Give game night a makeover

(ARA) - Looking to bring the family together for some fun? All that's required are favorite games, some snacks, and most importantly, a commitment to dedicate time to family fun each week.

"Family play time is so important," says Ellen Harter Wall of Disney FamilyFun magazine. "When you're playing with your kids, everyone is focused on the here and now, not thinking about school or work. A regular game night gives family members something special to look forward to, encourages healthy competition and often results in laughter, making it a perfect way to end the day."

Once a game night is established, it's fun to give it a makeover once in awhile. "Mix it up a bit," says Wall. "Our readers often share ways in which they bring creativity to new levels by making game preparation, play time, and even clean up more fun for everyone."

One of the easiest ways to breathe life into a game night is to invest in some new games. LEGO recently introduced a variety of board games that offer something different: the ability to build and customize the games themselves. LEGO Games allow players to construct them before playing, use buildable dice and change and adapt the rules as they see fit, making a different game each time. Games range from Minotaurus, a race-through-the-maze game, to Creationary, which is like playing charades with LEGO bricks, to Pirate Code, a strategic puzzle game.

"Games that offer options for customization are a good fit for families with kids at different ages," adds Wall. "You can change the rules to fit your family." A fun way to keep track of those rules is to create a Game Night Notebook. Simply cover a plain notebook with fabric or felt, then decorate it with stickers or pipe cleaners. "The notebook is also a great place to jot down high scores and record favorite bits of conversation and memories."

Not into crafting yourself? Choose from literally thousands of lovingly handmade items on Etsy. Whatever your method, the simple tip is to think about ways in which to document and remember your family's play time.

Beyond what you're playing, it's a good idea to makeover what you're eating, too. Wall suggests the following easy snacks to make game-time munchies fun and delicious:

Sweet Victory Punch: Combine 2 cups of cold water, 2/3 cup of fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons), 1/3 cup of sugar, and four rinsed mint sprigs in a medium-size glass bowl. Let the mixture set for 30 minutes, then strain the liquid into a serving pitcher and add 1 quart of ginger ale. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Makes about eight servings.

Wild Game Chips: To make a herd, use animal-shaped cookie cutters to punch out shapes from a large flour tortilla. Arrange the animals on a baking sheet, lightly coat them with cooking spray, and sprinkle them with salt. Bake at 350 F for 5 to 7 minutes, then serve them with salsa or guacamole.

Delectable Dominoes: Spread graham crackers with a thin layer of cream cheese or frosting, then arrange dots of chocolate chips in domino patterns.

More snack ideas for kids can be found at FamilyFun.com and About.com offers additional healthy snack ideas.

With the basics covered, up the game night ante with a neighborhood progressive game party where each family is responsible for hosting a game stop at their home.

"Choose games with group play options and clear winners," says Wall. "You can prep the snacks or call it potluck, and consider increasing the fun with a game night kit as a prize for the highest scoring family."

Whether it's your house or a neighbor's, getting the kids to help pick up at the end of game night doesn't have to be a struggle. Disney FamilyFun shares the following tips from its readers:

* Make a house rule that says the winner owns clean up time.

* When setting up a board game, place it on a sheet or tablecloth. When you're finished, gather the edges and pour the contents back into the box.

* Don't use your salad tongs just for leafy greens - hand them over to your kids to use as a game piece pick-up tool. It may take longer, but they'll have more fun.

* Toss out tattered boxes and store playing pieces in clear plastic pouches.

However you choose to make your fun, resolve to make it a regular family date. And if your ideas are just too good to keep to yourself, share them on Facebook at LEGO Games or FamilyFun.