Movie nights are a great way to relax and make memories with your family. But sometimes, coming up with new ways to keep everyone entertained can be harder than it seems.
As children get older, their interests change. And parents can get tired of the same old thing, too. (Time for a grown-up movie night? Read these tips for hosting a viewing party.)
So, while there’s nothing wrong with popping some microwave popcorn and loading up Netflix… you don’t want your family time to be mundane or forgettable.
Here are some suggestions for turning your family movie night into memories that last:
- Elevate your snacks. Popcorn and candy are theater classics for a reason. But switching your go-to snacks and drinks can level up your movie experience.
Try switching from microwaveable bags to an air popper or stove top popcorn. (Pro tip: oil gets hot quickly and can spatter, so be sure not to pop on the stove unattended!)
Then, experiment with different salts and seasonings. Not in the mood for popcorn? Switch it up and let the kids pick the snacks. Or try cooking a meal together as a family to get in some quality time before you grab the remote. - Change up the scenery. Sometimes a change in location is all it takes to make your night feel special. A great way to do this is investing in a projector. With plenty of options available online (many for less than $200), you can turn any wall of your home into your own personal theater.
The best part? You’re not limited to the indoors. Just break out the blankets and lawn chairs to create your very own theater under the stars! - Make it interactive. A great movie can keep you on the edge of your seat. But for the younger members of your family, sitting through a two-hour film could require more attention than they have to give. By doing a little advanced planning, you can make scheduled breaks a part of your movie night (and less of a distraction). This could be as simple as planning an “intermission” for bathroom breaks and refills on snacks.
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Need more activities? Try playing movie night bingo or getting everyone to sing along during their favorite songs. You may find giving your children some extra activities will help keep everybody engaged throughout the night. - Bring the theater experience home. One reason we love going to movie theaters is for the experience. But just because you’re watching a movie in the living room doesn’t mean you have to give that up.
Printing movie tickets, creating reserved seats or setting up a snack bar can give your movie night that extra-special theater feel. You can even build anticipation by giving your kids their tickets early in the week, or letting them save up change to “pay” for their popcorn.
There are plenty of ways to make your next movie night a little more special. But the most important part is the fun you’ll have together — because life is about living in the moment and making memories with the people you love.
At Erie Insurance, we know home is where love lives and memories are made. Our pledge is to protect the beams and the boards, sure, but also the other things that make your house a home.
