The Last Days of Summer: Celebrate with a Family Movie Party

As August rolls in, the bittersweet countdown to the end of summer begins. Kids in some areas have already returned to school, but there’s still time to make the most of this carefree season. Planning an easy, inexpensive movie night in can be a great way to relax together before the busyness of fall arrives. From creature comforts to themed treats and games, we’ve got ideas to make your movie party extra special for the whole family.

CREATE THE PERFECT ATMOSPHERE

Cinema Under the Stars

The sound of crickets, relief from the hot sun, bare feet on grass…what’s better than an outdoor movie night? Here’s all you need to get started:

• Set up a projector and a screen in your backyard for a magical outdoor theater. There are small projectors available now that can play movies from your smartphone.
• No need for a special screen, a white sheet pulled taut will do. Just be sure to minimize as much outdoor light as possible.
• String up some fairy lights or use LED candles to create a cozy and inviting ambiance.
• Lay out cushions, blankets, even beach towels for a comfortable viewing experience.
• Don’t forget to have insect repellent on hand – the bugs are still celebrating summer, too!

Home Theater Extravaganza

If bad weather prevents you from enjoying the outdoors, lean in to all the comforts of the great indoors with a cozy movie binge in the living room.  There are plenty of advantages to being cooped up inside, after all….easier access to bathrooms and cold drinks, and lots of soft surfaces to snuggle into. Here’s how to set the scene:

• Transform your living room into a mini theater with bean bags, blankets, and cushions pulled from everywhere in the house.
• Dim the lights and draw the curtains to create a cinematic feel.
• Build a themed fort with sheets and pillows for a twist that’s sure to delight younger audiences.
• Make movie snacking stress-free for the grownups by covering the sofa with a fitted sheet to catch crumbs and sticky fingers.

ADD TREATS

What’s a trip to the movies without snacks? Whether it’s specially-decorated cupcakes or even easy packaged foods, there are so many ideas out there for creating movie-themed goodies. Search on Pinterest using your movie’s title for an endless stream of inspiration, or consider these options:

• Set up a popcorn bar with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, caramel and chocolate sauces, nuts and sprinkles. You can even provide different popcorn flavors, such as butter, kettle corn, and cheddar. Iconic red and white popcorn bags are easy to find online and add authenticity.
• If the kids have had their fill of indulgent treats over the summer, offer a mix of healthy but fun snacks like fruit kebabs, veggie sticks with dip, and trail mix. You could even customize the colors of candies in the trail mix to match the film’s theme. Check out EatingWell for delicious and nutritious snack recipes.
• Dinner is covered! If you’re hosting outdoors and have access to a campfire, make hot dogs and fixings to kick off the evening, and s’mores for dessert afterwards.

MAKE IT INTERACTIVE

One of the best ways to deliver a not-your-average movie night is by creating some special activities that get everyone involved and laughing:

• Kickoff the evening with a game of trivia or charades – best for encore viewings where everyone already knows the story.
• Set up a scavenger hunt all over the house with objects related to the movie you’re watching.
• Provide little novelty items relevant to the story and tell everyone they must use the item at points throughout the movie. For instance, every time you see a farm animal you have to ring a mini cow bell. Bonus – this also helps little ones stay focused.
• Set up a photo booth with props that echo the movie’s characters or theme. In the film SEVENTEEN AGAIN, 12 year-old Willie’s chemical experiment goes awry, causing his grandparents to return to their teenage years. Using clothes and accessories, stage an identity swap pic inspired by this mishap. You won’t be able to contain the laughs!
• Movie marathons are great for older kids with more specific interests and longer attention spans. Select a fun category for your marathon such as superheroes, strong female characters, or animal adventures.

Tia Mowery and Tamera Mowery-Housley star in this wacky but feel-good tale of a lab experiment gone awry and a family transformed.  SEVENTEEN AGAIN is available to stream now on UP Faith & Family.

MAKE IT EDUCATIONAL

Time to get those little minds ready for a new year of learning, so why not exercise their brains alongside that screen time? This can be a great way for kids to practice their communication and critical thinking skills.

• Choosing movies with educational themes or moral lessons lend themselves to discussion. For instance, explore the idea of finding your passion in COWGIRLS N ANGELS, a heartwarming tale about a young girl who discovers her love for horses while coping with a family struggle.
• At bedtime, read a story together that ties into your movie’s message.
• Encourage discussions about the movie by asking questions such as, “What was your favorite part and why?” or “Which character did you like the most and who in your life resembles that character?” Visit Scholastic for more ideas.

A girl joins rodeo trick-riders and embarks on a tour with them in the hope that she will find her long-lost father along the way. COWGIRLS N ANGELS is available to stream now on UP TV Faith & Family.

As the saying goes, “the days are long but the years are short.” The same can be said for summer; the dog days can seem to drag on, yet the whole season is over in a flash. As we savor the last days of this sweet season, plan a family movie night and spend some quality time together. With the right atmosphere, delicious snacks, fun activities, and a dash of creativity, you can make these occasions memorable. Grab your popcorn, pick a movie, and let the fun begin!

Need some ideas for a new family movie to stream? Check out our favorite family-friendly movies and series. Stream anytime on UP Faith & Family. Start your 7-day free trial today.

Melanie Gilbert owns Choral Communications and resides in Atlanta with her husband, daughter and two cats.

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