Nobody enjoys awkward small talk across the table from a distant family member, which is why you’re probably on the hunt for some fresh family reunion ideas. But how do you create lasting memories while making sure everyone, from the youngest cousin to the eldest grandparent, has a great time?
Planning a fun family gathering shouldn’t feel daunting. That’s why we’ve rounded up 31 unique family reunion ideas that will help you break away from the ordinary. Our guide features a wide range of family reunion activities, from outdoor adventures and team building games to out-of-the-box experiences. Find the perfect ideas for a family reunion that everyone can enjoy this year.
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- The Benefits of a Family Reunion
- The 31 Best Family Reunion Ideas
- More Team Building In Cities Near You
The Benefits of a Family Reunion
Many things come and go, but family members are there with you through thick and thin. It’s unfortunate that life can sometimes pull us in different directions, making it hard to stay connected and spend quality time together.
Family reunions provide a dedicated time where everyone can come together, strengthen their bonds and even learn about family history. However, it’s important not to just improvise these reunions. Thoughtful planning with engaging family reunion ideas can ensure that everyone feels included and invested in the experience.
When coming up with family reunion ideas, look for activities that promote togetherness, foster team building and create a dash of healthy competition. Also, pick activities that cater to various interests and age groups. Ultimately, you want to stray away from the boring, predictable options and go for more fun family reunion ideas that create long-lasting memories and help celebrate your family’s unique ties.
The 31 Best Family Reunion Ideas
1. Try Team Building Activities
When brainstorming family reunion ideas, incorporating team building activities can elevate the experience and strengthen family bonds. What makes these activities so appealing is that they encourage everyone to work together toward a common goal and they introduce a bit of friendly competition.
There are countless team building activities to consider. For instance, there are a bunch of activities for foodies such as cooking or mixology classes to make your favorite dishes. If your crew is more adventurous, why not book an escape room to add some excitement? No matter what you choose, team building activities are essential family reunion ideas that should be included in every important gathering.
2. Embark on a Food Tour
When it comes to family reunion ideas, you want to look for activities that create a shared experience. That’s exactly what food tours do. These guided adventures allow you to explore a specific neighborhood and sample its best cuisine. You’ll have the chance to try a variety of dishes from local restaurants, all while learning about the cultural significance behind each meal.
No matter where you’re located or your group size, there will be many food tours near you to explore. Best of all, you can choose a food tour that suits your family’s preferences. This means there’s something for all ages and all palates, which is why this is one of the best family reunion ideas that guarantees everyone leaves satisfied.
3. Take a Cooking Class
Nothing brings people together quite like food. It’s a tradition that spans centuries, making cooking classes one of the most timeless yet inventive family reunion ideas. These classes encourage everyone to get involved in a hands-on way and ensure that essential cooking skills are passed down to younger generations.
No matter where you live, there are cooking classes near you that offer the chance to learn from a true gourmet chef and receive over-the-shoulder guidance on making your favorite dishes. Whether it’s making an elegant French bistro meal or creating a gourmet pizza, this is one of those family reunion ideas that promotes a bit of healthy competition, allowing older and younger family members to team up and see who can create the best dish.
4. Try Virtual Experiences
You shouldn’t let distance or scheduling conflicts keep your family from connecting. With the help of technology, virtual experiences provide an excellent option for family reunion ideas. Everyone can tune in from across the country, saving on travel costs while still enjoying quality time together.
There are many online team building activities. These include online cooking classes where you can whip up your favorite gourmet dishes as well as virtual wine tastings. You can also incorporate virtual team building activities to strengthen bonds and keep the fun going beyond the usual family reunion ideas.
Team Building Goes Gourmet Connect with your team through world-class cooking classes, mixology classes, food tours and more. Book Now5. Make a Splash With a Pool Party
It’s hard not to get excited about a pool party, which is why it’s one of the best family reunion ideas for ensuring everyone has a great time. While swimming is the main attraction, you can keep the fun going with a variety of engaging pool activities and competitions to entertain the kids throughout the day.
Think of classic games like Marco Polo, noodle jousting and pool volleyball. Plus, don’t forget to plan out the pool party food.
6. Plan a Murder Mystery Dinner Party
If you’ve ever been in an escape room or attended a murder mystery dinner party, you know the thrill of playing detective. It’s one of the most exciting family reunion ideas to keep everyone on their toes.
In a murder mystery dinner party, each person takes on a character role, with some playing detectives, suspects or witnesses. As the dinner unfolds, clues are revealed, players are interrogated and ultimately, everyone must work together to uncover the murderer.
