Summer is the perfect time to visit relatives near and far at the annual family reunion. Spending quality time with family you don’t often see creates memories that last a lifetime.
When planning your reunion, consider including games or other contests. They are a great way to involve everyone in the event, because they break the ice by encouraging family members to interact with one another. Below are some ideas for family reunion games and contests.
Family Reunion Games
My friend Kelly's annual Pickleball and Cornhole tournament.Bean Bag Toss: (Also called Cornhole) This game is easy to play for both young and old. The bean bag toss boards are available for purchase at any sporting goods store, or you can build your own. Be sure to award a trophy to the winning team!
Horseshoes: This is a classic game. Many parks have horseshoe pits already built in – you just supply the shoes. The only caution with this game is horseshoes are heavy, so take care when throwing them. We make trophies for this game as well.
Bocce Balls: Another throwing game, only this one uses small balls. Bocce is a fun game for all ages that is easy to play and not too physically demanding. Older inactive adults can play, along with the youngest of kids.
Cards: If playing cards are your family’s passion, consider hosting a card tournament. My friend’s family holds a huge cribbage tournament at his family reunion each year. They really get into it, with past winners memorialized on a perpetual trophy.
Field Day Games: Any games that are at a school Field Day make great family reunion games. These include sack race, 3 legged race, egg toss, relays, tug–of-war and long jump.
Other Active Kid Games: Keep the kids entertained for hours with some recess games! For young preschool aged kids, Duck Duck Goose is a great choice. For school aged kids, running games such as Red Light Green Light or Tag are always hits, and require no equipment. Variations on Tag include Freeze Tag or Flashlight Tag at night. Put the older kids in charge of planning and running the games; the younger ones will be sure to join in! Here is a link to more kid game options, with instructions on how to play.
Family Reunion Contests
If active games aren’t your family’s thing, consider hosting a cooking contest. Some popular ones we’ve seen include pie baking contests, chili and barbeque cookoffs. Another idea is to have special family dishes that are brought to the event, taste tested, and judged! For ideas on how to judge a cookoff, check out my blog post, Chili Cookoff Ideas.
Another idea is to showcase your talents at a family talent show, with a variety of acts. Everyone who participates gets a prize. That would be one reunion you’d never forget!
Family Recognition
I actually found the idea to write this blog post from a customer comment. This customer uses corporate awards to honor various family members at her annual reunion. This group recognizes high school and college graduations, new jobs, promotions, and any awards a family member has received throughout the year at their event. They also award members who have shown selfless dedication to the family. What a great way to recognize those who make a difference in your family!
Safe travels, fun times, and great memories at your next family reunion!
Cheers,
Jessica