For a family of eight, a trip to the movie night can be cost prohibitive. Instead of spending $50 or more for tickets, we plan family movie nights at home, using our Apple TV and Netflix subscription.
How do you create a perfect family movie night? Check out our favorite tricks and tips.
1. Plan Ahead
With so many people at home, along with lots of activities to juggle, it’s hard for me to plan movie nights on the fly. I have to check the calendar to make sure there’s not a soccer practice, religious education class or riding lessons to derail my movie night plans.
2. Get Comfortable
My kids love to put on their favorite pajamas, grab all the pillows and blankets off their beds and push back the coffee table in the living room. We all pile up in the floor together to watch the show.
I use this TV pillow to lean back against while I’m holding Baby Daniel. (these are great for college kids, too!)
3. Grab a Snack
My kids are suckers for movie style popcorn, made in our popcorn popper.
We’ll also make brownies to enjoy, or even have dinner with our movie. (Our Taco Ring is one of our favorites for movie night!)
4. Take a Vote
With lots of little children in the house, we have to devise a system to decide on our movie night selections. Sometimes, I put all the names in a hat and pull one out.
Other times, my kids have been saving up their reward points from their chore chart to earn the privilege of choosing the movie.
We also have ‘Mom’s Choice’ – nights that I pick the snack and movie for the evening.
Since the weather is getting colder, we’re putting plans in motion now for the fall and winter evenings. Take a look at our movie night choices – for all genders, ages and stages.
Pirate Fairy: My daughter has this Tinkerbell movie on her list. There’s pirates involved as well,or else my twin boys would declare a mutiny!
Justin and the Knights of Valor: Since Rachel wants the boys to sit through a Tinkerbell movie, we’ve chosen this movie of knights.
The Avengers : This one is a family favorite. We have a hard time deciding which superhero is our favorite. (for me, Loki steals the show!)
Need a date night at home? Put the kids to bed and enjoy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off again!
5. Read the Reviews
Nothing’s worse than queuing up a movie, only to figure out it’s not the best for your family. I love to read reviews over at Common Sense Media before I give my children the green light.
6. Put Away the Electronics
Turn off your laptop, silence your cell phone, and put your tablet on the charger. It’s time for you to get unplugged from social media and connect with your children.
7. Enjoy the Show
As the mother of many little ones, I don’t get a lot of down time. Family movie night is a time for me to slow down, put my feet up, and snuggle with my favorite people on the planet.
What about you? What tips do you have for making family movie night fabulous? Be sure and leave your ideas in the comments.
I’m a proud member of the Netflix #StreamTeam. I enjoy sharing my honest opinions of this service we use in our home.
P.S. Looking for ways to build in date nights with your spouse at home? We’ve got you covered.
Great tips, Dianna! I love the idea of a few “mom’s choice” movies once in a while — it is a great way to sneak in a few value lessons or opening up difficult discussions while still watching a fantastic movie. Here is a list of movies for instant that are all highly rated, and at the same time are great ways to teach about grit, honesty and courage – http://afineparent.com/building-character/best-family-movies.html