Family BBQs are great because they can be held for special occasions or just for a regular dinner. It doesn’t matter as long as you are enjoying time together. The simplicity of sharing such a simple tradition is special. To help you enjoy your family time this summer, here is a list of the top ten ways to make your BBQ more memorable, fun, and family-oriented.
1. Stick with the basics: Don’t stress over food and drink. Not everything has to be an Instagram-worthy gourmet party. Kids and adults alike love the simplicity of hotdogs and hamburgers.
2. Pack the essentials: No BBQ is fun if you are being eaten alive by mosquitoes or frying under the hot sun. So don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen. A first aid kit is probably also a necessity for those minor bumps and scrapes that tend to happen.
3. Have a water fight: Save this for the end of the day, and you will be sure to have lots of fun. Whether it’s water balloons or water guns, make some cool memories, and then send everyone home to dry off.
4. Always bring a game: It’s fun to sit and visit, but it’s even better to have a family soccer, baseball, or football game or play a round of frisbee or baggo. You’ll make more memories, and the kids won’t complain about being bored.
5. Leave the screens: Put away phones, tablets, and all gaming devices. Simply enjoy the outdoors and your time together.
6. Do a fun, creative outdoor project: Perhaps your family is more artsy than sporty. Nothing wrong with that! Plan a fun, outdoor, messy art project like popping balloons full of paint against a canvas. The mess stays outside, and you have a great memento of your fun time!
7. Take pictures, without posing: Take candid photos of family and friends enjoying the day, not just the posed pictures that everyone gets tired of. You’ll preserve great memories and have plenty of images to use in cards to send to family and friends who couldn’t make it!
8. Prepare a scavenger hunt or do a geocache: This is a great way to keep the kids and young ones busy while you prepare the food. Send them off on a quick scavenger hunt or have them set one up themselves. Or you can use a quick geocache app to discover any caches that may be nearby! It’s just like a treasure hunt!
9. Include everyone: BBQs are a low-pressure event, so they are perfect for including all family members such as grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Keep things informal, fun, and easygoing, and those sometimes tense family get-togethers can be accomplished a little easier.
10. Do it often: BBQ season can be short, so take advantage of it and get outside. Enjoy your time together—and you will develop a great wealth of memories to share!
