Looking for ways to make Friday nights unforgettable without leaving your Salina, KS home? You don’t need to spend big or head downtown to create lasting memories. From cozy movie nights to thrilling scavenger hunts, these budget-friendly ideas will turn your home into the ultimate family fun zone. Perfect for kids, teens, and adults, here’s how to make every Friday night a Salina family tradition! 🙌
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1. Movie Night at Home 🎬
Transform your living room into a Salina-style cinema! Pick a theme like Superhero Night, ‘80s Throwback, or Disney Classics. Create homemade movie tickets, rearrange furniture like a theater, dim the lights, and grab some popcorn. Check out family-friendly movie recommendations on Common Sense Media for age-appropriate picks.
Bonus: Visit the WhatsUpSalina Events page for local Salina events to pair with your movie night!
Family movie night in Salina KS
Board game for family game night in Salina KS
2. Board Game Night 🎲
Unplug and get competitive with a board game showdown! Dust off classics like Monopoly, Yahtzee, or Clue, or try newer hits like Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza or Double Ditto. Let the winner pick next week’s activity for extra fun.
Try this one from Amazon and see just how well you know your crew!
3. Escape Room Challenge 🧩
Turn your home into a mystery-solving adventure! Buy an easy game kit like this one from Amazon. Work as a team to beat the clock and “escape” your living room. It’s a thrilling way to bond, perfect for Salina families looking for a unique night in.
Escape room kit for family fun night in Salina KS
Family video game night in Salina KS
4. Video Game Night 🎮
Power up the console for a gaming extravaganza! Team up to build a world in Minecraft, race each other in Mario Kart, or dance it out with Just Dance. Choose multiplayer games everyone can enjoy together. For Salina locals, check out deals at GameStop in Central Mall for new game ideas!
5. Indoor or Outdoor Scavenger Hunt 🕵️
Make your Salina home or backyard an adventure zone! Create a custom scavenger hunt with clues or riddles, splitting into teams for extra excitement. Add a small prize for the winners to keep everyone engaged. This activity works for all ages and brings out the explorer in everyone!
Family scavenger hunt game
Kids acting out a pirate play in living room
6. Act It Out 🎭
Unleash your family’s inner performers! Create a mini play or act out a scene from a favorite book or movie. Grab costumes and props from around the house and perform your masterpiece. It’s a fun way to spark creativity and laughter in your Salina home.
7. Indoor Camping ⛺
No bugs, no bears—just pure fun! Build a blanket fort, whip up oven-baked s’mores, and share ghost stories with a flashlight. This cozy activity is perfect for Salina families wanting a camping vibe without leaving home. Search for s’mores recipes on AllRecipes for inspiration.
Family reading a book in an indoor tent
Children painting a popsicle stick house on Family Craft Night
8. Craft Night 🎨
Get messy and creative! Make slime, design bracelets, or paint family portraits. Host a mini art show to display your creations. For supplies, visit Salina’s Hobby Lobby or use household items to keep it budget-friendly.
9. Family Talent Show 🎤
Let everyone shine in a family talent show! Sing, dance, juggle, tell jokes, or perform magic tricks. Hand out goofy awards to celebrate everyone’s skills. It’s a fantastic way to boost confidence and have fun together in Salina, KS.
Living room family talent show
Family watching home movies
10. Home Video Night 📼
Take a trip down memory lane! Watch old home videos or flip through photo albums, laughing at baby giggles and retro haircuts. This nostalgic activity is a heartwarming way to connect as a family in your Salina home.
Bonus: Family Food Fun 🧑🍳
Bring the family into the kitchen for tasty fun:
🍕 Make Your Own Pizza Night: Set up a toppings bar and let everyone create their own.
🍨 DIY Sundae Bar: Ice cream + toppings = instant smiles! That’s good math!
🧁 Family Bake-Off: Compete to make the best cookies, cupcakes, or brownies.
🧀 Fun Charcuterie Night: Create a themed snack board—dessert, movie-themed, or rainbow-colored!
Shop for ingredients at one of Salina’s three Dillon’s stores, or PrairieLand Market to keep it local!
Family cooking together
Why Family Friday Nights Matter in Salina, KS
With a sprinkle of creativity, your Salina home becomes the best Friday night hangout. No need for fancy plans or expensive outings—your living room can be a movie theater, your kitchen a pizza parlor, or your backyard a jungle of clues. These activities build stronger family bonds and create memories that last a lifetime. Start your Family Friday Night tradition today and make every week special!
Get More Salina Fun Ideas
Ready to make every Friday a blast? Visit WhatsUpSalina’s Kids & Family page for more family-friendly activities, local events, and tips to keep your Salina weekends vibrant. Hit the subscribe button below to get weekly inspiration for living your best life right here in Salina, KS.