Game Ideas for your Family Session

We’ve all faced that moment during a family photo session: kids who just aren’t into having their picture taken. Young children often struggle to smile on command, and if they do, it can come across as forced rather than genuine. Fortunately, there are plenty of great ideas to encourage natural smiles and make the experience fun for everyone. Playing games is one of my favorite ways to turn a photo session into a memorable experience.

1. Peek-A-Boo

Peek-a-boo is a classic game that works wonders, especially with babies and toddlers. Your photographer can capture some beautiful moments and they should give you good guidance, but it's always best if as the parents you are ready to have fun with your kids in the way you know your little ones love best.

2. Tickles

Tickling is another great way to get genuine laughter out of your littles. Don't be afraid to use this one subtly during your more posed photos too to help your kiddos bring out some smiles!

3. Airplane

Remember the joy of being lifted into the air and pretending to fly? This is an especially fun one to help dads get involved in the fun!

4. Parachute Play

I don't do this activity with all family sessions, but a fun game to play is the parachute game! I'm sure most of you parents remember playing this back in elementary school and it's a fun classic to bring in. Mom and dad typically hold the corners while the kids run underneath. This game not only adds a fun, throwback element to your photos but also adds some playful movement!

5. Staring Contests

A staring contest can be surprisingly effective in capturing the best expressions. Have the kids sit close together and challenge them to a staring contest. The first one to blink or laugh loses. This game often results in genuine smiles and laughter as the kids try to maintain their focus.

For a variation with younger kids, ask two of the children to slowly move their faces closer together until they’re touching noses. This tender moment can make for some truly sweet and memorable photographs.

6. Ring Around the Rosie

Ring Around the Rosie is a fantastic game for getting some movement into your family photos. Some fun tips for this game is to let your photographer sing the song for you so you can smile and laugh with your kiddos.

7. Races

Races are another fun way to capture movement in your images. Have the kids hold hands and run towards the camera. This game keeps them engaged and helps create movement in the photos, resulting in lively and spontaneous shots. You can also have some fun photos with the parents included where the kids are racing to their parents and tackling them in a big hug!

8. Red Light, Green Light

This game is perfect for getting family members to walk and hold hands while adding an extra element of fun into those classic walking photos.

9. Simon Says

Simon Says is an excellent game for capturing more traditional posed images with a touch of fun. After posing the group we can give some playful commands to keep everyone engaged. For example, ask them to wiggle their ears or make silly faces.

What I Love About These Games

These games don’t require elaborate planning and can be pulled out at any time during a session. They help transform a potentially challenging situation into a relaxed and fun experience, leading to a gallery full of genuine smiles and beautiful memories created.