party.

Sunny Day Family shares a fun Christmas Music Bingo for families with three variations.

The Christmas Bingo sets from Rock Your Homeschool are so cute and kids can use jingle bells as their marker.

You can find another version of Christmas Bingo on Sunshine and Hurricanes.

Holiday entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find a free printable North Pole MixUp Christmas Game to play at Line Upon Line Learning.

If you’re looking for a holiday classroom activity, try Fun Learning for Kids’ Gingerbread Board Game. It can be edited for math or literacy centers.

This idea for a Gift Tag Memory Game from Play, Teach, Repeat is so simple to set up.

The Magnet Bell Christmas Game on Teach Beside Me combines learning with fun.

Christmas Tin Can Bowling is a familiar activity with a holiday spin from Red Ted Art.

Play Christmas Tree I-Spy Ornament with the printable from Joy in the Works.

Pin the Reindeer Nose is demonstrated on Red Ted Art.

If you’re looking for something to play one-on-one with your child, this Christmas Matching Memory Game from Simple Everyday Mom is perfect.

Set up a simple Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt.

Christmas Board Games:

The Santa Claus GameThe Santa Claus GameThe Santa Claus GameChristmas Scavenger Hunt GameChristmas Scavenger Hunt GameChristmas Scavenger Hunt GameChristmas TriviaChristmas TriviaChristmas TriviaPin The Nose on The Snowman Christmas ActivityPin The Nose on The Snowman Christmas ActivityPin The Nose on The Snowman Christmas ActivityTis The Season Christmas Trivia GameTis The Season Christmas Trivia GameTis The Season Christmas Trivia GameSpot It! HolidaySpot It! HolidaySpot It! HolidayChristmas-opolyChristmas-opolyChristmas-opolySanta's Sleigh RideSanta’s Sleigh RideSanta's Sleigh Ride

Printable Holiday Activities:

Keep kids occupied while you’re busy baking or wrapping with these free printable Christmas activities. You’ll find games, countdown calendars, learning activities, and colouring sheets.

Christmas Wonderland Roll and Cover Game – Simple Fun for Kids

Christmas Doodles I Spy Game – And Next Comes L

Printable Christmas Games Coloring Workbook – Darcy and Brian

Christmas Kindness Countdown Chain – Coffee and Carpool

Rudolph Word Search – Baby Budgeting

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt – Empowered Single Moms

Roll and Colour Christmas Game – Picklebums

Printable Elf Jokes – Artsy Fartsy Mama

Snowglobe Activity Sheets for Kids – Crafts on Sea

Roll a Santa Numeracy Game – Kiddy Charts

Christmas Acts of Kindness – Learn in Color

The Best Wish List for Kids – Pint-Sized Treasures

Free Printable Advent Calendar Activities – Real Life at Home

Printable Christmas Mazes for Kids – 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Christmas Word Scramble – Crayons and Cravings

Free Printable Christmas Coloring Sheets – Sarah Titus

Printable Grinch Countdown to Christmas – Three Little Ferns

Free Christmas Rhymes – 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Find and Colour Christmas Doodle – Your Therapy Source

Christmas Addition and Subtraction Cards – Living Life and Learning

Spin and Cover Christmas Math – 3 Dinosaurs

Christmas Language Arts Pack – Real Life at Home

Christmas Ornament Sorting – PreKinders

Elf Paper Puppet – Red Ted Art

Christmas Coding STEAM Activity – J Daniel 4’s Mom

Free Christmas Playdough Mats – 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Printable Cards – For Modern Kids

Looking for more ideas for family fun or resources to help you connect with your child? Join our free 5 Days to Better Family Connection email series.

Be sure to check out:

You can also find 26 Christmas Party Games for adults and children.

Filed Under: Christmas, Family Games

The Best Minute to Win It Thanksgiving Games

By Sharla Kostelyk

We are big fans of Minute to Win it games at our house. Another holiday or party means we have another excuse to play! So we came up with some awesome Minute to Win It Thanksgiving games to help us celebrate and create family memories.

