6 Fresh Ideas for a Fun Family Dinner Night

Ray Cogan
mom dishes out spaghetti at family table; young boy smiles

Sometimes, family dinners can start to feel like a chore.

With poor planning, picky eaters and hectic schedules, it’s easy to feel like you’re serving the same meals over and over again.

But with a little creativity, family meals can be an opportunity for both parents and children to build stronger relationships while trying something new. Because meals are about more than just feeding your children. They’re also about the time you spend together – whether you’re finding new ways to have fun or just talking about your day.

To bring some excitement back into your dinners, check out some of these ways to bring the family together:

  • Plan a movie night: Turn on your favorite film and try making a dinner inspired by the story itself. You might cook chili and cornbread for a Western or get creative by mimicking a meal you see on the screen. Read more in our list of creative ideas for family movie night.
  • Build your own meal: Give your family the option to create their own dishes – think “Taco Tuesday” or build your own pizza night. Kids will love making their own culinary creations and learning something new. Meanwhile, you’ll benefit from some extra sets of hands.
  • Fake take-out: A stop at the drive-thru makes picking up dinner easy. But what if you gave fast food a home-cooked twist? Take your family’s usual order and try to recreate it at home. What started as a No. 5 can become a burger with your own family flair.
  • Teach a cooking class: Teach your kids a valuable life skill. Letting children help cook a meal can get them more excited about eating it, while being involved in the process. The more you do this, the better they’ll be at cooking for themselves when they get older.
  • Try new cuisine: With an endless amount of recipes online, there are plenty of new meals to choose from if you want to try a different style of food. Opt for stir-fry instead of spaghetti; make breakfast for dinner; or try cooking that meal you love ordering at a restaurant, but have never been brave enough to make at home.
  • Host a cooking competition: Give every family member the same ingredients and split them into teams. You’ll get a chance to try something new and bring competitive energy into the kitchen. Just make sure everyone is involved in the cleanup process, too!

A new approach can be all it takes to liven up your family dinner. The themes and meals don’t have to be extravagant for everyone to enjoy spending time together.

Making dinner is part of what makes your home a home. And knowing that your home is secure with the right homeowners insurance gives you more time to focus on building memories. Erie Insurance understands how important “home” is, and we’re here to help protect it.  Contact your local Erie Insurance agent to make sure your home and everything it stands for is protected.

fireplace Lind Insurance
October 10, 2025
Don’t wait until winter weather or an unexpected event catches you off guard! Contact Lindquist Insurance today for a free insurance review. Our local agents proudly serve Annapolis, Frederick, and communities across Central Maryland, offering personalized coverage tailored to your needs.
scary home Lindquist Insurance
By Ray Cogan October 10, 2025
Contact Lindquist Insurance today to schedule your free business insurance review before year’s end. Let’s make sure your business is fully protected—so you can focus on growth, not ghosts. Visit our website www.lindquistinsurance.com to get started! We serve the Frederick and Annapolis, MD area.
home during fall
By Ray Cogan September 22, 2025
Our insurance agent based in Frederick has provided a checklist to help you prepare for the season ahead. Contact us today and let us help you prepare.
leaves on wet road
By Ray Cogan September 11, 2025
We offer car insurance in Frederick. Learn about five common fall driving hazards and how car insurance helps keep you protected. Contact us today to review your policy.
credit report
By Ray Cogan August 21, 2025
Before you get an insurance quote, our Frederick insurance company explains the five things that will affect your quote and how you can lower it.
woman refinishing a chair
By Ray Cogan August 11, 2025
We offer business insurance in Frederick. Don’t wait for the next storm, lawsuit, or data breach to realize you’re not fully protected. Now is the time to review your insurance portfolio.
pool party LinLindquist Insurance
By Ray Cogan July 21, 2025
Ask your insurance agent in Frederick if you're covered for damage during parties, vacations, and storms. Summer has potential risks that homeowners and drivers don't always consider.
family on vacation
By Ray Cogan July 11, 2025
Review your car insurance with our Frederick insurance agency before you take a summer road trip. Make sure you're fully protected with the right car insurance.
Annapolis MD waterfront
By Ray Cogan June 24, 2025
Connect with an insurance agent in Frederick this summer. Find out why now is the ideal time to reach out and build a relationship with a local insurance agent you can trust.
More Posts