Family Fun Night brings 80s fun and family connection to Kanab

Get ready to rewind to the 1980s for a totally awesome night of family fun! The Kane Community Coalition’s annual Family Fun Night is bringing back neon, awkward family photos and plenty of fun, all while sharing an important message: “Families are awkward. Conversations don’t have to be!”

Families are invited to the Kanab Center on Monday, October 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for an evening of FREE food, games, activities and family fun! Honey’s Marketplace will once again provide a delicious dinner, free for everyone in attendance.

Behind the laughter, retro decorations and fun activities is an important purpose: encouraging families to “Push Play on Family Dinners!”

Research has consistently shown that regularly sharing meals as a family is associated with stronger parent-child relationships, better communication and lower rates of substance use among teens. The good news? It doesn’t have to be a perfectly planned, home-cooked meal around the dinner table to make a difference.

As Margie Skeer, professor and chair of the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, explains, “It’s not about the food, timing or setting; it’s the parent-child relationship and interactions it helps cultivate that matter.”

Family Fun Night is part of Kane County’s ongoing prevention efforts, emphasizing the message that connection is prevention. When families spend time together, build trust and make everyday conversations a priority, they create opportunities for children to feel supported and comfortable talking about difficult topics.

Throughout the evening, members from KCYC (Kane Community Youth Coalition) and KCC (Kane Community Coalition) will share fun activities, free gifts and resources to help families strengthen connections at home. Local organizations will also provide fun booths with pumpkins, games and prizes, as well as bounce houses, Giddy Up Round Up activities, a chalk art walk and plenty of opportunities to make memories together!

And don’t forget to stop by the hilariously awkward 80s family photo opportunity!

Whether your family is picture-perfect or wonderfully awkward, everyone is welcome. Come hungry, bring the whole family and enjoy a FREE evening of food, laughter and connection.

Because the best family memories don’t have to be perfect. They just have to happen together.