Imagine this: You’re at the dinner table, surrounded by your family. You’re happily tired from a fun day of exploring on vacation. The sound of conversation mixes with the satisfied “mm-mm”s of people eating. And instead of bugging your kids to put down their electronics, or getting one-word answers when you ask a question, your entire crew is engaged—thanks to a set of conversation starters for families! And—because I’m so freaking excited about this—I’m offering a conversation starter download, all for free!
Does that sound like a fantasy? Even if you’re used to kids clamming up or spacing out, you can get them to open up. How? By using open-ended, funny conversation starters for families. I’ve put together a set of these thought-provoking prompts that will get everyone talking, from adults on down to tots.
You’ll definitely want this free printable. It’s super easy to download and print before your next family vacation.
What we do: Cut out each question (simply snip on the dotted lines) and store in a baggie or envelope. I stash it in my purse (or my fanny pack!). Then I can break them out at a meal, or during other downtime (like driving from A to B or waiting in line). Simply let the family conversation starters work their magic!
Finally, I suggest a few ways to turn these conversation starters into keepsakes you’ll treasure for years.
Ready for your free conversation starters printable? Read on!
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Family conversation starters for vacations
You and I know how hard it can be to get your kids talking. These conversation starters for families on vacation will help!
Getting your whole family to open up is actually good for them, too. According to research, talking about experiences—like that amazing waterfall hike you went on or simply the cool shapes your napkin was folded into at a restaurant—boosts your mood.
Are you ready to get yakkin’? Read the conversation starters below, and remember to sign up for a free conversation starters printable you can download for your next family trip right here:
These are so fantastic, Catherine! I love these, especially the fun/funny ones to help relieve the stress after a day of travel. Such a great idea!
Thanks Marlynn! I like the funny conversation starters because they’re unexpected enough to make even quiet kids giggle and join in the discussion.
I love these so much! We are taking a family road trip in the next few weeks. I’m definitely going to do this!
Yay for family road trips! I hope you have a wonderful time – and that the conversation starters spark some interesting discussions!
Great ideas to get the conversations flowing!
I’m always surprised by what comes out of the kids’ mouths, haha!
I love these conversation starters! A great way to make vacation fun and another way to connect.
Totally, Sharon! On vacation, kids (and us parents) are already pushed a bit out of our comfort zone, so it makes us more willing to try new things – or answer funny conversation starters. Ha!
I need to use this on the next trip. I can’t handle anymore facts about One Direction.
Bahahaha! I know, our kids get stuck on one thing forever. These family conversation starters can mix things up a bit. 😉
This is such a great idea! We travel a lot, so these are perfect for me!!
So good to hear, Angela! I hope they lead to great family conversations!
These conversation starters are a great idea, Catherine! Recording the answers in some way is such good advice, too! Someday, those “princess mermaid” answers will be gold.
Hahaha so true – I have a running notes list in my phone where i type out funny things they say. I love making little keepsakes with the cute things they come up with.
These are sooo good! To have fun and appreciate even more the trips in family. It will make you think more about the moment you’re in or that you were and be completely unforgettable. Or even just the conversation. I do this sometimes with my husband and he does with me.. but not in this level. Congratulations! This is very cool! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Aw thanks Mayara! You make a great point that you don’t have to be a kid to use these prompts. I love hearing what my husband comes up with, too!
Such a great idea, and easy to carry on vacation. We did something like this years ago every night at dinner. Everyone had to tell about one thing that happened that was “new and good”. It got a little tough after a while and we changed it to once a week, but it was a great way to start conversations and get all voices heard.
Ooh, I like the “new and good” idea. I think it’s great to have some structure around dinnertime conversations, at least sometimes, so you have a prompt to get the family talking.
This is such a smart post! I hope you have a great time! Wonderful bonding can come from this travel!
So true Melissa! My kids and I always become closer when traveling together, especially when we’re intentional about having meaningful conversations.
I have never thought of that, but I guess that with kids that can be very usefull
Yep! Some kids won’t shut up, and some kids are like clams 😉
Such a great idea! I think it’s so important for families to encourage the little ones to share their opinions so they grow up knowing that their voices matter.
Darcy, you nailed it! We need to demonstrate that their ideas and contributions matter – and truly listen when they share what’s on their mind.
What a fantastic idea!! I love that you have included ways to capture the responses as well.
So glad you like these ideas, Tamara! I love looking back on their responses.