Since Americans in the South began roasting hogs in public, Barbecues have represented a staple of North American living.

For many, grilling becomes a routine mealtime activity, while for the most devoted grillers, summertime is governed by monolithic barbecue parties.

But grillers don’t have to choose between boring repetition and outrageous get-togethers: every barbecue can and should be an exciting family event. Here are 5 ways to make your routine evening barbecue a more unique experience:

1) Who said you have to stick to meat? Much can be done with bread and fruits over an open flame.

To make this into a fun activity with your kids, get the kids involved.  Use cookie cutters to cut and mold the bread and fruit into all kinds of fun shapes. You can decide on themes like “animals” and “letters” or ask that each shape be different from the others! Then, let your kids pick out which toppings they would like to put on.

Add cheese, onion and assorted spices to the  bread, and cinnamon and honey to the fruit.

2) Try foil-wrapped surprise meals. Place different combinations of chicken, fish and veggies with sauces and spices in foil parcels. These cook in less than 20 minutes and winds up with no-mess, lip-smacking results.

Kids will love the surprise element and can easily switch parcels. You’ll be able to even involve your family for combo suggestions before the barbecue, or draw ingredient names out of a hat to create new meal ideas. 

3) A little variety goes a long way. If you tend to stick to the same old beef burgers and pork wieners, why not try grilled pizza or salmon steaks?

Similarly, try to mix it up with condiments and seasoning.  Burned-out on ketchup? Try salsa as an alternative.

Look online where you’ll find hundreds of easy recipes for barbecue rubs. These rubs, either dry or as a paste, give your food that extra oomph and prevent the mess and dribble that accompanies barbecue sauces.

4) Barbecues don’t have to be rushed. In fact, barbecue buffs will tell you that today’s quick broiling is an insult to the term, which should represent a process of low and slow cooking on your grill or smoker.

You’ll be able to find many slow cooker recipes in cyberspace, and the research in itself is a great opportunity to pass some quality time with your family and friends.

Entertaining backyard activities include creating an outdoor canvas to paint on or playing backyard bowling with household items. 

5) Mom said not to play with your food, but there’s always an exception! Barbecue games are great fun and tasty at the same time.

In the game Glutton, each player receives a certain amount of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or any other side dish. Various kitchen utensils are put in a box and the players blindly pick a few.

On the go, they begin to eat their dish with the items that they drew out. The first to finish his or her food wins the prize!

Finally, don’t fret! Far too many people get lost in the details of planning the perfect barbecue party and forget to enjoy the social atmosphere and delicious food.

Hopefully these tips will help you make some really memorable family times whenever you fire up your BBQ grill.

So kick back, bask in the relaxing sun and prepare for a summer of unforgettable barbecues!