Some of these games are hilarious. My kids thought the Pumpkin Pie Game was pretty awesome because they got their fill of whipping cream and candy.

girl in brown sweater with white whipping cream on her face in front of pie plate and candy pumpkins. Text reads "Minute to Win It Thanksgiving Games"The games can be played a couple of different ways. You can create teams and have a member from each team go head to head against each other or you can play as individuals in a “beat the clock” type of fashion.

These fun family games for kids and adults are such a great way to celebrate the holidays. Kids of all ages and grown ups from parents to grandparents can participate. If you’re inviting friends to your Thanksgiving get together, these challenges also make great ice breakers. If you’re looking for more ideas, you can also adapt some of our Minute to Win It Christmas game ideas to give them a Thanksgiving theme.

Minute to Win It Thanksgiving Games:

To create your own Minute to Win It Thanksgiving themed challenge, you can pick and choose from the games below or do all of them. I’ve listed the full list of supplies as well as listing the supplies needed for each game so that it makes it easier for you to plan your own party.

You’ll notice that the materials needed are inexpensive or things that you already have around the house. I was able to get all of the supplies for ours at the dollar store.

Supplies needed:

  • pie plates
  • candy pumpkins
  • whipped cream
  • pumpkin seeds
  • straws
  • paper plates
  • turkey baster
  • balloons
  • feathers
  • spoons
  • optional: candy corn

Pumpkin Pie

Supplies needed:

  • pie plates
  • candy pumpkins
  • whipping cream

The object of this game is to retrieve all the pumpkins out of your pie. To set up, place candy pumpkins on the bottom of each pie plate. Cover with whipping cream. Each player sits with their hands behind their backs and has to find the pumpkins and move them out of the pie using only their mouth.

Turkeys of a Feather

Supplies needed:

  • feathers*

Turkeys of a Feather Minute to Win It gameIn this game, players need to attempt to keep their feather in the air for a full minute by blowing it up. It’s harder than it sounds. If a player’s feather touches the ground or a surface, they are out of the game.

This is a good one to play in a large group because you can have many people playing at one time.

*We tried to play this game with Thanksgiving coloured craft feathers, but they were too heavy for it to work properly, so I suggest using the lighter wispy feathers.

Pumpkin Seed Suck It Up

Supplies needed:

  • pumpkin seeds
  • straws
  • paper plates

To set this game up, pour some pumpkin seeds onto a paper plate for each player. Set that down next to an empty plate. To play, each person puts a straw in their mouth and attempts to transfer all the pumpkin seeds to the empty plate in less than one minute. If you’re playing head to head, then then the person who transfers all of their pumpkin seeds the fastest is the winner.

Pumpkin (or Candy Corn) Relay

Supplies needed:

  • spoons (one for each person participating)
  • candy pumpkins or candy corn

Place one candy pumpkin (or candy corn) on a spoon. Have players race holding onto their spoon with one hand (you can allow younger kids to use both hands). If their candy drops off, they are eliminated or have to start back at the beginning.

The rest of our candy pumpkins got eaten by one of our kids before this race (just being real!), so we used glittered pine cones which were the most Thanksgiving themed item I could think of on the spot!

To make this game more challenging for adults, you can create a bit of an obstacle course. Or you can race in teams, handing off the spoon and candy to the next person in line. This is my favourite version of the game. It creates a fun atmosphere with team members cheering each other on.

Turkey Basting

Supplies needed:

  • turkey basters
  • balloons

Give each person a turkey baster and balloon. The goal of this Minute to Win It challenge is to get the balloon across the table lengthwise using only the air from the turkey baster. You are not allowed to touch the balloon with the turkey baster. This can be played to beat the one minute timer or played head to head with the winner earning one point for their team.

If you don’t have a long table, you can mark a start and finish line on the floor using masking tape and try to get the balloon across the finishing line along the floor.

Looking for more ideas for family fun or resources to help you connect with your child? Join our free 5 Days to Better Family Connection email series.

You may also want to check out some of our other Minute to Win It Games:

Minute to Win It Christmas Edition

Minute to Win It Family Fun Night

Dollar Store Minute to Win ItDollar Store Minute to Win It party

Minute to Win It Camping Games

Filed Under: Crafts and Activities, Family Games

The 26 Best Christmas Party Games

By Sharla Kostelyk

Playing Christmas party games at your family gathering, holiday party, office party, or youth event is a great way to break the ice and keep the fun going. a collage of images of people playing group party games with text that reads "The Best of the Best Christmas Party Games"Interactive activities are a great way to make lasting memories. These Christmas party games encourage participation and fun for all.

