When it comes to family fun nights, not everything needs to happen indoors. At the Las Vegas YMCA, we find fun ways to create entertainment for the whole family. If you’re spending the evening at home, however, a backyard movie night is fun for the whole family. Here are some things to consider when preparing.

The Weather

If it’s summer, selecting the perfect night is the least of your worries. However, if you’re unsure, check the weather forecast. A dry evening is ideal. Even if it’s a bit chilly outside, you can bring out a few blankets or even sleeping bags to get cozy.

Movie Choice

Adults’ and kids’ tastes vary, but you can find a middle ground. It is recommended to avoid movies with profanity and violence if you have young kids. Try to keep the movie between one to two hours because kids can get distracted after too long. Also, remember to choose your streaming site in advance, or purchase the movie and download it to ensure it’s ready to play when the time comes.

Tech Set-up

Getting the tech set up right improves the movie experience. If you project the movie, you could use a whitewashed or painted wall; an ironed, white sheet; a giant, inflatable screen; or a portable screen. Ensure you have a projector that meets your distance and lighting needs. Check the specs to confirm the resolution, color spectrum and projecting distance to ensure your device meets your needs. You should also confirm the cable connections to your projector and find a prop, tripod stand, or table.

Seating Arrangement

If you have an outdoor lounge area, you could set up in front of it or move the portable chairs. Alternatively, you could bring out your camping chairs, bean bag chairs and foldable chairs. Lawn or picnic blankets come in handy but be sure to bring out the pillows for support. A great tip is to use waterproof and easy-to-clean blankets for ground cover. Distribute enough cover blankets to ensure that everyone is warm and cozy.

Beverages & Snacks

Nothing is more frustrating than running out of popcorn during a movie. Ensure you prepare enough popcorn in advance or bring the popcorn machine outside. However, if popcorn is not your thing, you could try Jell-o shots, mixed nuts, nachos, or hot dogs. Be sure to have the cooler stocked with your favorite beverages. If you need glasses and plates, you could use colorful re-washable plastics or biodegradable, disposable crockery.

Family Fun Nights with Las Vegas YMCA

If you want to get out of the house, the Las Vegas YMCA provides well-planned movie nights where the entire family can come out and enjoy a pleasant evening with other families in the community, as well as a wide variety of other activities. Visit one of our 4 Southern Nevada locations today to learn more.