Free Games to Play During Family Get-Togethers

When family and friends come together for a holiday, a reunion, a birthday, or just a picnic, sometimes there's a little awkwardness if the kids haven't seen each other for a while, especially if they are a variety of ages. But here's no need for kids to be sitting around bored while the adults reconnect; usually all you need is a little spark of creativity to get the party going. But it can be hard to come up with creative ideas for family fun, especially on the fly, so we have provided you with a list. Most of the suggestions below require little to no planning. Your party will be memorable for years to come!

Free games to play with kids

On the hunt

Scavenger Hunts: Scavenger hunts can be along any theme, for any item. Pick a place, pick a theme, hit the play button!

Dinosaur hunt: This is a great thing to do outside with real dinosaur toys (the parent can hide them first), inside with pictures taped to the wall or with toys.

Safari: A backyard safari or a safari out in nature is nature's version of the I Spy game.

“Look under a rock” safari
Bird safari (with bird guide from the library)
OR a letter scavenger hunt. On signs, on printed letters stashed around the house

More outside fun

Set up a challenging obstacle course (inside or out, with or without water) and time who can get through fastest

Backyard Dig: For "fossils"
Play Backyard Bocce with one big stone and a bunch of coins: Toss the stone onto the grass and everyone takes turns throwing their coins to see who can get closest

Find a small stream and build a dam from rocks

Make a spicy mud pie

Build a fort and play army/mission impossible/mission to Mars

Bust out the hose and make a river/stream/lake; build a raft for your (dinosaurs, army men, barbies) and sail them all down the river

Climb a tree (safely!)

Hunt down all of your balls: Have a catch, kick a soccer ball, toss a Frisbee, kick a football... or make up a game with ALL of them at the same time!

Inside fun that stretches brain and body

Storytime: Set up an official story corner where the adults and older kids can take turn reading or telling family stories to the younger ones. Guaranteed to be a draw for more than just the kids!

Set up a special room, string a curtain in advance, and encourage the kids to put on a play that can be performed later in the party.

Learn something in advance with your kids that they can use to entertain others at the gathering: Memorize a poem; learn and sing an American folk song, learn how to juggle, bring an instrument, learn how to make/practice bird calls...

Old-fashioned fun

Learn and play the games your grandparents played…go ask them what they were! Here are some ideas; I've linked to the rules for each:

Cards

The list of card names is innumerable, plus you can always build a house of cards if you're inside. So bring along a couple of decks!

Party On!

Set up one room as a dance party (with or without costumes, disco ball, ) could be disco, salsa, formal, modern

Party dinners: Any dinner can be turned into a party! Just decide on a theme, make some favors, cut the sandwiches in a funky style, and you're there! Think pirates, dinosaurs, fairies, butterflies, superheros, and more. All you need to do is make up fancy names for each regular dish you serve, and no one will ever forget the food, even if it is forgetable.

Anne Siller is editor of KidsOutAndAbout for Westchester and the Hudson Valley, NY.

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