Christmas Party Games:

I love hosting large gatherings. Honestly, mostly it’s because of the food. I’m an appetizer girl. I love being able to sample little bits of lots and parties are the perfect excuse to do that. But while I have people over, it’s always good to keep them entertained, so we have become a family who loves playing games. These are the best Christmas party games out there.

Christmas Minute to Win It

Our family loves Minute to Win It games. Last year, I came out with Christmas Minute to Win It games that were hilarious to play and to watch. We all had a riot as we attempted to complete the challenges. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but mine was the Bobbing for Candy Canes game. All the Minute to Win It Christmas party games can be played in small or large groups and with all ages. This makes them great for pretty much any holiday event. They also require very little set up and the supplies needed are inexpensive. In fact, most of what you need, you probably have around the house already.

The Flour Game

This hilarious game is a family favourite of ours. It’s admittedly more fun to watch it for some than to play it depending on your personality, but if you’re looking for something that is sure to get people engaged and interacting, The Flour Game is a great activity for that.

The Bag Game

The Bag Game is perfect for group gatherings. You can play it regardless of age and it’s a lot of laughs. This is a good one for a youth event or for an office party. It also requires no planning other than to find an empty paper bag or cereal box, making it inexpensive as well.

Saran Wrap Ball

The Saran Wrap Ball Game is quickly becoming a favourite among both children and adults. Read the rules of the game, ideas for what to stuff it with and setup instructions. 

This is another one that is great for all ages. And everyone walks away a winner so there are no hard feelings, although it still has a competitive side to it too which is extra fun!hands unwrapping ball made of plastic wrap filled with prizes

Cookie Decorating Challenge

Set out store bought sugar cookie dough, holiday cookie cutters, icing, sprinkles, and baking sheets. Put everyone in teams and let the fun begin! It’s best to set a timer so that it adds another element of hilarity.

This is a great holiday activity because judging the results is almost as much fun as decorating the cookies. It’s also a great activity for mixing a variety of ages so that all family members from toddlers to grandparents can play.

Christmas Charades

The Joys of Boys has made an easy Christmas Charades printable party game that’s fun for families. It’s a fun holiday take on a classic.

Name That Christmas Carol

There are several variations of this game out there. I’ve included some below so that you can find the one that works best for you.

  • Christmas Carols by Another Name
  • Can You Name That Carol?
  • Name That Carol

Scavenger Hunt

A Christmas Scavenger Hunt can be a good party game or can be used to create a new holiday tradition with your family. If you’re creating one to use at a party, you can use little trinkets along the way so that everyone who participates gets a prize or a larger gift for the winner at the end.

Christmas Board Games

The Santa Claus GameThe Santa Claus GameThe Santa Claus GameChristmas Scavenger Hunt GameChristmas Scavenger Hunt GameChristmas Scavenger Hunt GameChristmas TriviaChristmas TriviaChristmas TriviaPin The Nose on The Snowman Christmas ActivityPin The Nose on The Snowman Christmas ActivityPin The Nose on The Snowman Christmas ActivityTis The Season Christmas Trivia GameTis The Season Christmas Trivia GameTis The Season Christmas Trivia GameSpot It! HolidaySpot It! HolidaySpot It! HolidayChristmas-opolyChristmas-opolyChristmas-opolySanta's Sleigh RideSanta’s Sleigh RideSanta's Sleigh Ride

Christmas Trivia Game

These Christmas Trivia Games are such a great way to get conversations started. If your gathering is something where guests will be seated around tables such as a women’s brunch or a potluck, trivia games are the perfect way to break the ice. There are printable sheets you can print out for everyone playing. The questions are challenging enough to really spark conversation.

If you’re looking for a holiday trivia game that children can also participate in, then I would recommend this one instead.

Gingerbread House Decorating Challenge

For those who love watching baking challenges, this one is a lot of fun. Set out the supplies for decorating the houses: gingerbread, icing, candy, icing sugar, sprinkles, candy canes, wafers, etc. Split everyone into teams and set a timer. The team to complete the best house (according to a majority vote) wins! Instead of gingerbread houses, we make Rice Krispie houses. That way, they can be shaped into trees or any type of building shape and can still be decorated the same way a gingerbread house would be.

