5 Entertaining Activities for Family Reunions

Family reunions are a time to gather, bond, reflect on the past, catch up on the current and discuss the future. All ages will attend, meaning a wide variety of activities may be necessary. This year incorporate activities that focus on the bonds built and the history of your family. It is a great way to honor the past, reminisce and probably laugh at old memories while teaching your children about your family. Add in other fun games that everyone will enjoy playing together, and you’ll be sure to have a fun-filled family reunion.

1. Escape Room

A thought-provoking virtual escape room for kids is an amazing way to entertain the children at the reunion. All you need to set up this virtual game is an internet connection and a laptop with a webcam and microphone. The kids will laugh and think as they brainstorm logical approaches to solve this online experience. A variety of options are available so that more individuals can participate.

2. Family Pictures

A guessing game with baby pictures is always a hit. You can have people submit baby pictures ahead of time. These can be numbered and displayed on a poster board. Participants are given a numbered sheet and must guess which family member is in each of the pictures. Alternatively, you can choose to use funny or embarrassing photos, graduation pictures or sports pictures. This is especially fun for the older generations attending.

3. Cookbook

Set up a station where family members can write down their favorite recipes into a big cookbook. This family cookbook can be shared with everyone afterward. Delicious recipes, old and new, can be shared. Alternatively, recipes can be shared virtually ahead of time, and these can be made into an e-book to share. Encourage photos to be taken of the dishes to add to the visual aspect of the finished product.

4. Photo Booth

A photo booth set up with props will provide many laughs and leave the attendants with photo keepsakes. You can rent a photo booth or opt to make one yourself. You can simply make a backdrop or create a large cardboard frame to mimic a polaroid that individuals can stand behind. Consider adding the family name and year at the bottom of the frame. Props can be as fun and silly as you’d like. Include mustaches, hats, boas and any other items you desire. Disposable cameras, one camera with a timer on a tripod or phone cameras are all viable options. You can create a digital album afterward to share with the entire family. This is a great activity to encourage family pictures that even the most camera-shy or stubborn child will smile for.

5. Dance Off

If your family likes to groove, a family dance-off is a perfect activity. Fill a playlist with family-friendly songs spanning many decades. You could designate one dance leader to learn signature dance moves to teach the crowd. Dance moves can range from the Charleston to the Fox Trot to the Samba to the Cha-Cha Slide. You could pick a few moves from each decade, have people submit favorite dances ahead of time or use a generator to select random dances to learn. You might be surprised by who is hiding some seriously awesome dance moves! Each generation will have fun showing off the dance moves to favorite songs and will enjoy learning new dance moves. Disco shoes are optional!

Family reunions are a fun time for family bonding. Try not to stress too much over detailed planning, as often these events will take off as people gather and talk. Providing a variety of different activities creates a new way for people to learn about each other and have fun together. Not everyone will participate in every activity, and that is okay! Encourage participation as much as you can but remember to enjoy yourself. Take lots of pictures and videos throughout the reunion so that you can have these memories forever. Most importantly, enjoy this time with your family gathered together.