How to Run a Family Drawing Night
A family drawing night is cheap, screen-free and full of laughs. Here's how to plan one: supplies, games, step-by-step lessons and a mini gallery show.
A family drawing night is an easy, screen-free way to spend time together. Pick a theme, gather simple supplies, try a step-by-step lesson everyone can follow, play a drawing game, and end with a mini gallery show. It costs almost nothing and creates lots of laughs.
Family game night is a tradition in many homes. Family drawing night can be just as fun, and it works for all ages and skill levels.
What you need
- Paper and pencils for everyone
- Crayons, markers or colored pencils
- A drawing book with lessons everyone can follow
- Snacks (essential)
A sample evening
1. Warm-up (5 minutes). Everyone draws a quick doodle from a prompt.
2. Lesson (15 minutes). Everyone draws the same step-by-step character.
3. Game (15 minutes). A collaborative drawing game.
4. Free draw (10 minutes). Draw anything.
5. Gallery show (5 minutes). Display and admire everything.
Food monster night
Food themes are fun for families. How to Draw: Food Monsters gives everyone silly food characters to draw. Pair it with the matching snacks: draw a pizza monster, then eat pizza. Kids remember nights like these.
Drawing games for families
- Exquisite corpse. Fold, draw, unfold, laugh.
- Blind portraits. Draw each other without looking at the paper.
- Drawing charades. Draw a clue; others guess.
- Silly self-portraits. Draw yourself as an animal.
The gallery show
Tape drawings to a wall, give each one a title and let everyone say what they like about each other's work. Take a photo of the gallery to remember the night.
Make it a tradition
Monthly or weekly, family drawing night becomes something kids look forward to. For more group ideas, see collaborative drawing games.
Questions parents ask
How do I plan a family drawing night?
Pick a theme, gather paper and pencils, try a step-by-step lesson, play a drawing game and finish with a gallery show.
What are fun drawing games for families?
Exquisite corpse, blind portraits, drawing charades and silly self-portraits are all easy and fun.
Is family drawing night good for all ages?
Yes. Step-by-step lessons and collaborative games work for young kids, teens and adults together.
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