Two Truths and a Lie Christmas Party Game

In this version of Two Truths and a Lie, there is a Christmas twist. Each person takes a turn saying the three worst Christmas gifts they’ve ever received. Two of them are true and one of them is a lie. The others have to try to correctly guess which one is the lie.

Snowman Building Contest

Break out into teams. Choose a set amount of time and start the timer. Each team has until the end of the clock to make the most unique or best snowman they can. The first, second, and third place winners are then chosen. If you want to, you can provide a prize for the winner.

Candy Cane Guess

Fill a medium or large container with small candy canes or another holiday themed candy. Set out small pieces of paper and pens. Have each person at the party write down their guess for how many candies are in the jar. Be sure to have them write their name on their paper. The player who guesses closest to the actual number gets to take home the jar full of candy.

Holiday Pictionary

Divide into two teams. Write down Christmas themed words or phrases on papers. One player on each team must draw what is on their paper while their team attempts to guess what it is. The team with the most points wins.

You can make the cards easy or more difficult depending of the age of people participating. For an adults only party, you can use ones that will be more challenging to draw and guess. Here are some ideas for what words or phrases to add to your Christmas Pictionary game:

  • White Christmas
  • reindeer
  • Santa Claus
  • nativity
  • 3 wise men
  • milk and cookies
  • Jingle Bells
  • Silent Night
  • Christmas tree
  • We Wish You a Merry Christmas
  • Happy New Year
  • Auld Lang Syne
  • Joy to the World
  • Let it Snow
  • Ho Ho Ho
  • Deck the Halls
  • mistletoe
  • poinsettia
  • Noel
  • ornament
  • It’s a Wonderful Life
  • carolling
  • baby Jesus
  • eggnog
  • Charlie Brown Christmas
  • stocking
  • O Little Town of Bethlehem
  • Frosty the Snowman
  • gingerbread house
  • Jack Frost
  • Merry Christmas
  • nutcracker
  • North Pole
  • Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
  • ugly Christmas sweater
  • ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
  • yule log
  • All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth
  • I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
  • white elephant gift exchange
  • Deck the Halls
  • Little Drummer Boy

Candy Canes

This game follows the rules of the card game Spoon, but instead of spoons, you place candy canes in the middle of the table. The game lasts much longer because you have to spell out c-a-n-d-y-c-a-n-e-s. Good luck!

Guess that Carol

Get out someone’s phone and find Christmas music either on their playlist or on something such as Spotify or YouTube. Play 15 seconds or less of each song and see who can be the first to shout out the name of the Christmas carol. This works really well in teams if you have a large group.

White Elephant Gift Exchange

I still remember the first time I participated in a White Elephant Gift Exchange. There were a lot of laughs and quite honestly, also some hard feelings as not all of the kids playing wound up with the present they were hoping for.

There are many variations on a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Find the rules of a White Elephant Gift exchange as well as read about some of the common types that are played. One of my favourites is when you bring something from home that you’re no longer using as your gift. It’s a great way to reuse items that others may love that no longer bring you joy. It also means you don’t have to spend any extra money at what is already an expensive time of year.

Holiday Puzzles

I know this is not exactly a “game”, however I always have a table or two set up over the holidays with a puzzle set out. We know a handful of people who HATE playing games. Having a puzzle out gives them something to do if they choose not to participate in the other Christmas party games. We’ve found that by the end of the evening, we often have quite a crowd gathered around the puzzle table and it becomes very interactive and sometimes even a little bit competitive!

