Standing in lines, long road trips, dinners where no one can think of anything to say… There are numerous situations that call for games that will bring the family together without requiring a board, cards, lots of plastic pieces and other bells and whistles (sometimes literally.) So we’ve pulled together the games our family plays when we’re in need of boredom-eradicators, creativity-stimulator,s or family-bond-enhancers.

Feel free to adapt these games as you wish, based on the unique ages and interests of your family.

Story Building

This is a great game for humans of any age (at least those old enough to string a sentence together) that enjoy stories. To play, one person starts the story. For example, “One day, Pikachu decided he wanted to learn how to swim. He called his friend Squirtle who agreed to teach him and together they headed to a secret beach they had found on one of their long walks. But little did they know that a pirate ship was heading to the same beach…” And then, the next person takes a turn, adding a few lines to the tale. You continue until the story comes to a natural conclusion.

Would You Rather…

While all ages can appreciate this game, it’s especially fun for little ones, as they get to be super silly. To play, one person thinks up two scenarios that are somewhat equal in absurdity, and the others have to decide which one they would rather do. For example…

“Would you rather slip in a puddle of boogers, or swim in a pool of pee?” (This is a real one our son came up with up. I chose the puddle of boogers.)

“Would you rather run a full marathon, or have to give up sweets for the rest of your life?”

“Would you rather be given a spaceship that can go anywhere in the galaxy, or a time machine?”

This game is a wonderful choice if you want to avoid hurt feelings, as there’s no winners or losers.

Picture Building

This is the picture version of the Story Building game, and only requires paper and a drawing utensil. To begin, one person draws something on the paper, like a square and a cloud, for example. Then the next person adds on to the drawing. You continue until you have a scene you all agree is complete. This can result in fun family keepsakes that can be displayed as a framed collage.

Stranger Stories

Ever find yourself watching people in passing cars and making up stories about where they’re going, or what they’re saying to one another? We do. So much so that we’ve made a game of it. Whether we’re in the car, at the airport, or standing in line at an amusement park, we take turns choosing strangers as the inspiration for our stories (strangers that are far enough away to not overhear us!) We then give them names and brainstorm about the wild adventure they’re on, pretend they’re spies, create a fictional argument between them, or spin any other tale we find funny or intriguing.

Two Truths and a Fib

Most kids adore the chance to tell a lie that won’t get them in trouble, which is why most also adore this game. To play, one person thinks up two things about themself that are true, and one thing that is a fib. For example, “I’m the fastest runner in my class (true), I’ve never seen the LEGO Movie (fib), and I like to dip my French fries in a chocolate malt (true.)”

The trick is to create two truths that are pretty wild, and a fib that is in sync with them, or mild truths that are accompanied by a mild fib, as you want the others to guess the fib. For really young children, have an adult help them create their two truths and a fib.

It Could be Worse…

This is an ideal game for bringing levity to challenging situations, especially during travel. So let’s say you’ve just missed your flight, and now have to sit in the airport for eight hours. As you sit with your group, each person takes a turn creating scenarios that would make the situation worse.

For example, “It could be worse… As we were running to our gate David could have snagged his pants on a piece of luggage that pulled his pants down and exposed his butt to everyone in the crowded terminal.” Or, “It could be worse… Aliens could have attacked the airport right when we got here, and sprayed fart gas everywhere.” (Another one our son thought up.) This is a fun way to help you feel better about a bad situation, because hey, it could be worse.

Secret Handshake Creation

Who doesn’t love a secret handshake? Especially when you make it with your nearest and dearest. So when you hear the kids proclaim that they’re sooo booooored, pull out the claps, snaps, spins and jazz hands to craft your one-of-a-kind family handshake. To amp up the fun, come up with a rhyme to go with it.

Animal, Vegetable, Mineral

To play this classic, one person secretly thinks of something that is an animal, vegetable or mineral. (A good way to describe “mineral” to kids is, “Something that comes from the Earth that’s never been alive.”) Next, that person tells the group whether what they’re thinking of is an animal, vegetable or mineral. Each player then takes turns asking the answer-er yes or no questions until someone guesses the correct animal, vegetable or mineral.

Celebrity

For this one, grab a piece of paper, and tear off three strips for each person who is playing. Then have every player secretly write the names of famous people or characters everyone in the group will know on the slips of paper – one name for each piece of paper. For kids, writing characters like Mickey Mouse, Sponge Bob, or folks from other shows, books or movies they’re into will ensure they can play. It’s unlikely they’ll be able to give clues for Charlton Heston… Next, fold all the papers in half, place them in a hat (or mix them up on a flat service) and have everyone select a paper, without looking at the name.

