Bonding with your Gen Z kids can sometimes feel like a challenge, given their love for modern things like digital games, mobile apps, and social media. But parents can engage with their kids in fun ways. If you’re looking for fun games that parents can play with their Gen Z kids, we’ve got some ideas for you below!
1. Tech-Free Night
In an era where screens dominate our daily lives, designating a tech-free night can be a refreshing change. Dust off those classic board games and card games that entertained generations before smartphones existed, like:
- Monopoly
- Scrabble
- Uno
- Risk
- The Game of Life
- Sorry!
Setting aside a night where everyone can unplug and just have some old-fashioned fun is an excellent way to connect with kids of all ages.
2. Bingo Night
While some may think of it as a game for seniors, bingo is gaining popularity with Gen Zers everywhere. You can easily create Bingo cards using online templates or design your own with personalized categories that reflect your family’s interests and inside jokes. To make it even more exciting, offer family-themed prizes and rewards, such as “winner chooses the next movie night” or “extra scoop of ice cream for dessert.”
3. DIY Escape Room
If your family has an affinity for puzzles and riddles, turn your home into an escape room and challenge your family’s teamwork and problem-solving skills. You don’t have to create an incredibly complex DIY escape room; you can use household items and simple puzzles to design a thrilling adventure.
Craft clues that lead participants from one room to another, unlocking secrets and solving riddles along the way. The experience fosters collaboration and communication as family members work together to achieve a common goal.
4. Outdoor Adventure
Take advantage of the great outdoors by organizing a backyard or local park scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for your kids to find, such as specific leaves, rocks, or hidden treasures you’ve placed around the area. To add a twist, incorporate nature-themed challenges, like identifying different bird species or completing a mini obstacle course.
5. Cooking Challenge
If your family loves cooking competition shows like Top Chef, Chopped, and Iron Chef, you can make that a fun game for parents to play with their Gen Z kids to see who can create the best dish! You can split into teams or have everyone make their own dish and see who’s the maestro of flavor in the family. Cooking together teaches your children valuable culinary skills and provides an opportunity to bond over shared tasks and delicious results.
Have Fun and Bond With Your Kids Over These Fun Games
Quality time and shared experiences are the building blocks of strong family bonds. Engaging in fun games and activities with your Gen Z kids creates cherished memories and fosters open communication, teamwork, and mutual understanding. Make it a priority to incorporate these activities into your routine, and watch as your family grows closer, one game at a time.
I love these picks. We play board games all the time as a family, and several of the picks in your list have been in our home for years.
I love these ideas. My kids and I do play board games at times. Yahtzee is a fave. We should try Monopoly.
I love the idea of a cooking challenge. This would be so fun to create.
We love having family game nights. Our favourite is Frustration (Ludo) and we love a good game of bingo.
We like to have games nights every so often. They can be really good fun. I need to get my kids to teach me how to play uno as that’s one that they all enjoy playing. Monopoly on the other hand always ends in arguments so we now stay clear of that lol.
Love the idea of a DIY escape room! Will definitely try it out for our family soon..
The ideas you’ve shared are perfect for sparking creativity and laughter, while also offering quality family time.
I love the idea of a tech free night and replacing with lots of fun board games. They are always my favorite times spent with my family….. we are playing tonight!