Remember the good old days when families sat around the dinner table enjoying food and good conversation? It really did happen … and then someone got in between us. Well, not some one but some THING. Cell phones! They snuck in pretending to be telephones. Now they are cameras, televisions, games and movie theaters right in our hands.

What we did not count on was that they were well-disguised bandits. They have robbed us of intimacy. Families used to look at each other when they talked. Few do anymore. More and more that little hand-held talking device has stolen our family time away from us.

We may not be able to get rid of that divider of attention all together – most people don’t want to, anyway. But how about scheduling date-nights for the whole family to play together – NO ELECTRONICS – not even phones.

It is a daring suggestion but you will grow to like it. Set an evening or afternoon and literally schedule it. No one can opt out. Phones are turned OFF and put away. Get a “cell phone jail” to put them in, if you need to make a point.

Have activities planned in advance and ENJOY! Be sure to make some favorite snacks. You can even involve the family in snack making – but PRINT THE RECIPE on paper in advance because NO computers or phones are allowed when it is family cooking time. For incentive to stick with the rules, you may want to make a really great prize for the person who makes it longest without sneaking their phone or laptop or COMPLAINING!

Family fun dates can be outdoor or indoor fun. Get creative. Playing games, cooking out around a campfire, going fishing together, nature hiking … there are lots of ways to enjoy togetherness. How about doing something crafty? Stargazing is a great night activity. Enjoy!

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Outdoor Fun

Play croquette together!

Remember the old cornhole bean bag lawn games? They’re still around!

Go on a scavenger hunt! This game is designed for you to do right at home. No need to go anywhere and it is loads of fun!

Play Sorry, the classic board game, GIGANTIC STYLE!!! This oversized Sorry game is meant to be played on the floor indoors or out. Set it up on the deck or your patio for great summertime fun!

Have you ever seen anyone play Ladder Toss? It is a really fun outdoor game that takes a bit of practice but I have seen people catch on after just a few tries! There is a short video slip here so you can see how it works.

Outdoor skill and strategy game: Kubb! Learn more about it here.

Did you ever play Twister? Well, now it has a sprinkler inside to make this lawn game version SUPER fun!

Or you can just have a good, old fashioned WATER BALLOON FIGHT!

Play Board Games

Play Telestrations! Now, this is a game that I had NO interest in but my high schoolers talked me into playing it with them on our last day of school. Oh my goodness, I had so much fun. It is perfect for a family fun night! (Don’t let the label fool you. It mentions the “telephone game” but NO phones are used.)

This best seller became popular when everyone was stuck at home – at least that is one of the enthusiastic reviewers says. It takes 30 minutes or so to play so you can do more than one activity in an evening or play it again. It involves strategy and is fun for all ages 5+ to adult. Blokus!

Play Cards

Remember UNO? It is still popular and is fun for all ages 7+. If you have very little ones in the family, let them help you hold onto some cards and then promise them a game of GO FISH afterward!

Go Fish!

More Family Fun Games

Here is a GIANT 4-in-a-row connect game that your family will love to play over and over again.

Make Snacks Together

Cooking together is fun! Just remember to prepare in advance by having a recipe book or pre printed recipes so that you are not tempted to turn on the technology.

Make popcorn. This Nostalgia Popcorn Maker makes 12 cups of popcorn!