Play fantasy football as a family at FamilyFantasySports.com

A few years ago, I loved playing fantasy football with my friends. But that was back in the days when I had time to watch games, read about players, and study the various stats - and even then, I wasn't anything like some of my friends were, playing in leagues for money and prestige and carefully calculating trades.

Maybe someday I'll have the time and inclination to play fantasy football again. If I do, I just might sign up with FamilyFantasySports.com, which is exactly what it sounds like: a fantasy sports league where families play together. You can read more about them at The Wall Street Journal.

Registration for this year's fantasy football leagues is going on right now. As with other sites, you can join a public league or create a private league and invite your friends and family to play against you.

Best of all, you can win prizes while you play with your family. The season's Grand Prize winner will receive a $25,000 contribution to a qualified 529 Plan. The First Prize winner will receive a $10,000 contribution, and the Second Prize winner will receive a $5,000 contribution. There will also be weekly winners, who will receive a $150 gift card toward education, health and wellness, or family friendly entertainment.

The WSJ article brings up a point I've never really thought about, that fantasy sports can be a prelude to gambling. I have to say, I would never let my children put up money to play in a league, as that does seem too much like gambling to me. Fortunately, you can sign up for free at many sites, including FamilyFantasySports.com. Maybe in a few years, Alex and I can form a team together.