You’ve done all the hard work to make a family reunion a reality – determined a budget, booked a location, delegated responsibilities, and the collection of old family photos and videos is underway for a slideshow. Now it’s time for the fun part – brainstorming family reunion activities to make it a memorable gathering for everyone.
Following are some ideas that family members across multiple age groups will enjoy:
- Time capsule – A time capsule is a great way to celebrate family history. Family members, young and old, can bring an item to put into the capsule to open at a future family reunion. Use a stainless-steel container that will withstand time and weather, and add personal items such as current news articles, popular music, family photos, letters from family members, and a video made at the family reunion. The time capsule opening will give the family something to look forward to years down the road at the next reunion, and will provide the younger generation with a glimpse into the past.
- DIY Photo Booth – This is a popular, fun way to create memories and make people laugh with the use of comical props. You can easily put up a backdrop, visit a party store for a mix of props, and use an instant camera so you can print the pictures for family members to take home with them.
- Talent Show – Do any of your family members have hidden talents? While not actually needed since this is just for fun, plan a talent show filled with singing, dancing, jokes, hula hooping, baton twirling, and magic to get everyone laughing and add to the memories.
- Scavenger Hunt – Plan a scavenger hunt that requires taking photos and videos of all participating family members. Break up into small groups, provide a list of clues to lead family members to specific places or objects, and have them take a photo or video of them doing something silly once they’ve found the next clue. The photos and videos are sure to incite laughter when they’re shared at the end.
- Family Tree – Build your family tree to visually document your family ancestry. A family tree is a great way to learn about your ancestors and create interest in your family heritage for younger generations. This doesn’t have to be an expensive project – create it as a family. You can download a family tree template online and collect family members’ photos to include parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond. Share it electronically and add new family members as they’re welcomed into the family.
- Outdoor Games – These can provide active time for all ages, especially kids and your most competitive family members. Include games from old school field days such a sack race, spin the bat, egg and spoon race, tug of war, an obstacle course, balloon popping race, and of course – the three-legged race. Be sure to have prizes for each competition winner.
- Indoor Games – Indoor games can also be fun family reunion games. Bring multiple card or board games for people to play, especially if weather becomes a factor. A perfect game is “Do you really know your family,” a fun family game with conversation starters and challenges for kids, teens and adults.
- Outdoor Movie Night – Collect input from all family members of what movie should be shown, which could be a newer film or an old classic. Serve popcorn and candy, and bring pillows and blankets. You’ll already have the equipment for the slide show that will be shown featuring all the old photos and videos collected. (link to ‘How to Share Memories at Family Reunion’ blog post)
- Have a Bonfire – A bonfire can set the stage for telling family stories. Have s’mores and cocoa available, and sit around and enjoy the company and the evening.
- Slide Show – The finale of your family reunion should be a slide show to end the memorable day. Slide shows are all about family, past and present, and connecting the family with memories. Add music that crosses all generations, and use a large white wall with a projector to play it for everyone.
Following the family reunion, make sure someone has been designated to preserve all the new memories. A company such as iMemories can be used, which will take everyone’s photos and videos and digitize them for quick and easy sharing among all family members in the iMemories Cloud. Or, you can get a digital file download, DVD or USB thumb drives for sharing. Regardless of the format you choose, make sure those family reunion memories are preserved so they last a lifetime.
…and don’t forget about that time capsule when you have your next family reunion!