We often set up two puzzle tables. One is a more complicated puzzle with a lot of pieces and the other is an easier one for kids. You don’t have to choose a holiday themed puzzle. You can choose one that is meaningful for your family or one that is quirky or fun. It can be reminiscent of a vacation or childhood memory or represent an interest or hobby. These are some of our family’s favourites:

Fishing Cove Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceFishing Cove Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceFishing Cove Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceDownton Abbey 3D Jigsaw Puzzle 890 PieceDownton Abbey 3D Jigsaw Puzzle 890 PieceDownton Abbey 3D Jigsaw Puzzle 890 PieceCandylicious 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleCandylicious 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleCandylicious 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleChildren of the World Floor Puzzle 48 PiecesChildren of the World Floor Puzzle 48 PiecesChildren of the World Floor Puzzle 48 PiecesCookies & Christmas 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleCookies & Christmas 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleCookies & Christmas 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleSushi Puzzle 1000 PieceSushi Puzzle 1000 PieceSushi Puzzle 1000 PiecePotato Chips 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzlePotato Chips 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzlePotato Chips 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleDonuts Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceDonuts Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceDonuts Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceFriends in Winter 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleFriends in Winter 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleFriends in Winter 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzlePeaceful Night Christmas Puzzle 550 PiecePeaceful Night Christmas Puzzle 550 PiecePeaceful Night Christmas Puzzle 550 PieceA Child is Born Christmas Puzzle 550 PieceA Child is Born Christmas Puzzle 550 PieceA Child is Born Christmas Puzzle 550 PieceWinter Playground Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceWinter Playground Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceWinter Playground Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceSea Shell Treasures Jigsaw Puzzle 550 PieceSea Shell Treasures Jigsaw Puzzle 550 PieceSea Shell Treasures Jigsaw Puzzle 550 PieceVintage Nancy Drew Puzzle 1000 PieceVintage Nancy Drew Puzzle 1000 PieceVintage Nancy Drew Puzzle 1000 PieceTea Cups Boxes 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleTea Cups Boxes 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleTea Cups Boxes 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleCat Bookshelf Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceCat Bookshelf Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceCat Bookshelf Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 Piece100 Piece Ballet Recital Jigsaw Puzzle100 Piece Ballet Recital Jigsaw Puzzle100 Piece Ballet Recital Jigsaw PuzzleKnock Knock Jigsaw Puzzle 1,000 PiecesKnock Knock Jigsaw Puzzle 1,000 PiecesKnock Knock Jigsaw Puzzle 1,000 PiecesAmsterdam Aglow Jigsaw Puzzle 550 PieceAmsterdam Aglow Jigsaw Puzzle 550 PieceAmsterdam Aglow Jigsaw Puzzle 550 PieceTropical Fish Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceTropical Fish Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PieceTropical Fish Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 PiecePeriodic Table Illustrated Puzzle 200 PiecePeriodic Table Illustrated Puzzle 200 PiecePeriodic Table Illustrated Puzzle 200 PieceStarry Night 500 Piece Van Gogh PuzzleStarry Night 500 Piece Van Gogh PuzzleStarry Night 500 Piece Van Gogh Puzzle

What is your favourite game to play at a Christmas party?

Looking for more ideas for family fun or resources to help you connect with your child? Join our free 5 Days to Better Family Connection email series.

Check out some of our other holiday ideas:

Family Time Capsule Ornament

Christmas Calm Down Kit for Kids

Melted Snowman Sensory Bottle

Holiday Scented Christmas Slimea swirly clump of glittery green slime with bright coloured pompoms (red, light blue, yellow, and pink) in the slime and on top of it

Filed Under: Christmas, Family Games

Minute to Win It Camping Games

half a watermelon with a playing card sticking into it, a girl in a white hat stacking golf balls, ingredients for a s'more being assembled with chopstick on a picnic table and text that reads "Minute to Win It camping"

By Sharla Kostelyk

Want to make your camping trip even more memorable? Our family loves Minute to Win It games. They are great for large group gatherings, parties, family connection, and laughter. On our recent camp trip, we tried out some Minute to Win It camping games. half a watermelon with a playing card sticking into it, a girl in a white hat stacking golf balls, ingredients for a s'more being assembled with chopstick on a picnic table and text that reads "Minute to Win It camping"

Because I didn’t want to pack a lot of extra supplies, I tried to come up with games that would use what we already had with us or small inexpensive items. These are all easy to set up and easy to play for all ages.

Minute to Win It Camping Games:

If you’d like to create your own Minute to Win It camping challenge, you can use all or some of the games below.

I’ve provided a list of supplies used to play all of the games as well as broken them up per game to make it easier for you to plan. As you can see, there are very few supplies needed to create a lot of fun. As you’ll see from the list, many of these are things that you likely already have with you when camping.

