If you're anything like me and my family, you love crowding around the table and having a game night; but you probably know, it is all about having the right game!

Check out some of my favorites in these categories:

• Card Games
• Board Games
• Digital Games

I love card games because they travel well and they don't take as much time as a board game. They are the perfect fast and easy solution for boredom anytime, anywhere!

This is a favorite in my house for good reason! 

It's best for players 7+ and requires 2-5 players. This is perfect because it's something my two kids can play together but also a game we can all enjoy as a group.

Another perk of Exploding Kittens is that it only takes about 15 minutes to play, this is perfect as a quick solution for something to do, or can work as one of many rounds on a big game night. 

It's a pretty easy game to learn! It is all about being the last player standing and not getting blown up by an exploding kitten (the title might sound a little gruesome but I promise its not!)

It's easy to pack if you're traveling and massively popular, it is my number one recommendation!

Gubs is another great card game, but this one is a bit more complicated. This game is probably better suited for ages 10 and up and it takes as long as 30 minutes, so this is a bit more of a commitment.

This game requires a little more strategy, a bigger learning curve and more focus than Exploding Kittens would. This is great for older kids who want to be challenged during family game night!

This game is from the same company that brought you Cards Against Humanity - which is NOT exactly a game for the kids.

This is a super fun option; it's a bit sarcastic but totally appropriate. 

I also wanted to give a shoutout to the makers of this game, because if you visit their website right now, they giving away free print-out cards for you to play the game FREE while we're all stuck at home!

I bet you already have this one, but seriously, it is just the best! 

You can play this with a big or small group, and although the box says 7+, it is great for young and older kids alike! If you somehow still don't have this game, I recommend ordering it!

Board games have come a long way since I was a kid!

Forbidden Desert is one of many in the 'Forbidden' series, and in my opinion, it is the most approachable.

My absolute favorite thing about this game is that it is collaborative. You can play with 4-5 players at a time, but instead of play against each other, you win or lose as a team. This is especially great if you have a little one in the family that has trouble losing.

​We never get sick of this one!

Okay, this one isn't exactly a board game but you will definitely need a table top!

This game is great for fine motor skills with little ones! I also love that it totally levels the playing field; age and experience won't help with this one!

Not only do I love the movie, I love the board game! 

My personal favorite is this 'retro' version that is reminiscent of the original game!

This is the classic 'who dun' it' game that requires a bit more skill and critical thinking; it might be a little too tough for young kids but kids 10 and up will love it!

Not only does this game require deductive reasoning but it doesn't last forever! You can get together and play this game in about 45 minutes, it is perfect!

Now, this is an incredible game, but it is very involved. 

This game requires more time and attention than your typical board game, so this isn't one I'd recommend for little kids. This game is for you if you're interested in serious strategy!

These weren't an option when I was a kid, but there are some great digital games out there these days!

These are games you can play on your phone or tablet, but that doesn't mean you're playing solo - you can still get the whole family involved!

What I love about these digital games is that you will have them anywhere you go without packing extra, they are perfect for long car rides!

Monopoly is an old classic but they did an awesome job of revamping this game for the digital age.

You can purchase this game on the IOS store for $3.99, my family did and we honestly think it was worth every penny!

What I love about this game is that you can play alone (against the computer), multi-player online against strangers, or by passing the phone or tablet around with family and friends! 

There is no need for a banker, and there is even a speed mode that allows you to play the game a lot faster. We've all been stuck in those 7 hour Monopoly games that never end well, no more of that!

This game is free, but there are in app purchases. 
 
To play this game, one person will hold the phone on their forehead and the other players will need to help them guess the word on the phone. Heads Up is very similar to its non-digital counterpart Head Bands, and it is a blast! 

Like a mentioned before, it is free to download the game, but there are themed 'packs' you can purchase; rest assured there is plenty of free content to keep you entertained, but I love the option to expand!

Click here to get the app

This game is a little bit similar to the card game Apples to Apples and it's from the same people that make Heads Up!

This is a great family game that involves everyone secretly writing answers for one player to select the best. 

Click here to get the app

This is a music trivia game that is totally free to download!  There's a live trivia game every single day where you test your knowledge and have a chance to win $$$ (the game is totally free to play!).   Are you an 80s expert? An R&B guru?  Maybe you're ready to crush a game that's all about music of the 2010s?   We do a different category every show!

FULL DISCLOSURE: this recommendation is a bit self serving because I'm one of the hosts on Song Pop Live, so my love for it may be a little biased -- but, honestly, my family plays along and loves this game too.

