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Do you have a Family Reunion coming up and you are wondering how to keep everyone entertained? We’ve gathered our top family reunion games you can use not only for family reunions, but cousin camps, multi-generational family dinners or anytime your extended family gets together!
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As you select the perfect games for your family, there are a few things to consider/keep in mind. Let’s take a look at them.
What to Consider as You Plan Family Reunion Games
Age Range
Do a quick inventory of the ages of family members who will be attending. Choose games that are appropriate across the ages, or be ready with ways to adapt games so the younger kids can play too.
Interests and Preferences
Do the people in your family prefer active outdoor games, or do they enjoy a quiet setting with strategic board games? If your family is anything like ours, you will find you need a mix of styles.
Space and Location
If you are hosting, you know your space. If you are all gathering at a park or resort it would be a good idea to call ahead to check on available space for games and any restrictions such as occupancy limits and quiet hours. Make reservations if accepted.
Inclusivity
Make sure an overwhelming majority of your planned games and activities are accessible to all family members. Modify games as needed for those experiencing disabilities.
Family Dynamics
You know your family. You know what type of games can cause conflict. Think carefully through those who are attending and choose games that will promote bonding and positive interactions between family members as best as you can.
Safety
Double think through each of your selected games. What could possibly go wrong? Assume that it will and restructure accordingly. Also – make sure you have adult supervision where necessary and thoroughly explain the rules. Let’s keep everyone safe!
With those considerations in mind, let’s get started with our favorite family reunion games!
Family Reunion Games
Break the Ice
Offer some ice breakers, such as How many candies are in the jar? This is a great way to get a group of people rallied around trying to figure something out, and a fun conversation starter as well.
Charades
This classic is great for all ages, and no special equipment is required. Select categories, then write down words or phrases within those categories for players to act out. You can divide into two or more teams.
If you’ve got kids playing, there’s a great game available called Charades For Kids.
My grandkids play almost every time they visit their great grandma and the game is enjoyed by the preschooler and my 92 year old mother. So much laughter!
In the Charades For Kids game, the clues are pictured on cards and is perfect for non readers,
Another fun way to play would be to include some family memories to be acted out. I know our family has a few memorable hiking adventures that would bring great laughter!
Pictionary
In addition to the classic version, this is another great area to include clues for families to draw some well known family moments.
Kids too young to draw can be on the guessing side of the game. Some dry erase boards for them to draw on are fun and will help them feel more included.
Board Games – Tournament Style.
Buy several identical games and have a tournament using March Madness style brackets. Of course you should have a “trophy” for the winner!
A few great games to include are Racko or Connect 4 for individual competitions and Sequence for two player teams. The games below link to amazon, but we’ve also found deals at Walmart. Keep at eye out for sales as you are preparing for your family gathering.
Connect 4 – Regular Size & Jumbo Size
Corn Hole – A favorite outside game. You can find super affordable versions, or go all out and have a custom set made for your family gathering. What a prize that would be!
Host a Trivia Night (Afternoon? Morning?)
If you have a family historian, this could be their contribution to the gathering. They can create the content for the game. Include questions about people, places lived, music loved, little known facts, and maybe some baby pictures!! For more info about how to actually run the game, check out this complete guide.
Minute to Win It
Do you have a family where only a few people like to be center stage? Gather supplies needed for several Minute to Win It rounds. Allow those who are ready to perform to sign up to be a player on Minute to Win It. Everyone else can watch and cheer. Have prizes ready for all winners. 50 Minute to Win It ideas can be found here.
In addition to being just plain fun, family reunion games play an important role in family gatherings. As you plan your families game time together, know that you are creating more than opportunities to compete. You are providing opportunities for joy and laughter, moments of emotion, the beginning of new traditions and the creation of lasting memories. Have fun!