Family reunions aren’t always relaxing. In fact, oftentimes they’re downright stressful. With dozens of family members coming together and asking for entertainment, food, and a comfortable place to sleep – not to mention the usual arguments that are bound to arise – it can definitely be a little overwhelming at times.
But it doesn’t always have to be that way. Summer is coming up and it’s time to plan that enjoyable family reunion. With these ideas, you can have a successful family get together that’s at least tolerable – if not a blast!
1. Find a Large, Family-Friendly Location
Don’t try to squish all of your family into one house. That will only add to the stress and chaos. Instead, find a location large enough to host the entire family. For example, you might rent a series of cabins near a water park or reserve a large campground near a lake.
2. Get Everyone Involved
To take some of the stress off your shoulders and make everyone feel they have a say in the family reunion, give each family a job and hold them accountable. Likewise, plan a variety of activities so that everyone has a way to participate. This will make everyone feel included and hopefully minimize the number of arguments.
3. Do Crafts
There are bound to be a few hours during the day when the kids won’t have much to do and they’ll drive the adults crazy. The solution? Plan a few crafts they can do in their spare time. It’ll keep them busy for hours!
4. Make a Family Movie
Unite the families by creating a family movie beforehand and reserving a night to enjoy it together. Collect photos and videos from each family and then use a free online video maker to put it together. Provide popcorn and theater candy for the family to munch on while they watch and enjoy the memories.
5. Incorporate a Theme
Create a simple theme family members can refer to as they plan their reunion assignments. It doesn’t need to be wild or decadent, but it does need to be fun! Click herefor some great family reunion theme ideas.
6. Give Out Silly Awards
Have a night devoted to being a little goofy, and hand out awards for silly things you’ve observed about particular family members. For example, you could hand out an award to the person who ate the most pie and one to the person who used the most duct tape. Just keep it light and fun and include as many people as possible.
7. Plan a Dynamite Menu
Food really is the key to bringing everyone together, and if the food is good, chances are people will be happy for the most part. If it’s in the budget, have it catered so that you don’t have to worry about it. Otherwise, spread the responsibility among various family members. Make sure there are plenty of snacks between meals as well!
8. Make T-Shirts
Nothing unites a family like matching t-shirts, right? Maybe not, but it is fun. Ask everyone to wear them on one day of the reunion and take a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
9. Have a Treasure Hunt
This one doesn’t just have to be just for the kids. Whether you hide clues that lead to a big “pot of gold” or make a list of items to find on a scavenger hunt, family members young and old can delight in this silly, but thoroughly entertaining game.
10. Display a Family Tree
Finally, offer guests something both interesting and educational to enjoy in their spare time by displaying a family tree. Do a little family history research and present the photos and names of each generation on a large photo of a tree. Provide anecdotes to accompany the names and get all the family members involved. Learning about your heritage can be pretty entertaining!
The success of your family reunion truly revolves around solid planning. With just a few great ideas for keeping the family entertained, this year’s family reunion could be the best one yet!
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