Dress-up family photo: cast yourselves in a very unusual film
Invent a fictional film, build comfortable costumes from existing clothes and take one agreed family portrait with a story behind every character.
Illustrative artwork from the game, rather than a photograph of a real outing or session.
A cardigan can become an explorer’s jacket, a scarf can suggest a detective and a colander can remain a colander if nobody wants it on their head. Choose a shared imaginary world and let each person decide who they are within it. You are creating a little story together, with a photograph if everybody is happy to appear.
Suggested for ages 2–11 with adult support, this works with small changes to ordinary clothes rather than elaborate costumes. Younger children can choose one familiar item; older children can invent a character and write a film title. Keep identity and humour in the maker’s hands. A photographer, poster designer or prop arranger can be part of the cast without being in the picture.
A little planning before the fun
Time to allow
Allow about 90 minutes for choosing a theme, making simple costumes and taking pictures. Stop the posing while it still feels playful.
Budget notes
Use existing clothes, paper signs and a camera or phone you already own. No new spending is needed; avoiding bought costumes often gives the fictional film a more original wardrobe.
These are planning suggestions, not live prices or bookings. The shorter and longer versions give you room to adapt the activity to your day.
Tick off what you have gathered, or print a fresh checklist. Ticks are for this page only.
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Comfortable everyday clothes people are happy to lend
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A few safe handheld props
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Paper and pens for character names and a poster title
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A camera or phone with a stable position
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A clear, well-lit place for seated or standing poses
Make it happen
1. Choose a world with room for everyone
Offer themes such as space explorers, a detective agency or a royal household running a sandwich shop. Agree one that allows different roles, including a quiet background character. Ask who wants to be photographed and who prefers another job. Give the imaginary film a working title, then keep the plot loose enough for a younger child’s unexpected dinosaur.
2. Build characters from the wardrobe
Let each person choose two or three comfortable items and explain who they are. Ask before borrowing clothing and avoid anything too long, tight or obstructive. Use a paper badge or handheld sign for details instead of fastening improvised accessories around necks. The character can be clear through one good prop rather than six increasingly impractical layers.
3. Write one line of story each
Ask what each character wants and what they bring to the adventure. Older children can write a poster slogan, while younger ones dictate a name or draw a symbol. Choose a scene that connects the characters: a team arriving somewhere, receiving surprising news or searching for a missing lunch. Keep the humour about the imaginary situation rather than someone’s appearance.
4. Take a calm picture and a story picture
Set the camera where everyone can be seen comfortably and keep the floor clear. Begin with an ordinary portrait so the setup feels predictable. Then try a small expression or pose from your chosen scene. Keep feet on the floor and movements gentle. Take a few shots, swap the photographer if wanted and let anyone leave the frame.
5. Approve the poster together
Look through pictures and let every person approve images of themselves. Delete unwanted ones without debate and agree separately about sharing. Add the fictional film title to a paper poster if you fancy, or keep the character cards instead. Return borrowed clothes and props to their owners, who may be surprised to discover their cardigan has just completed a mission to Saturn.
Make it work for you
Ages 2–4
Offer one comfortable clothing choice and a familiar toy. Let an adult join their scene without demanding a held pose or a smile. A short picture during play may suit them better than assembling the whole cast.
Older children in the range
Let them invent the film title, design a character card or direct a photo. Offer freedom over costume style and explain privacy decisions together, including which pictures they would prefer to keep only on the device.
No costumes or camera wanted
Create the film poster with drawings, or photograph only props and character signs. Ordinary clothes are welcome. A seated cast can tell the same story with expressions, and everyone can choose how visibly they participate.
Before you begin
Avoid costumes that restrict sight, breathing or movement, trailing fabric and improvised neck ties. Keep props safe and the camera stable. Respect borrowed belongings and every person’s wishes about photography, storage and sharing.
Very unusual film character cards
Print one card per willing cast member. Draw answers or ask someone to write them down.
1. Our film title:
2. My character name and role:
3. The everyday item that becomes my costume:
4. One prop I have permission to borrow:
5. My character’s very important mission:
6. A comfortable pose or expression I choose:
7. My choice: in the photo / behind the camera / drawing the poster
These prompts are included when you print the plan and checklist.
The film may never reach cinemas. Its costume department has still made excellent use of a cardigan.
How did your family get on?
Tell us which step helped, what needed explaining or what you would do differently. A small, specific suggestion is more useful than a gold star—though we do enjoy a gold star.
Your email app opens so you can choose what to send. Please leave out private details, children’s names and photographs of other people.
Let the envelopes choose your next adventure
Choose activities your family would enjoy and let a little mystery settle the final decision. The sample game lets you try it before creating your own board.
Prepared for Deal or Date · Updated 28 October 2026
These plans expand activities from our game catalogue. Text and illustrative artwork were prepared with AI assistance, then checked for catalogue accuracy, clear steps and practical variations before publication. They are suggestions to make your own, rather than accounts of personal trips or product tests.