Something about summer just brings out the kid in me. It’s hard to not want to stay up late eating ice cream and playing games and running outside when it’s summertime! And if I’m an adult that feels that way, I bet kids feel the same way too :). But let’s get real- sometimes we don’t have time to plan elaborate adventures or gourmet barbecue meals. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some extra fun! Here are a few simple and inexpensive ways to add a little fun to your mealtimes and get out of the mundane every once in awhile;).

Muffin Tin Dinners. Simplest idea ever, yet I have never been a cooler mom in my kids’ eyes. Put a bunch of finger foods in muffin tins, call it dinner, and your kids will be absolutely thrilled. (When I did this my husband was out of town so this was the perfect meal since I wasn’t in the mood to cook;) ). You can cook finger foods if you want or stick with stuff from the pantry and fridge that require no cooking to keep this meal super simple!

Buffet Style. Add the word buffet to something and it automatically seems like a party;). For dinner, try putting out a variety of foods with a theme and let people serve themselves. Salad buffet, Mexican food buffet, Rice buffet, etc. You don’t have to have a ton of options to make this meal idea stand out from the regular routine.

Themed Dinners. Pick a theme, like a color, ethnicity, or letter of the alphabet, and try to plan a meal around it! For example, do an orange night, and serve mac n’ cheese, carrots, orange slices, and orange dreamsicles for dessert.

Invite Friends Over! This isn’t always convenient, but meals can just be so much more fun when shared with friends! Invite people over often- you’ll break out of the regular routine and build wonderful relationships at the same time ;).

Movie Night Dinners. Watch a movie and serve a meal with food that relates to the movie. For example, you could watch Lady and the Tramp and eat spaghetti, and make cookies that are shaped like dog biscuits. What kid wouldn’t absolutely love this?? (Or adult, I might add;) ). This idea can be as elaborate as you want it, or as simple as you need it to be!

Campfire. If you have a fire pit in your backyard, utilize it as often as possible! There are so many meals that can be prepared over the fire, and eating at a fire pit is just magical! If you have don’t have a fire pit, find a local spot that has an open campground and roast hot dogs. An easy meal, but so much fun!

Mixed Menu. With a little planning, you can create menus with code names for all the menu items and utensils. Have everyone choose the order they would like to receive the menu items, and enjoy giggling together as someone gets dessert before dinner, and others receive their spaghetti before their utensils! ;).

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Movie Snack Necklaces. Ok, so this isn’t really a dinner idea, but it’s a fun one nonetheless! There is something about food on string that really gets kids’ attention. You could do a basic fruit loop or Cheerio necklace on yarn, or branch out a little and get creative! Anything with holes work- pretzels, lifesavers, Keebler’s shortbread and chocolate cookies, etc. This makes a great addition to any movie night! \

What fun things does your family do to break out of the regular routine for meal time? I’d love to hear your ideas!