Let’s be honest—Family Home Evening can sometimes feel like a mix of chaos, yawns, and snack requests before you even get through the opening song. And if you have little ones with short attention spans or older kids who are “too cool” for a lesson, it can be hard to keep everyone engaged.
But FHE doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
The goal isn’t to create a Pinterest-worthy evening—it’s to invite the Spirit into your home, teach gospel truths, and spend time together as a family. And with a few simple ideas, you can make Family Home Evening something your kids actually look forward to!
1. Keep It Short and Sweet ⏱️
One of the best ways to keep kids engaged is to respect their attention spans. A 10–15 minute lesson is plenty—especially if it’s interactive!
💡 Quick Tip:
Use short videos from the Gospel for Kids app, videos from the Living Scriptures streaming service, or the Church’s YouTube channel as a springboard for discussion.
2. Let the Kids Help Plan or Lead 🧒👧
When kids feel ownership, they pay more attention. Give them simple responsibilities like choosing the song, giving the prayer, or sharing a scripture.
💡 Try This:
Create an FHE job chart with rotating assignments like “lesson leader,” “treat helper,” or “scripture picker.”
3. Use Object Lessons or Hands-On Activities ✨
Children love visuals and movement, so use props, crafts, or quick games to teach gospel principles.
💡 Examples:
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Use a flashlight to teach about letting your light shine.
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Build something together to illustrate faith or obedience.
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Match scriptures to pictures or gospel-related items.
4. Incorporate Music and Movement 🎶
Singing isn’t just for Primary—kids love music, and it helps them feel the Spirit in a joyful way.
💡 Easy Ideas:
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Start with a Primary song they know and love (I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus, Follow the Prophet, etc.).
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Use shakers, scarves, or simple actions to get the wiggles out while reinforcing gospel truths.
5. Tell Stories—Real or Scriptural 📚
Stories are powerful teachers. Whether it’s a scripture story or a personal family experience, kids connect deeply through storytelling.
💡 Need Help?
The Friend magazine is packed with short, faith-promoting stories written just for kids—and they’re great for sharing during FHE.
6. Make It Fun With Games 🎲
A gospel-themed game can reinforce the lesson while keeping everyone laughing and engaged.
💡 Game Ideas:
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Gospel Charades (act out scripture stories or commandments)
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Who Said It? (guess which prophet or scripture hero said a quote)
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Treasure Hunt (hide scriptures around the house with clues)
7. End With a Sweet Treat 🍪
Never underestimate the power of cookies and conversation. Ending with a snack gives everyone something to look forward to and provides extra bonding time.
💡 Pro Tip:
Let the kids help make a simple treat—it’s an activity in itself!
8. Create a Simple Routine 📆
Kids thrive with consistency. Try to keep your FHE format familiar: Opening prayer, song, short lesson, activity or game, and treat.
Even if the lesson goes off the rails, the routine helps everyone know what to expect and builds lasting memories over time.
9. Don’t Worry Too Much About Structure 📋
Sometimes, a super-structured lesson isn’t right for the situation. Rather than stressing about planning a full lesson with coordinating activity, game, craft, and snack, rely on a simple conversation.
Pay attention to what your kids talk about, and use the gospel to advise them. Listen to their concerns, ask thoughtful questions, and be okay if the subject changes.
💛 Final Thought:
Family Home Evening is not about perfection. It’s about showing up with love and letting the Spirit do the teaching. With a little creativity and flexibility, you can turn FHE into something your kids enjoy—and remember.
What are your favorite go-to ideas for FHE with kids?
