Family Movie Night is one of my favorite ways to spend time with my kiddos. Check out these easy ideas that will make your next family movie night a huge success.
Disclosure: Netflix provided me with a streaming device and service in return for writing about their service. The opinions and free printables in this post are my own. #StreamTeam This post uses affiliate links. They don’t cost you a thing and help us bring you creative projects. Read more in Policies & Disclosures.
Growing Up Too Fast
I never thought this day would come and yet I knew it was inevitable.
The first time I saw my son he was a tired and bruised baby resting in an NICU bassinet. We were both worn out from a long and difficult labor. I was terrified by the amount of love and concern I had for this new little person.
Fast forward 13 years and the inevitable has happened… my little man cub has become a teenager! (Can I still call him my man cub now that he is a inches taller than me?
YES! It’s a mother’s prerogative!)
I’m no longer terrified of the mechanics of motherhood – of knowing how to feed him, of his breathing when he sleeps more than 7 hours in a single stretch, of keeping him to warm or too cold – but I am still terrified!
I’m terrified of his increased independence, of increased time with peers, of him grown up more and more until I am just an occasional phone call in his busy life.
Terrifying!
I still have a few more precious years when he loves to hang out with the whole family and I plan to make the most of all the hugs, talks, and evenings spent together. Each week we carve out at least one special evening to spend time together. It’s a night the whole family loves…
Family movie night!
Our family has had family movie night or family night in for years. On a Friday or Saturday night we make dinner together and then “picnic” in the living room while we watch a movie or television show. I love that I can still capture my kids’ attention with entertainment and tasty treats!
Ever wanted to host your own family night in? These creative family movie night ideas sponsored by Netflix will help you create the perfect evening.
1 – Prepare your movie night dinner or snacks together as a family.
Cook as a family and you have the perfect opportunity to talk with your kids before the movie rolls. Pick an easy recipe that kids can help prepare (bonus: you also teach them to cook!). On family movie night we love to dine on homemade soft pretzels or homemade pizza with fruits and vegetables or a fun treat such as caramel popcorn or five-minute cupcakes.
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Homemade Soft Pretzels |
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Pizza House Bread Sticks |
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Homemade Caramel Popcorn |
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Easy Microwave Cupcakes & Peanut Butter Magic Shell |
2 – Pick a family movie night theme!
A fun theme is an easy way to make movie night extra special. Think about your kids’ interests and go wild! We have hosted many fun theme nights, click on the links below for all the details and free printables!
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80’s Movie Night |
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Saturday Morning Cartoons |
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Winnie the Pooh Movie Night |
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Best Friends Family Fun Night |
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Goosebumps Movie Party |
3- Add creative touches get kids excited for the evening.
Have your kids dress in their pajamas, hand out tickets, or send an invitation in their lunch box. These little gestures make the night more memorable for kids and adults. Click on the links below for fun ideas and free printables!
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How to Train Your Dragon No Sew Wings |
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King Julian Paper Crowns |
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Thanksgiving Pom Pom Turkeys |
4- Select a movie everyone can enjoy!
The perfect film can be hard to pick. Have everyone submit a selection and draw from a hat or let each family member be in charge of the movie night plan once a month.
We love our streaming Netflix account because it has choices everyone can agree on. I love to set up profiles for different evenings.
5 – Read it then watch it.
Our favorite movie nights include films that are based on books. We love to read as a family then see the movie so we can discuss the similarities and differences. It’s a great way to connect a nightly reading routine with family movie night.
Many of our favorite books are available as Netflix movie choices. Check out these great selections on Amazon before you stream their movie versions.
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Dinotopia |
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Zathura |
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Jumanji |
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Arthur and the Minimoys |
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A Wrinkle in Time |
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Stardust |
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Charlotte’s Web |
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The Last Unicorn |
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The Tale of Despereaux |
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How to Train Your Dragon |
6- Make time to discuss the movie.
Don’t simply turn the show off and send the kids to bed! Take a few minutes to discuss what you watched. You can simply ask your kids to share their favorite movie moment, ask trivia questions about the movie, or make a craft based on the characters. It’s the perfect time to talk about the show and its message!
My easy movie and television related crafts are linked below.
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Project MC2 Lab Notebook and Science Experiments |
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Ever After High Crafts |
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How to Train Your Dragon Baseball Hats |
7 – Tune in to your family.
Turn off your electronic devices! It is easy to keep your phone or tablet in reach when you watch a movie geared toward children. Your kids notice your lack of focus. Put the phone down and share in the movie experience.
8 – Snuggle!
Kids grow up faster than weeds! Many days they are busy with school, activities, and friends. Family movie night is the perfect opportunity to get in some much need cuddle time with your whole family.
Family movie night is a fun family tradition and the perfect way to spend quality time with your kids. You’ll create life long memories and a family bond that can make their teen years a little less terrifying.
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jenfliesaway
We’ve just watched Star Wars and the Empire Strikes Back as our family movie night!
Bren
Fun!