Now, everyone holds the paper on their forehead so everyone but the person holding the paper can see the name on their head. Finally, going in a circle, players take turns asking one yes or no question about his or her person. For example, “Am I a man or woman?” You keep taking turns until someone correctly guesses their name – when they do, that person is the winner (if you want it to be a game with a winner), but we like to continue the game until everyone has guessed their celebrity.

Tip: If you’re playing with kids who can’t read, have an adult help them write their three celebrity names and read the names of the others, so they can also give answers to the questions.

Touch Messages

This is one of our favorite games when we have a family member feeling stressed. It is especially helpful during turbulence on an airplane.

To play, one person thinks of a word, or short sentence, and traces the letters on the other person’s back or hand. If you’re going to write a sentence, think of a symbol that represents a space – we like to use a horizontal line. If you are playing with a child who can’t spell, let them draw their message.

I Went to Market…

In this memory game the first player says, “I went to market and bought [insert market item here.]” For example, “I went to market and bought cookie dough.” The next person would then repeat the item the first person said, and add his or her own. Like… “I went to market and bought cookie dough and apples.” You keep going around in a circle with each person adding something new to the list. If someone forgets an item, they’re out, and you go on to the next person. At my son’s school, they do this game as a song, which is a fun option for musical families.

Eye Spy

The version of this game we find most enjoyable is one where you give the first letter of the two words that describe what the clue-giver has spied. For example, if you want your family to guess “cloudy sky,” you would say, “I spy, with my big ole eyes, something that begins with C. S.” Your people can then ask yes or no questions until they land on the correct answer. If you’re playing with little ones that can’t spell, you can play the old school “I spy something that is [insert color here.]”

The post 12 Family-Friendly Games to Play Anywhere, Anytime appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

The vibrant energy of an engaged crowd, the thrill of being so close to profound talent, and the fusion of theatrical elements that make humans feel makes live entertainment an excellent choice for a family activity – and maybe even an excuse for a full-blown family vacation. However, all live entertainment is not created equal, and many shows are far from appropriate for children. So we vetted many of the greatest shows regularly presented in the United States, and narrowed it down to the best options for families.

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Cirque du Soleil Mystere

Photo by Cirque du Soleil

Location: Treasure Island Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada

Price Range: $53 to $92 (a steal for Cirque du Soleil tickets.) Make sure to buy tickets at least three months ahead of time to help ensure you get your desired seats.

As almost everyone enjoys good dreams, splashed with a hint of the bazaar, almost everyone adores Cirque du Soleil. The combination of the world’s greatest athletes, otherworldly sets and costumes, eccentric music, and quirky characters makes most of these famous shows a total win for families. But some of the shows are pretty risqué – we’re talkin’ nudity – so you don’t want to take the family to just any Cirque du Soleil production.

The Cirque du Soleil Mystere show is free of nudity and filled with shockingly talented acrobats and opera singers, musically enhanced adventures and high jinks, a rainbow of color, and sets that make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a whimsical utopia, all come together to create a celebration of the lighter side of life – something we could all use more of. As Cirque du Soleil says, Mystere is a “joyous funhouse.”

Tip: To better understand Mystere’s multitude of characters, go here to get the low-down on each.

TEXAS Outdoor Musical

Photo by TEXAS Outdoor Musical

Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Price Range: $17 to $35

Immerse yourself in full-on Texas vibes during this energetic musical that chronicles the story of pioneers in the Texas panhandle during the 1800’s. And rest assured that this compelling glimpse into the past is 100% more interesting than your high school history class, as it’s loaded with over 60 “triple threats” (performers that sing, dance and act), dramatic costumes, horses, foot-stompin’ music, special efforts, and of course, fireworks.

In addition, the outdoor amphitheater where this show lives is carved into the canyon, which is the second largest in the United States. Be sure to reserve a spot at the pre-show Chuck Wagon Diner where you’ll enjoy acclaimed Texas BBQ, all the classic sides and a generous helping of dessert before you settle in for the production. If you really want to impress the kids, buy tickets for the post-show backstage tour, where you’ll be able to meet the cast and get autographs.

Tip: Engage with the beauty and adventure of Palo Duro Canyon (aka, the Grand Canyon of Texas) by booking a few nights at one of their cabins or campsites.

Renaissance Faires

Location: All over the place, and run by various organizations

Price Range: Generally $10 to $40

While kids might see some barely-covered-bosoms and a few drunk people, Renaissance Faires are primarily PG. While each faire varies, you’re almost sure to experience everything from elaborate jousting shows, rides on giant swings and labyrinths, to hair braiding, lots of flower crowns and a wax mold of your hand (something everyone cultured human should have.) These outdoor time machines have something for everyone. And then there’s the food. Massive chunks of meat, homemade ice cream sandwiches, and other delicious, yet not too healthy, delicacies can be scored at these gatherings.

