Make mealtime into fun time

Who says dinnertime always has to be serious? Serve up a side of fun with dinnertime games like secret ingredients, breakfast for dinner and truth or dare.

Eat Backward

It’s a dream come true for kids (and lots of adults too): At this meal, dessert comes first, followed in reverse order by the other courses. Get your kids into the kitchen to help prepare a special sweet for this occasion, then watch your family dig in with enthusiasm. Have veggies and simple side dishes ready for the second course, but remember it’s okay if you don’t finish the entire meal — just for tonight.

Breakfast for Dinner

Shake things up a little and serve your family’s favorite breakfast foods for supper — especially the kinds of dishes you rarely have time to serve in the morning. Try funny-face pancakes (decorated with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, chocolate chips, whipped cream — the works), fruit kabobs with vanilla yogurt dip, waffle- and ice-cream sandwiches or make-your-own omelets.

Secret Ingredient

Have the family vote on one favorite ingredient that has to be included in at least three dishes at dinner. Perhaps raw broccoli florets with a dip to begin, followed by broccoli soup and a cheesy broccoli pasta side dish. Anything goes — yes, even chocolate. (Helpful hint: Bittersweet chocolate is an ingredient in the classic Mexican sauce called mole.)

Be Daring

What crazy combination of food are you willing to eat? Go around the table daring the family to try new things. Dare Dad to drizzle ketchup on his salad. He has to take two bites or do a silly dare. Mustard on macaroni? Mayonnaise on broccoli? It’s a sure way to keep the fun going throughout dinner.

Food Art

Create a work of art at the table! Encourage your family to dish up their dinners in creative ways. Stack it, blend it or squish it into a work of art. Take a vote on which one the family likes best, then take a picture of the winner and post it on the refrigerator.

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Looking for more ideas for family dinner activities? Check out CoziMama's recommendations for Dinnertime Conversation Games.