Click here to get the app

Hopefully you enjoy some of my favorite games, and remember, no matter what you play its about the time you're spending with your loved ones. These games will create awesome memories for your family and friends, they are an awesome investment of money and time!

Right now, you're obviously not jumping on a plane to your dream destination. You probably can't even go have a night out with your loved ones. 

Don't worry, there is good news! I think there are lots of ways to still have an adventure at home. Lets break down some options from camping to romantic dinners; all in the comfort of your own home.

Enjoy the great outdoors in your own backyard! 

​The first time I ever took my kids camping, it was to our backyard. This was the perfect 'intro' to camping. The best part? If you're at home this costs you next to nothing!

Grab a simple tent like THIS ONE, an LED flashlight, plus an adult sleeping bag or one for the kids. 

Not only is this some amazing family time, but it is a safe and convenient way to camp! The bathroom and kitchen are right inside!

And by the way, if you're a city dweller like me, you still have a lot of options! Go on the roof, balcony, or even the living room! It'll mix up your family's routine, get you out of a rut and make you feel amazing.

Give it a try!

Backyard camping pro tip: Invest in a fire pit! They create great ambiance, provide warmth, and of course you can make some s'mores!

Here's a great, basic fire pit. 

And here's something crazy fancy and kind of awesome. 

​Please remember common sense - no fire pits in the living room, or on the balcony or roof; and of course check local ordinances before setting anything up!

You know what? Cooking together creates an amazing bonding experience.
​
Although it might be tempting, don't leave it up to one person to cook and wait on the other.

Find a new recipe and get in there and try it together! There are loads of studies that show that couples who try new things together bond more over those experiences.

While you're cooking, definitely listen to some music! This will get some creative juices flowing and help you two bond even more.

For those of you have been together for a long time, write down some conversation starters. Try things like 'the thing I remember most about you is _' or 'my favorite part of your body is _'. Read these aloud to each other; you'll be amazed what you learn about the person you've known for years!

Kitchen Date Pro Tip: Involve the kids. Now, I know this sounds a little counter intuitive but kids in the kitchen can be really fun! This is especially great if you have picky eaters, they are more likely to try something they helped to make. This creates an awesome bonding experience for the whole family!

Now there are a million videos online on how to do the 'best mud mask at home', and I'm clearly not the pro in that department. However, I do want you to get the most out of your spa day.

This starts with setting an appointment, and keeping it! One of the first things we do when we get busy is to move self care way down our priority list. Treat this spa day like a doctors appointment, set the day and stick to it!

Try to keep your spa day as tech free as possible. The only exemption should be your phone so you can play a little music or try some meditation. Give your eyes and brain a break and just mellow out.

While you're pampering yourself, try to stimulate all of your senses. For instance, if you're going to treat yourself to a foot spa, add some noise cancelling headphones and an essential oil diffuser. BOOM, perfection!

A spa is about indulging yourself head to toe, don't leave any of your senses out! 

Spa day at home pro tip: Don't apologize for making you time! We all of have a lot of responsibilities and people we want to be there for. In order to keep up, you need to take care of yourself, when you come from a place of positivity and energy, you're able to give that to those around you.

There you have it guys, three of my favorite staycations! I recently posted a YouTube video on this topic, so if you need some more tips, check it out! 

​
​

Let’s start off with an awesome animated movie for the whole family to enjoy. This movie was released in 2011 and features the voices of Timothy Olyphant, Abigail Breslin and Johnny Depp.

I LOVE this film, and I’m not the only one! One of the first things I do whenever I’m picking a film is to check out the reviews of other users. This one got an average of 4.5 stars out of over 2,000 users and a 7.2 rating from IMDB, seems like a good report to me! 

​Since this video was released by Paramount, it had a less splashy release than it’s Disney and Pixar owned counterparts. This could work in your favor! The older release date means there is a chance your kids haven’t even seen it yet! ​

I gotta go way back for this one, released in 1985!

This murder mystery film that is based on the classic board game is a who’s who of comedic actors. The classic features Madeline Kahn, Eileen Brennan, Martin Mull, Christopher Lloyd and of course the one and only, Tim Curry!

This film is hilarious and has great reviews, it is the perfect family friendly watch!

​My wife and I actually watched this film long before having kids and loved it - now that we can share the film with our kids it is even more fun! ​

Weird and Wonderful
Black Mirror and Twilight Zone fans - this part is for you! These types of shows are not for everyone, but if you like something a little mind-bending, I think you’ll like these ​picks!