10 Super Fun Family Reunion Ideas You Should Try

Family reunions are an excellent way to catch up with family members you haven’t seen in a while – and have a blast at the same time!

Family reunions can occur any time of the year, but the summer is typical as children are out of school, and most adults take vacations. Some ideas on this list, like escape rooms, aren’t limited to summertime weather. But they can be a refreshing break from the summer heat. Remember to wear sunscreen for the outdoor activities and have a blast with your family! Also, don’t forget to keep your furry family members safe and happy while you enjoy the festivities by considering reliable dog boarding services, allowing you to focus on fun, laughter, and bonding with your family to ensure that every moment together becomes a cherished memory.

As you start planning your ideal family reunion, consider the following activities that are fun and inclusive for family members of all ages. Use one or any combination of these to spend a truly memorable time together.

1. Camping or Hiking in Nature

Getting some fresh air and enjoying the great outdoors are easily accomplished on a camping trip. During the day, kids can have fun identifying wildlife and going on a scavenger hunt for different species of insects, rocks, and plants while the adults set up camp. At night, the whole family can gather around for s’mores and campfire songs, or even explore the surroundings with a pvs 14 white phosphor night vision device to spot nocturnal wildlife.

There are many great hiking and camping areas throughout the United States, both in or near National Parks. There is something beautiful and exciting about enjoying the scenery and history of nature while enjoying the company of family and friends. Plus, there are always stories to tell around the campfire.

2. Bowling

Is your family competitive? Bowling is an excellent way to bring the family together while engaging in a healthy competition. Put the lane bumpers up for the young ones to avoid gutter balls, and everyone will have a good score and an even better time.

Most bowling alleys feature arcade games that will keep the kids occupied and provide the adults with some nostalgic fun. Make custom bowling shirts so that the family can show off their team pride with flair. A trip to the bowling alley is also an excellent time for family photos.

3. Hit the Beach!

Few things are better than a beach vacation with the family! Slather on the sunscreen, tanning lotion, then hit the waves with a boogie board and beach ball. Set up a volleyball net and split the family into teams to enjoy a fun competition.

If you’re not staying near a shore, a lake is a beautiful alternative to a beach trip. Lakes are generally cooler than the beach (an upside for those who don’t want to bake in the sun) but provide just as much entertainment. Many lakes have fossils or shells for collecting, fishing, boating, and water tubing or skiing.

If you’re not near any coast, try renting a swimming pool to serve up some summer fun. For children and adults, be sure to supply floatation devices. Plan a picnic lunch with sandwiches, salads, chips, and fruit for everyone. Don’t forget sunglasses!

4. Kayaking

Enjoy cool river waters with a family kayaking adventure. Choose a location that will fit your family group’s range of ages and abilities, then rent one or two-person kayaks (or canoes) and enjoy cruising along the water.

Kayaking and canoeing are excellent ideas for active families and those that love nature. Have fun spotting birds and other wildlife as you enjoy the warm sunshine and cool waters. Be mindful to follow all local guidelines, including wearing life vests and any special advisories concerning wildlife and insects. To capture these great memories, consider options for waterproofing your cell phone or camera.

5. Escape Rooms

If you are looking to get out of the heat and enjoy a challenge together, look no further than an escape room! Escape rooms have been popping up throughout the United States and worldwide since 2004. It is a unique and creative way to fully immerse yourself into a world of climatic and sometimes cinematic challenges.

Solve mysteries using clues and hints in each room to find a way to escape. There are escape rooms of all kinds that cater to different skill and fear levels, so people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy themselves.

Apps like Morty make it easy to find escape rooms near you. Morty touts reviews and recommendations from those who have experienced the various included escape rooms. The app also features an interactive community map to which other escape room enthusiasts contribute personal experiences, ratings, and reviews, so you and your family can choose the best escape room close to you.

6. Amusement Parks

Does your family enjoy roller coasters, cotton candy, and exciting live shows? An amusement park might be the perfect choice for your family reunion! There are many amusement parks throughout the United States to choose from that will fit the tastes and budget of any family.

After spending time on roller coasters and playing games, take refuge indoors for a meal and a show for relaxation and restoration before hopping back on the rides. Many amusement parks have adjacent or nearby lodging, so you can spend more than one day enjoying the thrills!

7. KaraokeAct

Having fun singing a song or two together is another excellent activity for your family reunion. Plan out what songs you want to sing and build a playlist ahead of time so that each family member can prepare to sing their very best.

You can either purchase a karaoke machine to use in the comfort of your own home, or go out to a karaoke room that allows everyone to participate and have a great time. Try putting together a talent show with prizes for the top performers in different categories, such as best singer, dancer, or comedic performer. You can also set up an overall theme that can inform everyone’s choice of act.

8. Board Game Tournament

Monopoly, Clue, Candy Land, and Scrabble, oh my! If it is raining or too hot or cold to be outside, head inside for a board game tournament!

Board games allow family members to chat and catch up while engaging in teamwork or healthy competition. Be sure to have games on hand for younger family members. While this might seem like a downside, you’ll be surprised how much fun and nostalgia childhood games can provide for older family members.

If you’re feeling competitive, create a leaderboard and have family members collect points for how many games they win. At the end of the family reunion, the top winners can face off in a final round in a game of their choosing for prizes like candy, gift cards, or toys.

Board games are an excellent option for any time of year, especially if you have an unexpected rainy day. Clear off the dining room table or living room floor and hunker down for a lively and exciting time.

9. Outdoor Movie Night

It can get expensive to bring the whole family out to the movies, especially younger family members. And what if there’s not a movie in theaters that everyone wants to watch?

Try hosting an outdoor movie night instead! An outdoor movie night is easily accomplished by using a projector and a large, broad surface like a screen, the side of a building, or a fence. Modern projectors will hook up to a computer or phone, and the family can collectively choose one or more (family-friendly) movies to watch together. Pop some popcorn, then set out candies and other treats for family members to select. Then just bring the lawn chairs or blankets outside and enjoy a lovely evening under the stars.

10. Field Day

Remember back in middle school when the whole school would join in the schoolyard for games like cornhole, tug-of-war, or a three-legged race?

It’s easy to set up a similar family field day at a park or in the backyard. The chosen games can be specifically tailored to the abilities and interests of the family so that everyone is engaged and feels included in the fun. Build a roster for teams and enjoy a sweet victory with everyone when you come together for a barbeque lunch at the end of the day.

Bonus: Record Memories

Use your phone or camera to collect footage and photos of your family reunion to share for years to come. Create a shared platform (like a photo folder or even a Facebook album) where everyone in the family can add their photos. Consider creating a scrapbook or photo album after the reunion to commemorate this time with the family.

Then at your next family reunion, you can arrange a slideshow or video compilation of all your favorite activities from this year!

Conclusion

From outdoor activities like kayaking and swimming to indoor fun such as escape rooms or karaoke, there are plenty of exciting ideas for your next family reunion. Try out one or a combination of these ideas for some sure-fire fun. Just don’t forget to take pictures!