Whether you’re heading home for the holidays from college, your first real job, or with a new S.O. in tow, there’s nothing better than some good ol’ fashioned family fun. When you were little, family time around the holidays probably involved visits with Santa and tons of animated Christmas movies. Now that you and your siblings are older, though, you can devote some time to ~grown up~ family nights. Scroll down for 10 things to try with your fam this season.
1. Try an escape room. Imagine a traditional team-building activity, except you’re immersed in a lifelike, interactive scene — and the clock is ticking. With escape rooms, you and your family can bond by working together to find clues and solve puzzles to escape before time runs out.
2. Go to a comedy show. One thing that most families have in common is a sense of humor. Now that you’re all older, celebrate that commonality by hitting up a comedy club or improv show.
3. Ooh and aah at the zoo lights. You’re never too old to appreciate the festive atmosphere at a zoo during the holidays. Remember when you and your siblings would pile into your family minivan in search of houses with amazing light displays? This is the grown-up version. Some zoos, like the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, actually sell alcohol on their premises, so you can really embrace the merriment!
4. Host a game night. Keep Monopoly on the shelf. Adult-oriented games like The Voting Game ($10) and The Game of THINGS ($40) are hilarious twists on the age-old family game night tradition.
5. Play OpenTable roulette. If you’re a family of foodies, play a game of OpenTable roulette: Simply open the app, adjust your filters for price and distance, close your eyes, scroll, and click. Whichever restaurant you land on is your destination for the night!
6. Find a skating rink. It doesn’t get much more festive than ice skating during the holidays. Test your family’s athletic skill and head to a local ice rink to get into the seasonal spirit.
7. Try your hand at Topgolf. Topgolf is a bowling-meets-driving-range experience. Instead of aiming for distance, you and your opponents hit golf balls at targets on a driving range. In addition to being a fun activity, Topgolf venues are also known for their trendy environment and great food and cocktail menus.
8. Sing your heart out at karaoke. For a family of songbirds (or aspiring songbirds), hit up a karaoke bar in your home city. Bonus points for revisiting those childhood-road-trip faves.
9. Visit a museum. Museum visits were probably exhausting for your parents when you were younger, but now you can all appreciate a great learning experience in a beautiful museum — tantrums not included.
10. Hang out at a winery or brewery. As craft beer breweries pop up in increasing numbers, your family has more and more options for an awesome night out. If your group appreciates beer or wine, book a tour or experience at a local brewery or winery to bond over some fabulous booze.
What activities do you and your family bond over? Let us know @BritandCo!
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(Photo via Getty)
