Family gatherings are some of the most cherished occasions. Hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill, cold drinks, and games create an atmosphere of all-day fun. Spending time in the backyard for a BBQ is a moment you may remember from your childhood. You can pass on this family tradition to your children with your own modern twists.
Regardless of your family structure, making time for a leisurely backyard party can brighten up the weekend. You may have the desire to get the whole family together, but what kind of activities will keep their attention and make sure everyone has an enjoyable time?
There are many options to choose from that grandma and your little nephew will rave about. Here are a few ideas to get you started as you plan your next family BBQ.
Bring Games the Whole Family Will Enjoy
What better way to bring the whole family together than with outdoor games that get every generation involved? Backyard party games are a fun way to liven up your family barbecue and remind everyone to play.
Make a Bowling-Style Bean Bag Toss
- Use metal cans, or purchase light weight bowling pins.
- Buy new socks to fill with rice.
- Position the cans or bowling pins to create a tower or triangle shape.
- Create a scoreboard using a dry-erase board.
- Have everyone choose teammates and let the game begin.
Create a Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss
Purchase some glow sticks from your local supply store. You’ll need skinnier necklace-style glowsticks and the thicker hand-held sticks. Use the thicker sticks as poles and snap the necklace glow sticks together to create the rings. Everyone will enjoy this after-dark game to close out the party.
Set Up Card Tables for All Levels
Every generation has their favorite card games. You can have two or three tables, each with a different game, so everyone can get in on the fun. If you and your adult relatives are used to having a poker night, set up a poker game for some friendly competition.
Uno is a favorite of kids and adults alike. Whether you play the traditional way, or have your own twist on the classic game, you can draw a crowd. Create several tables for this game and let the winners compete in a final showdown. To create your Uno tournament, keep score with a board or large poster, and let everyone play for fun prizes like stuffed animals, candy, or silly hats.
Roast S’mores on a Semi-Open Fire
Everyone loves the sweet and smokey taste of s’mores. Bring this camp classic to your BBQ as the sun goes down and add some storytelling to bring everyone around the fire. You don’t have to stick to plain chocolate and marshmallows. Give your s’mores twist by adding caramel, fudge, or strawberry drizzle and serve them on serving bowls and platters. Use candy like Reese’s, Hershey’s Cookies and Cream, or even KitKats.
To get the fire going, you can install a backyard fire pit, and make sure you have the needed fire safety accessories on hand. A fire extinguisher, fire-resistant gloves to start the fire, and the right wood for your firepit are essential for your checklist.
Don’t forget the marshmallow roasting sticks and plates. It may get a little messy, and having some wet wipes on hand won’t hurt.
Get the Little Ones Involved With Kid-Approved Serving Stations
Create a DIY fruit station by providing a plate of delicious fruit, wooden skewers, and toppings like honey, whipped cream, and chocolate. Let the kids experiment with creating unique fruit creations with the help of an adult.
A hotdog and hamburger station is a great idea to capture the imagination of young ones and the young at heart. Provide freshly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and use natural food coloring to create a range of vibrant condiments like purple ketchup, green mustard, and pink mayo. Everyone will have a blast creating custom creations that are tasty too.
Create an Outdoor Photo Booth
Use a vintage photo frame large enough for one or two guests to fit into, and take pictures with your phone. You can use a sturdy string or ribbon to hang the frame from a tree or have each person or duo hold the frame up to their faces. Include props like fuzzy scarves, funky masks, and hats for an extra layer of excitement.
Not sure where to find the frame at a decent price? Your best bet is a thrift store. You can find an affordable frame or reuse a frame from a generic print you find there.
After the party, you can edit the photos on your iPhone or computer and send them to everyone who attended so the good memories last. Consider creating thank you cards with the images to send to family members who live out of town, or creating a photo wall in your home.
Let the Good Times Roll
There are endless possibilities to bring your family event to life. Time with loved ones is precious and the most important part is staying in the moment. With busy schedules for work, sports, school, and more, making time to bond through these special occasions can be a challenge. This makes it even more special to come together for laughs and playtime as often as possible.
