Dinner with kids can sometimes feel like a battleground, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out these creative ways to transform your dinner routine into something a little more fun!
Ways to Make Dinnertime More Fun
1. Theme Nights
Spice up your dinner routine by introducing theme nights. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, Pizza Party Friday, or Pasta Night, let your kids get involved in choosing the theme.
Do you have an artist in the family? Let your child decorate the dining area by creating placemats for everyone.
2. Candlelight
Create a cozy atmosphere by introducing candlelit dinners. Let your kids take turns picking out colorful candles or even making their own. Dim the lights, light the candles, and enjoy a magical dinner. Bonus: eating by candlelight automatically makes it a little quieter and calmer!
3. DIY Pizza Night
Transform your kitchen into a pizza parlor by letting your kids make their own pizzas. We purchase pre-made pizza dough from the bakery section of Whole Foods or Publix, then we provide several choices of toppings and sauces.
The kids love rolling out their dough into their favorite shapes and decorating them as they see fit. Pizza Night is extra fun because it’s the one meal we allow screen time — we pull out a blanket and eat a picnic-style dinner with a movie. The kids LOVE pizza and movie night.
4. Storytelling
Get the whole family involved by turning dinnertime into a storytelling adventure. Start a story and take turns adding elements to it as you go around the table. This is a great way to encourage creativity and give everybody a chance to have the spotlight.
5. Snack Tray
Instead of a typical plated dinner, make a kid-friendly charcuterie board-styled snack tray. Fill the tray with safe foods and adventurous foods, encouraging them to try new things. From fruits and veggies to hummus and crackers, consider using a muffin tin to keep foods separated.
6. Music and Dance
Create a playlist of your kids’ favorite tunes to enjoy while eating. Once everyone has finished their meal, crank up the volume and have a post-meal dance party. Let loose, move to the music, and take the pressure off talking for a night. This is a great way to burn off that extra energy before bedtime.
7. Conversation Cards
Are you looking for a way to increase communication during dinner? Mix up your standard “How was school today?” conversation with a fun deck of cards like Talking Points or Table Talk.
Looking to bring some laughs to your table? Try this Would You Rather question book. Take turns answering the questions.
8. Outdoor Dining
Take advantage of Charleston’s climate by having occasional outdoor dinners. Whether it’s a picnic in the backyard or a simple meal at a nearby park, a change of scenery can make dinnertime feel like a mini-adventure.
With a little creativity, dinnertime doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. By mixing these fun ideas into your routine, you’ll make the time spent around the table more enjoyable and something your kids will remember as they get older.