If you’re looking for interesting family reunion ideas, you may want to host a murder mystery dinner party. Just be sure to plan ahead, such as picking a party theme and preparing party props and decorations to make your setting more immersive.
7. Host a Dinner Party
Hosting a dinner party is a timeless classic and is among the best family reunion ideas for bringing people closer together. There’s nothing like enjoying a hearty meal with your favorite foods, such as granny’s meatloaf or dad’s sizzling fajita steaks. You could even set a theme like Dress to Impress or 1920s fashion to make things extra special.
You can go with a more pot-luck-style setup where everyone contributes a dish or decide to take charge of the menu yourself. If you find yourself planning the entire event, consider researching how to host your first dinner partyso you’re well-prepared. There’s nothing as satisfying as looking around the table at all those familiar faces.
8. Compete in Family Olympics
When it comes to family reunion ideas, few things are as fun (and chaotic!) as hosting your own family Olympics. Sure, it might not be the grand spectacle of the real Olympics, but you can still make it feel special, especially with family members eager to claim bragging rights as the best competitor.
You can set up different event games such as relay races, sack races, egg-and-spoon races, ultimate frisbee, bean bag toss and more. Be sure to prepare prizes for the winning team. It’s one of the best family reunion ideas if your family is ultra-competitive and loves to get active.
Book a Team Building Experience Now Connect with your team through world-class cooking classes, mixology classes, food tours and more. Book Now9. Host a Summer BBQ
If you’re lucky enough to have beautiful weather, hosting a summer BBQ is one of those classic family reunion ideas that never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. There’s something about grilled food enjoyed outdoors that makes it perfect for family bonding.
This is one of those laidback family reunion ideas where you can chit-chat over some delicious brisket, steak, kebabs and more. If you have a pool, you may want to explorepool party ideasto make the reunion even more memorable.
10. Hold a Talent Show
Little Timmy wants to show off his new juggling skills and Granny has been playing that piano since before anyone can remember. This is one of the best family reunion ideas for letting everyone showcase their unique skills. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much hidden talent your family has!
Who knows, you might even do your best Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation and have the entire family laughing. Either way, this is one of those family reunion ideas that strays away from the ordinary.
11. Sing Your Hearts Out With a Karaoke Party
A karaoke party is one of the most exciting family reunion ideas, and it's a way to get everyone laughing and having a blast. Whether it’s belting out classic hits or dancing around to the latest radio bops, singing together has a way of bringing the family closer.
Even the shyest family members may find themselves grabbing the mic. You may want to research someparty food ideasthat people can easily snack on as they sing and dance — after all, nobody wants to sing on an empty stomach.
12. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
If your family has a lot of kids, then a scavenger hunt is the perfect family reunion idea for you. There are many benefits of scavenger hunts, especially for young children, as it helps them develop sensory skills and keeps them focused for a long time.
You can keep it simple by hiding items and providing easy clues for the little ones. For the adults, ramp up the challenge with riddles that need solving to reveal the location of each item. Regardless of age, planning a scavenger hunt is a family reunion idea that fosters teamwork.
Team Building Goes Gourmet Connect with your team through world-class cooking classes, mixology classes, food tours and more. Book Now13. Take Your Family Camping
One of the best family reunion ideas is to organize a camping trip. Take your family outdoors, sleep under the stars and immerse yourselves in the sights and sounds of nature.
There are countless activities to partake in, from roasting marshmallows around the campfire to outdoor pursuits like fishing, hiking or relaxing by the lake. For meal prep, be sure to bring along the best grills so everyone can savor delicious barbecue food together.
This is one of those family reunion ideas that could inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature, especially among the kids in your family, and it’s a great way to spend a sustained period of time together.
14. Create a DIY Family Recipe Cookbook
Every family has treasured recipes that deserve to be passed down through generations, ensuring they’re never forgotten. Whether it’s Grandpa’s delicious casserole or Mom’s famous chocolate chip cookies, these recipes should be immortalized in a cookbook.
Creating a DIY family recipe cookbook is one of the best family reunion ideas for building teamwork. Plus, at each reunion, you can add new recipes to keep the tradition alive. You can even include healthier options inspired by the best vegan cookbooks to add more variety to your family’s repertoire.
15. Enjoy an Outdoor Movie Night
Transform your backyard into a cozy open-air theater for a fun, family-friendly movie night under the stars. It’s one of those family reunion ideas that helps everyone to wind down after dinner.
All you need is a projector, comfy cushions and blankets, and the whole family can sit down to enjoy a movie together. Take things up a notch by preparing some of the best healthy snacks like popcorn, veggie trays and fruit platters to keep everyone happily munching.
