Board games: You can never go wrong with board games. You may not think you’re a “board game” family, but give it a try. Games like The Game of LIFE and Monopoly are timeless favorites. If your children are a little older, consider more advanced competition like Balderdash. Or, teach the kids a new card game like Canasta or Hearts (they’ll be shocked to discover it can be played off the computer!).

Bowling: Bowling is always more fun than you think it’s going to be. Like playing board games, bowling is a fun and competitive activity that is family and budget-friendly. Many bowling alleys have special family nights set aside specifically for this purpose.

Make dinner/desert together: Who is going to teach the kids to cook if Mom and Dad don’t? Pick a night and let the kids take turns choosing a recipe they can help prepare. You’ll be helping to build an epicurean repertoire your kids will be thankful for their first year in college!

Watch a family-favorite program together: Though it seems as though every other program on television after 8 p.m. is rated R (or PG-13), there are still some quality, family programming choices available. Don’t be afraid to venture outside the “big four” networks to some of the smaller networks that offer family programs. Consider educational programs that air on The Learning Channel, Animal Planet or The Discovery Channel. Make a commitment as a family to watch together.

It is almost impossible to convey to kids just how much TV has changed in the last 20 years. So, since they will never be able to appreciate that evolution, you can have a hand at making sure enjoying TV and time as a family does not go extinct.

Returning the living room to the “family room,” as opposed to just being the room everyone walks through as they leave the house can be a challenge, but helping preserve the concept of the “family room” is well worth the time and effort.