With the school year back in full swing, schedules fill up faster and the to-do list gets longer. And consequently, scheduling some time for family activities is suddenly so much harder than it was during those blissful summer months. But don’t let family time take a backseat this school year. Instead, switch up your go-to family nights with something a little different and a bit more exciting.

Read some ideas to find out how you can spice up your normal family activities into family nights no one will want to miss.

Bring movie night outdoors

While the weather is nice enough, bring the cinema under the stars. Hold a family vote on what movie you will watch, and bring a T.V. onto the back deck. Place your lawn chairs in the shape of a movie auditorium and serve popcorn for the full experience. Better yet, if you have a pool, set up a projector screen and use floats instead of lawn chairs. It may take a little more effort, but your family will be talking about outdoor movie until the next time.

Make game night a little more competitive

A little healthy competition never hurt anybody. Next time you break out the board games for family game night, invite another family over to join in on the fun. Family friends, next-door neighbors, or the in-laws all make for a fun-filled night of competition. If you really want to go all-out, create a tournament system in whatever game you play to keep the fun going all night long.

Recreate the restaurant experience at home

Instead of going out to your family’s favorite restaurant, dine in at home. Assign different jobs to every family member so everyone is involved, and get creative with the menu! Create a restaurant experience in your home complete with a candlelit table and your nicest dishes. If you want to put in some extra effort, don’t skip out on dessert. Make-your-own ice cream sundae bars complete with all the toppings are always a hit!

Family nights can get a little repetitive if you do the same old thing every time. This school year put an exciting twist on your go-to family night activities. These spiced-up family nights will have your kids asking you to clear the schedule for the next one in no time at all.