Ice Cream Night

Whether going out for ice cream at a special ice cream shoppe, or staying home and making your own, Ice Cream Night is sure to be a hit with all the family members. You can usually find a nice ice cream shop in your area specializing in many different flavors. Have each family member get a different flavor, something new and out of the ordinary, and each of you try each flavor.

Or if you prefer, get out the ice cream maker and make your own. There are many recipes easily available on line. You can even make homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker. You can use an old coffee can and shake, rattle and roll your own. Look for instructions on the internet.

Holiday Ideas

Family nights during the holidays can take on a new meaning. You can spend time togehter wrapping gifts. Other nights you can make ornaments, decorate and sing carols. You can make cookies and candy together. Spend family night writing your Christmas cards. This is also a great time to get your family involved in volunteer projects. You can help in places like nursing homes or soup kitchens. You can help with clothing and toy drives. At the very least you can donate to such drives. Spending family nights together during the rush of the holidays is just as important, if not more, in the effort to keep your family bonded.

Suggested Reading List

If you have decided to read a book together as a family, the next question may be what book to read. There are many books that are suitable for families and keep the attention of all ages. Here are a few ideas:

1. any of the Chronicles of Narnia

2. any of the Little House on the Prairie

3. Charlotte's Web

4. Stuart Little

5. Frindle

6. How to be a Perfect Person in Three Days

7. Wind in the Willows

8. Old Yeller

9. Where the Red Fern Grows

10. any stories from the Bible

Plan a Vacation

What better way to draw the family's excitement over a pending vacation than to have everyone help plan it? Kids love being included, teens are always willing to give their opinions and it gives mom and dad a good idea what will satisfy everyone. A great resource for helping you plan your next family vacation is HotelReservations.com . This new website is a great tool to help everyone see just what is available. First, put your teen or preteen in charge of filling in the info you desire. You can choose from hotels, motels or vacation rentals. You can also get info on flights and car rental. Have your teen plug in the dates you want to stay and viola! you have numerous choices at your fingertips. You can see the rates for the lodging choices at your destination as well as the amenities offered. This would be a great way to start your vacation. And just maybe no one will ask "Are we there yet?"

Read a book

Reading a book together as a family is a fun way to spend time together. It draws the imagination and involves everyone of every age. It is a chance to spend time relaxing and just being together. It is good for small children's laguage development and listening and reading skills. It is a good way for teens to join the family without having to do or say too much. There are a world of many books out there. It can be a virtual field trip to a far away time or place. It can let you visit some place you otherwise could not. It can be informative, connecting, relaxing and just plain fun!

Night Walk

A night walk is a great way to enjoy family night. It is fun to see the neighborhood after dark. You can feel the coolness of the night air. You can see the stars and the moon. The usual takes on the look of the unusual. It is a relaxing way to spend time together. It allows for time to talk and relax. You can just walk around the neighborhood or set out for a specific destination. You can even take the dog. Night walks are a fun way to end the evening.