What is a family happy hour? Family happy hour is different from the half-priced cocktail hour at the bar. It takes some of the fun and social elements of an adult happy hour and applies them to the family.

If you observe adults enjoying happy hour at a bar they are laughing, talking and carrying on conversations. The use of their cell phones decreases while they are socializing. They are usually enjoying appetizers and beverages, having fun and building relationships.

Why not recreate the social aspects of a happy hour at home with your family?
A family happy hour…

1. Gives families communication time without the distractions of screens.

2. Teaches kids how to take turns and participate in conversations.

3. Makes time stand still for a little family fun.

4. Helps parents gain insights into their children(s) lives and interests.

While the beverages and snacks will have to be age-appropriate, they can still have a fun twist to them! Enlist the kids to help! Make some special drinks!

Here are some drink ideas…

• Shirley Temple (Don’t forget the cherries!)

• Smoothies

• Punch

• Fruit-infused water

• Milk Shakes

• Check out this site for 13 Best Mocktails for Kids.

Here are some appetizer ideas…

• Cheese and crackers

• Fruit and veggies

• Popcorn

• Chips and salsa

• Here are some fancier kids options from the Food Network

Here are some ways to make it a little special…

• Use special glasses or souvenir glasses you have collected.

• Get out the leftover party paper cups.

• Pick up some fun cups or glasses at a thrift shop or garage sale if you worry about kids breaking your nicer drinkware.

• Use cocktail napkins and plates.

You can make this fancy or casual, but the main idea is to relax and enjoy some conversation with your kids! 
Turn off all screens, set phones aside and maybe play some background music such as…

• Classical

• Jazz

• Classic Rock

• If you are really brave, let the kids choose?

Next, start talking! How was everyone’s day, or week?

My kids always had a lot to say and we had to work on the art of taking turns. The conversation may flow well, but if you have some quieter kids, you may want to enlist a little help with some of these conversation starters…
•    Table Topic Cards
•    Madlibs 

Lastly, sit back and enjoy your family time! If you’re lucky and plan your snacks right, you won’t have to cook dinner and the Family Happy Hour can continue on into the wee hours of dusk! 

Cheers to your next Family Happy Hour!

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