Family Reunion Activities

Last week, I happened to bump into an old school friend of mine. We'd met after quite a few years and naturally, our conversation veered towards a school reunion and how it was time that we had one. Well, the school reunion didn't quite materialize, but he did tell me about a recent family reunion of his; and from his energetic narration and excitement, boy did it sound interesting! He spoke of how their reunion had a special theme, the different games they played, the enjoyment they had, the memories they relived...it all sounded so much fun! That really got me interested about family reunions. So, after doing a bit of research, here I am with some interesting ideas for family reunion activities.

Tips and Ideas for Family Reunion Activities
The following are some ideas and family reunion tips that can be incorporated as part of your family reunion, regardless of whether it is an indoor or an outdoor event:

• Theme: You can consider having a special theme for the occasion. Possible options for a family reunion theme could be a retro theme, Hollywood theme, traditional theme, etc. Encourage family members to dress and accessorize in accordance with the chosen theme.
• Venue: You will have to choose a suitable venue for the reunion while taking into consideration seasonal factors and the prevailing weather conditions. If you have a spacious home with a large-enough backyard, it will more than serve the purpose and will also give the occasion a much more personal and homely touch.
• Games: A family reunion is an occasion for everyone to be together to celebrate and have a good time. Have some entertaining party games which will ensure that everyone has a good time. You could try including charades, musical chairs, treasure hunts, truth or dare and a host of other games. If you are having your family reunion in the daytime, you could consider having a few water balloon games. They can be thoroughly entertaining and great fun indeed!
• Bonfire: If it's winter time, then what better way to keep warm than to have a nice big bonfire? You could all sit in a circle around the bonfire and indulge in some long storytelling sessions. It can be a nice way to go back in time to those old days and relive those golden memories.
• Family Tree: Another fun idea is to prepare a big family tree on a chart paper. Encourage each and every family member, right from all the kids to the uncles, aunts and the grannies to participate in preparing the family tree. That way you will not only learn a lot about your family history, but you will also ensure that no name gets left out from the family tree.
• Photos: Pouring over old childhood photographs is something that always manages to attract the maximum amount of laughter and enjoyment. Encourage all your family members to bring along a bunch of childhood and present day photographs. Mix all the baby photos and have a contest where a prize is awarded to the person who recognizes the most number of people.
• Karaoke Night: If your family members share a liking for music, you can opt for renting a karaoke system for the evening. It's quite simple. All you have to do is play the music tracks and sing along with the lyrics that show up on the screen. But I warn you, it can be very addictive and you may very well find yourself singing the night away!
• Dance Dance: Make a special audio CD which includes all the popular dance songs from yesteryear. Covering all the hit dance numbers from Elvis to Enrique will ensure that both the young and the old hit the dance floor. Having a 'best family dancer' competition will definitely make things even more entertaining!
• Family Talent Hunt: Have a family talent hunt where family members come forward and showcase their individual talents. Award a prize to the person with the most unique talent. You can make this even better by awarding a 'special prankster trophy' (for example, a bunch of bananas) to the person who holds the distinction of having played the most hilarious prank as a child.
• Tree Plantation: Plant a sapling in your garden. The next time that you have a family reunion, you will be amazed at the growth of the tree and it surely will make you feel good inside.

So the next time you think about having a family reunion, be sure to include some of the above-mentioned family reunion activities. It will go a long way in making the occasion all the more special and memorable.