Supplied needed:

  • golf balls
  • watermelon
  • playing cards
  • rubber bands
  • empty cans
  • chopsticks
  • graham crackers
  • chocolate
  • marshmallows
  • balloons

Note that due to the nature of some of the supplies such as the balloons, elastic bands, and marshmallows, adult supervision is required.

Caddy Stack

Supplies needed:

  • 3 golf balls (or 6 if you are playing head to head)

The object of this game is to stack 3 golf balls on top of each other. The balls must remain stacked for 3 seconds to win. You can either play head to head or individually. If playing head to head, the first one to complete their stack and have it stay in place for 3 seconds is the winner.

Card Ninja

Supplies needed:

  • watermelon
  • deck of playing cards

To set up this game, slice a watermelon in half and prop it up on a picnic table or other flat surface. Have each player stand at a distance from the watermelon and throw cards one at a time in an attempt to get a card in the watermelon. The object of the game is to get one of the cards to stick in the watermelon in under a minute.

You can determine the distance away that the players have to stand based on their age. If you’re playing with a large group with many ages, you can allow younger kids to stand closer if you like.

Rapid Fire

Supplies needed:

  • rubber bands
  • 6 empty pop cans (12 if playing head to head)

Set the cans up in a pyramid on a flat surface such as a folding table or picnic table. Give each player elastics. The object of this game is to knock over all 6 cans using elastics in under a minute. Again, you can determine how far away players must stand depending on age.

If you want to play this game head to head, set up a second stack of cans a bit of a distance away from the first. In this version, the first player to knock over all the cans is the winner.

S’more Fun

Supplies needed:

  • chopsticks
  • graham wafers
  • chocolate
  • marshmallows

Give each player a set of chopsticks, 2 graham crackers, a marshmallow, and 1 or 2 pieces of chocolate. The object of this game is to assemble a s’more using only the chopsticks in less than a minute.

When the timer starts, begin with one graham cracker, top it with the chocolate piece(s), then a marshmallow, and finish with the last graham cracker.

In the head to head version of this game, players race to be the first one to assemble their s’more using the chopsticks.

Defying Gravity

Supplies needed:

  • balloons

Blow up the balloons. You’ll need 3 if doing this individually or 6 if you’ll have people competing head to head. The goal of this one is to keep all 3 balloons in the air for 60 seconds without having any of them touch the ground.

If two players are competing at the same time, you can either declare the winner the person who keeps all 3 from touching the ground for the longest or give a point to each player if they both complete the challenge in one minute.

You’ll need a bit of space for this one, especially if there are two people playing at the same time. Some campsites may be large enough (ours was quite large) or you may need to complete this in a field or open space.

All of these Minute to Win It camping games work well for large groups such as at a camp, day camp, family reunion, youth group, or party.

Looking for more ideas for super awesome family fun or resources to help you connect with your child? Join our free 5 Days to Better Family Connection email series.

Be sure to check out all our other Minute to Win It games:

Minute to Win It Family Fun

Dollar Store Minute to Win It Dollar Store Minute to Win It party

Christmas Minute to Win It Games

Filed Under: Crafts and Activities, Family Games

The Ultimate List of Family Game Night Ideas

The image contains a collage of 5 photos and the words "the best family game night ideas". The pictures include a boy with his nose and mouth covered in flour sitting over a plate of flour, a boy with a stack of Oreo type cookies stacked on his forehead, a girl wearing a light green shirt with a pair of panty hose on her head with a tennis ball in the end of each as she swings her head from side to side trying to knock over red cups on the floor, a smiling blue eyed girl holding a paper bag between her teeth, and a curly haired boy with an Oreo on one of his eyes.

By Sharla Kostelyk

Our Family Fun Nights are memorable events.  We love playing family games and these evenings give us a chance to build memories together. I wanted to share some of our favourite family game night ideas. The Best Family Game Night Ideas #familyfun #gamenight #familyfunnight #gamenightFamily game night creates lasting memories because they foster a sense of belonging. In the busy hubbub of life, it is so nice to have tech-free, face to face time with your kids. Quality time can be created right at home.