If you’re doubtful about saying yes to this adventure back in time, know that while these faires are a bit campy, those that host it put in an exceptional amount of work to make sure the Middle Ages world they create is as accurate as possible. The performers you encounter do their best to speak in an Elizabethan accent, the music is often flowing out of old world instruments like lutes, harps and viols, and there’s always an abundance of performers and attendees going all out with their costumes – it’s unforgettable.

Tip: To fully commit to the experience, come in costume – you won’t be the only one.

Blue Man Group

Photo by Blue Man Group

Locations: Permanent productions in Las Vegas, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Orlando, and New York City

Price Range: $100 to $230

These odd, cheery musical wizards put on a superb show that checks all the boxes for family entertainment: lively, catchy music, visually stimulating, curse-word-free and lots of humor. The mix of music, communication through crazy eye contact and physical gestures, and multimedia art creates an auditory and visual feast that turns even the youngest of humans into lovers of the arts, especially those that enjoy more action than talk, as the performers are mute during the show.

And for the adults, know that this isn’t a performance crafted purely to entertain – there’s a deeper meaning: these “blue men,” aka “human,” are expressing what it’s like to exist in the wildness of our contemporary society. Deep right?! The soul-moving percussion, rock music, silent humor, and stunning visual effects are used to express these humans’ connection to creativity and community, which can sometimes be super chaotic, yet always captivating. There’s a reason this blue percussionist-mime extravaganza has been around since 1987.

Sesame Street Live

Photo by Sesame Street Live

Location: Traveling shows

Price Range: $15 to $55

While most parents of tots may think it’s impossible to see a live show as a family without having to scamper out to the lobby half way through, the Sesame Street Live shows have conquered this problem by crafting productions so enthralling that even the most fidgety of littles will be entertained for the totality of the Sesame Street fest – which is pretty short.

Sesame Street Live has three touring shows, which include “Make Your Magic”, “Let’s Party!” and “C Is For Celebration.” “Make Your Magic” is based on Elmo being so intrigued by a magician that he sets out to learn the mystical art. However, he first has to learn that to reach his dream he has to employ practice and perseverance. “Let’s Party!” is a highly interactive performance that consists of all the favorite Sesame Street characters choosing a theme for their party, while of course, offering up all the fixings of a great party (singing and dancing) throughout the show. Finally, “C Is For Celebration,” which is specially crafted to be performed in a more intimate theater, is one of the best options for really little kids as it’s only 45 minutes, and consists of a lot of up-close, high-energy dancing and singing.

Disney on Ice

Location: Traveling shows

Price Range: $40 to $220

Disney on Ice has coupled two of many a child’s favorite things – ice-skating and Disney characters – to craft one of the most popular, and long lasting shows for families. This chilly spectacle is almost constantly on the road, selling out arenas around the world, as love for Nemo, the Frozen gang, pretty much all the Disney princesses, and other animated classics is a universal phenomenon.

However, Disney on Ice makes sure to mix it up, usually having a few shows touring at the same time, which all have plot lines emulating what’s currently hot on the Disney scene. So almost each round of shows involves a new storyline, with the characters being those that are at the forefront of childrens’ minds.

While Disney on Ice is definitely geared towards children, parents will be in awe of the costumes, elaborate sets, and extraordinary skills of the figure skaters and acrobats. This is one of those shows that leave everyone buzzing with amazement as they leave their seats, discussing their favorite parts of the spellbinding experience. This is a bucket list show for many families.

Tip: Disney memorabilia is everywhere at these shows. To avoid spending a fortune, make a plan with the kids before arrival regarding your price limits on goodies. Same tip goes for the Marvel show below.

Marvel Universe Live!

Location: Traveling show

Price Range: $60 to $135

For families with children who have moved on from Disney characters, to the action and glory of Marvel Universe, this live show, featuring all the favorite Marvel characters, will leave fans wide-eyed during the entirety of the performance. The combination of the extraordinary stunts and performers, the latest and greatest in special effects, and fast-paced plot lines pulled from the seemingly endless Marvel movies, makes the audience feel as though they’ve dropped in to this high-octane comic book realm. Add to the excitement before you go by looking up the primary storyline of the show, and watching the Marvel film/s that most closely resemble the show’s plot.

Tip: Sometimes, this show has toys that are interactive with certain parts of the plot. If you think your kids would be interested in this heightened level of participation, ask one of the many vendors if this sort of item is for sale.

Harlem Globetrotters

Photo from Harlem Globetrotters Facebook

Location: Traveling show

Price Range: $30 to $190

Founded in 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that have awed families in more than 26,000 productions, spread over 123 countries. Their mix of crazy-impressive basketball skills, physical comedy, and the infectious sense of camaraderie that emanates off the team makes this a must-see performance.

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