Family Fun at Home

If your household is like mine, “family movie night” may revolve around the kids’ watching Scooby-Doo while the adults long for a film less, ahem, mind-numbing. But rest assured it is possible to make family movie night a cinematic success. All you need is a great film, a theme and perhaps a little extra entertainment.

The first step, of course, is to choose a movie. A quick Internet search of “family movies” will turn up hundreds of selections, ranging from classics to animated to action. Family members can take turns choosing a movie, make it a group decision or even draw from a hat.

Next, you can plan snacks and other additions around the movie’s theme. Be creative and involve all family members!

Here are a few movies and ideas to get you started:

Finding Nemo Who doesn’t love this movie about a curious clownfish and his fearful father who sets out to find him? For this film, you could spread out a blanket on the floor and pretend you are having a picnic on the beach. Children will have fun cutting fish out of construction paper or making jellyfish using paper plates and crepe paper. Dinner could be peanut butter and “jellyfish” sandwiches, Goldfish crackers, shark fruit snacks and Swedish fish served in sand pails. Swimsuits are optional!

The Wizard of Oz Caution: this classic film can be quite scary for little ones. But if you think your kiddos can handle it, invite them to use butcher paper to transform the living room floor into a yellow brick road. Create a fruit rainbow, made with colorful fruits in a rainbow pattern, for snack time. The kids will love Wicked Witch Punch: Mix a half-gallon of lime sherbet, a can of limeade concentrate, a two-liter of lemon-lime soda and ice in a punch bowl. Top it with a black witch’s hat to represent the melted witch. And don’t forget the lollipops! We represent the Lollipop Guild…are you singing yet?

The Incredibles The endearing storyline, smart humor and life lessons make this movie perfect for all ages. Kids (and adults, too!) can make capes out of old shirts or towels to wear while they are watching the flick. Invite each person to come up with a superhero name. Hero sandwiches made with various meats, cheeses and veggie toppings can be on the menu for this “incredible” night of fun.

The Rookie You don’t have to be a baseball lover to enjoy this heartwarming movie about believing in your dreams. Everyone can throw on a team jersey or a ball cap and warm up with a game of catch in the backyard. When your teammates are famished, pop in the movie and snack on a smorgasbord of ballpark fare: hot dogs, nachos, Cracker Jack, peanuts and lemonade or sodas.

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial This funny and moving story of an alien trying to get back home may be 30 years old, but to me it belongs in the must-see category. Anyone who has seen it understands why Reese’s Pieces and Coca-Cola should be on the menu for family movie night. And how about sausage and pepperoni pizza, delivered like in the movie? Family members can make their own alien masks for some added fun.

Night at the Museum Fast action and a twisting plot make this Ben Stiller comedy a family favorite. Kids might get a kick out of dressing as Sacajawea, Teddy Roosevelt, Jed or another character. Before the movie, make Mischievous Monkey Banana Bites: Cut bananas into six chunks each. Push straw through centers and dip banana bites in melted chocolate, then roll in sprinkles or coconut. Refrigerate to harden and enjoy!

Tisha Foley and her family live in Belton. Popcorn and Junior Mints make family movie night complete at their house.