Creating a family game night tradition won’t be something you’ll regret. The years you have with your kids at home go by in a flash. Laughing together strengthens the bonds.

If you were to invite your kids to an evening of talking with their parents and tell them there were no phones allowed, you wouldn’t likely get a very positive response. But once you start regular a family game night, your kids will be asking you when the next one is!

Ideas For The Best Family Game Night

1. Minute To Win It Games

One of our most memorable Family Fun Nights was our original Minute to Win It party.  We played Face the Cookie, Stack Attack, Movin’ on Up, Junk in the Trunk, Suck it Up, Penny Hose, Keep it Up, and Yank Me.

There was a lot of laughter. I challenge anyone to play the Junk in the Trunk Game with a straight face!

We had so much fun on our first Minute to Win it game night that we decided to create another one.  That time, we chose a Dollar Store Minute to Win It theme.   We played Puddle Jumper, Chocolate Unicorn, Ponginator, Hanky Panky, Ball Drop, Breakfast Scramble, and Elephant March.

These family game ideas are funny and everyone can play. The supplies were so inexpensive and didn’t take long to set up. It was another memorable evening.

Click here for all our awesome Minute To Win It Games:

  • Minute To Win It Games Printable
  • Christmas Minute To Win It Games
  • Dollar Store Minute To Win It Games

2.  The Flour Game

We also get a kick out of The Flour Game. This hilarious game requires only two items and one of them is probably already in your kitchen. This one is just plain old good clean fun. Well, clean may not be the best way to describe it! The messy faces are worth it though.

It’s a great time for all ages. If you’ve never tried it, this is a good one to start with. It’s easy to set up. The rules are easy to understand. And a face full of flour is universally funny!

3.  What’s In The Bag Game

Another classic game at our house is What’s In The Bag Game.  For this one, you only need one item. In this game, the kids often have the advantage. That’s a good equalizer. On other family game nights when the older ones may have an easier time with whatever the activity is, this game evens those odds.

Our neighbour taught us this game. We have played it at everything from just a Sunday afternoon at home to my daughter’s Sweet 16 with over 25 people. It is always a hit.

4.  20 Questions Game

I love this personalized version of the game 20 questions from Teach Mama. It gives a Headbands type of spin to it and allows you to use pictures of people you know or are familiar with. It would be easy to create themed versions of this game such as a Disney theme or famous families theme.

5.  Lego Game Night Ideas

Invite your family members to a Lego Build Challenge Minute to Win It Style. The ideas are easy. Chances are, you’ve got some lego pieces hanging around the house. Why not put them to good use?!

mother and daughter's hands play with building blocks

6. Nerf Gun Family Game Night

My kids would go crazy over this Nerf Target Prize Game from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls! You could mix it up by changing up the prizes.

7.  Twister

How about making your own holiday themed twister game? You can find everything you need at Pint-Sized Treasures to make a Valentine’s Conversation Hearts Twister, a Snowman Twister, or a Pumpkin Twister for Thanksgiving, Hallowe’en or Fall.

8.  Board Games For Family Game Night

Family game night ideas don’t have to be complicated. You can create lasting memories sitting around the kitchen table with a bowl of popcorn and a board game or puzzle.

I love how our family has a culture of playing board games together. Sunday afternoons, you can usually find us sitting at the table playing Settlers of Catan, Splendor, Sequence, Ticket to Ride, card games, or some of our other favourites.

Family Board Games:

Watch Ya Mouth Family EditionWatch Ya Mouth Family EditionWatch Ya Mouth Family EditionHasbro Pie FaceHasbro Pie FaceHasbro Pie FaceGoogly Eyes GameGoogly Eyes GameGoogly Eyes GameQwirkleQwirkleQwirkleKer PlunkKer PlunkKer PlunkBlokusBlokusBlokusJenga Classic GameJenga Classic GameJenga Classic GameTroubleTroubleTroubleHedBanzHedBanzHedBanz5 Second Rule5 Second Rule5 Second RuleSimonSimonSimonUNO Card GameUNO Card GameUNO Card GameDutch BlitzDutch BlitzDutch BlitzSuspend Family GameSuspend Family GameSuspend Family GameApples to ApplesApples to ApplesApples to Apples

9. Fun for the Whole Family

Done is better than perfect! Instead of waiting for the perfect time and circumstance, plan something simple that both the younger kids and older kids can enjoy. Here are some simple ideas that can be thrown together at the last minute.

