Family Fun Nights are a great way to get parents and families connected to school. They provide some good family bonding time, inexpensive entertainment, and a great way to raise funds for your school.
But what other options do you have besides a School Carnival? Ready to try something new?
We came up with 5 ideas sure to put the FUN back in Family Fun Night.
Family Movie Night. Show video or slides from the school year on the big screen in your gymnasium or cafeteria. You could also invite kids to make movies, or have each class create a movie or music video and then everyone votes on a winner. In nice weather, you could set it up on the playground for an “outdoor movie” and invite families to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Popcorn & snacks will make great fundraisers.
Game Night. Invite families to bring their favorite board games, set up cafeteria tables, and host game competitions such as scrabble, checkers and chess. In a separate room play bingo. Instead of spending money on prizes, offer small gift certificates to your school store or book fair.
School Idol. Hold a School Idol singing or talent competition. Borrow or rent a karaoke machine and let the kids and parents vote.
Go Green Night. Set up craft stations where families can create something wonderful out of recycled materials. Invite local recycling business to offer demonstrations. Sell re-usable tote bags and water bottles with your school name imprinted on them.
Get Wild Night. Encourage family interaction with nature. Offer stations to make birdhouses and feeders, invite a local wildlife rescue, zoo or animal rescue to do an exhibit. Set up a nature hike with points of interest in the area, and a scavenger hunt for items in nature.
Event Tips:
- Advertise with banners, newsletters, community bulletin boards and newspapers.
- Decorate the school all week to build enthusiasm for your event.
- Ask families for donations of games, snacks, etc.
- Get Community support. Local business may donate products or services.