MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - March 29, 2010) - (Family Features) If a three-day weekend is scheduled on the calendar, your family may be preparing for a road trip or keeping close to home for a "staycation." Whichever route you choose, make fun family entertainment a top priority by keeping a variety of enjoyable, and inexpensive, activities on hand to ensure a non-stop good time that won't break the bank during days off from school and work.
Rather than spend money on a day at an amusement park or a double feature at the movies, keep family and friends close by suggesting activities that everyone can partake in, and are also low cost, or even free. You'll be having such a great time that you may start a three-day weekend tradition.
Those who are planning a long weekend at the beach should toss a deck of cards into the beach bag for quick games packed with fun. Card games such as Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Scrabble Slam or the new Sorry! Revenge card game can be played while lounging on a towel or taking a break under an umbrella. In addition, bring a few board games for a relaxing family game night after a long day in the sun.
Whether in your own backyard or away at a vacation destination, spending time outdoors playing games such as capture the flag or bocce ball will entertain people of all ages. Looking for some healthy competition? Split into teams for a game of kickball or softball and get the entire family involved. Be sure to pack plenty of refreshments, such as water and lemonade, to stay hydrated.
For an afternoon or evening of unplugged fun, plan activities that don't require a television, computer or cell phone. Gather around the kitchen table to solve a puzzle or play chess. For a game that players of all ages can participate in, try the Pictureka! game where players must find wacky images hidden in the ever-changing game board. Once the kids go to bed, the adults can play a lively game of charades or Taboo to get everyone out of their seats and laughing.
If bad weather spoils your plans, take the party indoors. Build a fort in the living room and spread sleeping bags out on the floor. Prepare a pretend campfire by making favorite camping snacks such as s'mores by microwaving marshmallows and sandwiching them between graham crackers and chocolate bars. Make the night extra-special by letting the kids pick a board game for the family to play, such as The Game of Life, Connect 4 or Clue.
Capture memories throughout the weekend by having a camera available for snapping photos of expected and unexpected moments. Send photos to family and friends or hang them on the refrigerator to remember the good times.
For more family game night tips, visit familygamenight.com. Or, follow Hasbro on Twitter @familygamenight.
