Getting your family to spend time together is exciting but sometimes challenging. You want to ensure everyone has a good time while avoiding boredom or conflict. When planning, consider your attendees’ ages, abilities, and interests. Involve everyone in the process to get the best results. Here are 10 fun family reunion activities for all ages. These memorable ideas should keep the entire family entertained and happy!
10 Family Reunion Activities
Try several of these fun family reunion ideas at your next family reunion. The younger generations will enjoy getting to see the extended family participate in everything from a classic game to an obstacle course. This kind of quality time is what strengthens family bonds. Of course if you have any unique family traditions, make sure to include those too.
Family History Activity
While you have the whole family together, this is a great time to share your family history. Older relatives may be able to help fill in the some of the gaps. Pass out some family tree charts and see who can fill in the most and how far back you can go!
You might want to pull out old photo albums and share the family photos with the younger generation. You can also ask everyone to bring 5 photos and make a family photo album together with these photos.
Another good idea is to get out old family movies. Transfer film reels to DVD to share with the entire group. You’re also assured of a longer lifespan of your family footage.
Arts and Crafts
Crafting is a classic activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It can be as simple as decorating cookies or making friendship bracelets. If you have a large group, you can even have a contest for the best creation. Art and craft activities for the kids include making slime, decorating picture frames, or painting rocks.
The teenagers can enjoy making tie-dye shirts or journals. The adults can get creative with homemade candles, soap, or pottery. Alternatively, adults can catch up or attend other activities while the kids get busy. Don’t forget to capture all these activities in photos or videos.
Sports and Active Competitions
Sports or outdoor games let the entire group enjoy some friendly competition. It can be as simple as a family reunion game of frisbee or tug-of-war. Set up a tournament for the different age groups for something a little more organized. Popular games include water balloon toss, sack races, or egg and spoon races.
Another fun idea for family gatherings is to set up a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt if you have a large group. When looking for the perfect family reunion activities for all ages, this one has the potential to be a really fun, memorable team work experience. Create teams that are evenly matched for the best results. Don’t forget to take pictures or videos of the event to share with everyone later.
Cooking and Baking
Another great idea is cooking together. This activity is perfect if you have foodies in your family. Set up a cooking or baking competition with different categories. There can be an adult category, a kid’s category, or a family category.
Another option is to have a potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite dish. Alternatively, have a picnic with finger foods that everyone enjoys. When planning this activity, consider everyone’s food allergies and preferences.
Share old family recipes and compile a family recipe book.
Storytelling
Storytelling is a great way to connect with your family and learn about your heritage. Ask a grandparent or elderly family member to share stories about their childhood. You can also share stories about your childhood or recent events. You may want to try an app like Remento with some meaningful family conversation starters to help make the most of your family gathering.
Even simple family stories have an important place in the family legacy. My grandmother always used to tell a story about how my uncle got got stung by a wasp when he was 5 years old and he came running in crying about it. She looked down and said, “You poor thing. Where’d you get stung?” He answered, “Between the barn and the house.” She just thought that was the funniest story.
This activity is perfect for rainy days or if you want to spend some time indoors. If you have younger kids, make it more exciting by reading their favorite story books. Capturing the moment enables you to relive the stories over and over again. You can even add them to your family reunion DVD as additional content.
Taking Pictures and Videos
This activity is perfect for capturing fun memories of the reunion. Assign someone as the official photographer or have everyone take turns. Be sure to take pictures of individuals, couples, and groups.
You can even set up a photo booth with props for people to use. Alternatively, have everyone take a selfie with their favorite family member. Compile all the photos and videos into a reunion DVD as a keepsake. If the family reunion is a rare event, you may even want to hire a professional photographer.
Exploring a New Area
You can explore the area together if your reunion is in a new location. It’s a great way to bond as a family and create new memories. Visit tourist attractions, go hiking, or spend a day at the beach. Consider going to a nearby park or playground if you have younger kids.
Exploring is perfect for getting everyone out of the house to enjoy the fresh air. Even in familiar territory, there’s always something new to discover. Check out the new hotel, revisit an old landmark, or explore a different hiking trail.
Shopping
This activity is perfect for families who love to shop. You can go to the mall, the local marketplace, or even an outdoor Flea market. It’s an opportunity to buy souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones.
You can even haggle with the vendors to get the best deal. Combine this activity with exploring a new area if you’re in unfamiliar territory. Check out the local stores and see what they have to offer.
A Talent Show
This is a fun activity that lets everyone show off their talents. Plan a singing competition, a dance-off, magic tricks, or a stand-up comedy routine. Let the families vote for their favorite act to add an element of competition. If you have a family member that claims they have no talent, let them share an interesting fact about themselves instead.
A family talent show is ideal for larger groups as it entertains everyone. It’s also a great way to encourage people to interact with each other. You just never know what hidden talents your family members have!
Fun Family Reunion Games
You may need some more sedentary activities for those want to take it easy or rainy days. Try some board games that are good for all ages. My family favorite board games that we always play at family reunions are Trivial Pursuit, Balderdash, and Wits and Wagers.
Family Trivia: Create a trivia game with questions about family history, fun facts, and memories.
Human Knot: This is a good team-building game. Stand in a circle, grab hands with people across from you, and then work together to untangle the “knot” without letting go of hands.
Two Truths and a Lie: This is an interesting icebreaker game. Each person shares three statements about themselves (two true, one false), and others guess which one is the lie.
Human Bingo: Create bingo cards with different characteristics or experiences (e.g., “Has traveled to another country,” “Loves chocolate”). Participants mingle to find people who match each square.
Craft Stations: Set up family reunion craft stations where family members can create something together, like painting, making bracelets, or decorating cookies.
Jigsaw puzzles are another great option for those that may not want to be as active or talkative!
Conclusion
There are endless possibilities when it comes to family reunion activities for all ages. The most important thing is to have fun and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Consult widely to ensure the chosen activities are suitable for your family. Later, collect feedback, enabling you to organize an even better reunion the next time. Is there anything that you would add to this list of fun family reunion activities? If so, share on social media @familyfocusblog!
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Diandra says
Keep up the excellent work. I read a few articles on this site and I think that your web blog is real interesting. Power to the people for excellent information on Family Reunion activities. Thank you so much.
Abdullah Ashfaq says
The best time you spent on earth is family time. But in this modern life, time not spent with the family is so sad. I was looking for family reunion ideas for older adults and I think storytelling is such a great idea. Making a time capsule with them could be fun too.
Kevin Mack says
We have a family reunion coming up and we have a very large family. This sounds like an amazing activity to do and I know that everyone will love it. Thank you for sharing these ideas.