  • Scavenger Hunts (Our kids’ favourite is the Put Away Scavenger Hunt. I like it too because it only uses household items so there’s no extra cost, it’s easy, and has no clean-up!)
  • Bingo
  • Christmas Movie Bingo
  •  Charades (instructions and free printable charade cards)
  • Make an easy treasure hunt with clues. Have the first person read a clue and all work together to find the prize so that everyone is a winner.

10. Play Family Trivia.

Invent your own questions about your family and family culture. Examples would be things like:

  • When is grandma’s birthday?
  • Where did we go on our last vacation?
  • Where did your parents meet?
  • What was your mom’s maiden name?
  • What does our last name mean?

Then have the first person to draw a question answer. If they don’t know the answer, allow the next person to take a guess.

Track points on a sheet of paper. You can even offer bonus points for funny or creative answers.

What is one of your family’s favourite games to play?

Looking for more ideas for family fun or resources to help you connect with your child? Join our free Parenting Wins email series. 

Filed Under: Crafts and Activities, Family Games

The Bag Game

By Sharla Kostelyk

Our neighbour Christie introduced our family to the Bag Game years ago and it is always a hit on family game night.  This easy game requires exactly one item and can be played anywhere. It can be played with large groups or small groups and with people of all ages.  It seriously does not get simpler or better than The Bag Game!The Bag Game - fun for family fun nights, youth group events and parties

We have played the Bag Game both outside and inside. We once played it with an empty cereal box because we didn’t have a paper bag to use. It is a great boredom buster on a snow day and an even better ice breaker at group events or a game for youth.

As long as you have a paper bag, this game costs nothing and couldn’t be simpler to set up. We always save paper bags now from stores or take-out at restaurants just for this purpose.

Our family loves this activity. There is always much hilarity that ensues as everyone stands around watching the person whose turn it is. There is laughter and cheering. Sometimes, there are some attempts to distract the person, especially when it comes to siblings!

How to Play The Paper Bag Game

Materials needed:

  • paper bag or cereal box

Instructions:

  1. Place an empty paper bag on the floor.
  2. Standing on one foot, each player must take a turn to retrieve the bag using only their mouth.
  3. Once the bag is successfully retrieved, that player tears off the piece of the bag that their mouth touched.
  4. In this way, the bag slowly gets lower and lower to the ground.
  5. Once a player’s raised foot touches the ground or one of their hands touches the ground, they are eliminated from the game.
  6. The last person remaining in the game is the winner.

the bag game: minute to win it challenges

You will want to play this in a fairly large area so that everyone has room to manoeuvre. We have found that everyone develops a bit of their own style in this game. Some put their other leg way up high and use it as a counterbalance. Some crouch low to the ground with their whole body while others bend their upper half down. One of our sons places one foot on top of the other before crouching down.

The Bag Game Variations

For younger children or those with mobility issues, you can play the game exactly the same way but allow both feet to be touching the ground.

You can choose to have some players be allowed this exception while others play with the traditional rules of the game.

Another variation is to allow each player three strikes per turn or per game wherein their raised foot or one of their hands can touch the ground twice without that player being eliminated.

the bag game: minute to win it challenges

We have a large family and we enjoy finding family games that we can all do together.  This one has quickly become a favourite.

You’ll notice from the blurry pictures that this is an active game with a lot of movement. There can be some pretty funny contortions, particularly when the bag gets down really low. There have been times in our competitive family when all that was left of the bag was a single piece of paper laying flat on the ground and our son managed to retrieve it!

The Bag Game is an easy activity for large groups with a variety of ages and abilities. It can be played at youth groups, camp, family reunions, Christmas parties, birthday parties, retirement celebrations, or in a classroom.

Looking for more super cool ideas for family fun or resources to help you connect with your child? Join our free 5 Days to Better Family Connection email series.

Click here for more fun family games:

Dollar Store Minute to Win It GamesDollar Store Minute to Win It party

The Flour Game

Minute to Win It Games

Filed Under: Crafts and Activities, Family Games

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