16. Set up a Photo Booth
Setting up a DIY photo booth is one of the best ideas for a reunion of the family if you want to create long-lasting memories. All you need are some DIY props like funny hats, glasses, fake mustaches and other playful props to get everyone in a playful mood.
Set up a camera and let your family get snap happy. At the end of the day, you can send everyone the photos or put them in a memory book. It’s one of those family reunion ideas that pairs perfectly with other activities, like catering, to create a memorable experience.
Book a Team Building Experience Now Connect with your team through world-class cooking classes, mixology classes, food tours and more. Book Now17. Have a Family Cooking Competition
One of the best family reunion ideas is hosting a cooking competition, where you can find out who really has the best culinary chops.
Feel free to set a theme, like using only specific ingredients, or assign different categories for dishes, such as main courses, appetizers and desserts. This way, you can enjoy a delicious family-style pot-luck meal afterward. For inspiration, the best cookbooks offer a wealth of recipes so that your family can get a headstart on what to prepare.
18. Host a Goofy Family Awards Ceremony
If you've seen "The Office," you know exactly how goofy awards ceremonies can go — it’s one of the most entertaining family reunion ideas out there. Think of it as your family’s own comedic awards show, where everyone gets recognized for their quirky traits.
You can buy some dollar-store trophies or create printed certificates to make everyone feel official. Then, pick one family member to be the host as all the awards are handed out. Some classic categories include Best Karaoke Performance, Loudest Family Member and or Most Likely to Fall Asleep at the Reunion.
Perhaps you're hosting a virtual reunion? If so, this fun virtual event idea also works perfectly over Zoom.
19. Plan a Family Picnic
Pack a basket filled with homemade dishes, grab your favorite checkered tablecloth and head to the nearest park for a fun picnic. This is one of the best family reunion ideas that everyone can enjoy and take part in.
Don’t forget to bring a grill to whip up all your favorite barbecue foods, like grilled skewers or juicy burgers. And if you want a touch of elegance, consider incorporating classic romantic picnic ideas, such as a beautifully arranged charcuterie board, candles and a chilled bottle of wine.
20. Take on a Baking Challenge
If your family has a sweet tooth, a baking challenge is one of the most fun family reunion ideas you can try. You can even simulate the baking shows exactly as you see them on the Food Network.
Simply gather everyone in the kitchen, divide into teams and challenge each group to whip up the most delicious treat they can imagine. If you’re in need of inspiration, thebest baking cookbooks can provide plenty of recipe ideas. Whether you decide to recreate Grandma’s secret dessert or invent something entirely from scratch, you’re sure to end the day with a delicious treat for everyone to indulge in.
Team Building Goes Gourmet Connect with your team through world-class cooking classes, mixology classes, food tours and more. Book Now21. Go Canoeing or Kayaking
For outdoor enthusiasts, canoeing or kayaking is one of the best family reunion ideas. It offers an adventurous experience without the intensity of a water park, making it accessible for all ages to enjoy.
Kayaking is a form of exercise that helps to melt away stress. Whether you’re navigating rapid waters or a calm lake, kayaking promotes teamwork and allows everyone to unplug from daily distractions. Many guided tours offer rental boats, and you can even plan a fishing trip alongside your paddling adventure, making it one of the more versatile family reunion ideas.
22. Plan a Family Service Day
Sometimes, it’s not all about thrill-seeking. Volunteering is a family reunion idea that focuses everybody on making a difference in the lives of others. Engaging in service can also teach young kids about volunteering and its surprising benefits.
There are many local charities and community service organizations that need support. Whether it's helping out at a food bank or cleaning up a park, this experience allows your family to bond while making a positive impact. It’s a unique idea for a family reunion that everyone will remember and cherish.
23. Tell Your Story
Sometimes it’s easy for family members to feel shy or disengaged, especially around those they don’t know well. Gathering for a storytelling session, whether around a campfire or in a backyard, is one of the best family reunion ideas for getting everyone involved.
Telling stories fosters connection but also helps kids to develop public speaking skills and build confidence. If you’ve already got the camping grill fired up, this is one of those family reunion ideas to add to the itinerary.
24. Enjoy a Board Game Night
Gathering the family for a board game night is a surefire way to bring everyone closer. It's one of the best family reunion ideas for those who like a little competition, especially if the weather forces you to stay indoors.
You can stick with classics like Monopoly or Scrabble to see who comes out on top or try team-friendly games like Pictionary or Codenames for some collaborative fun. Make things even more exciting and keep the competitive spirit alive by preparing prizes for the winner.
Book a Team Building Experience Now Connect with your team through world-class cooking classes, mixology classes, food tours and more. Book Now25. Take a Historical Tour
There’s likely a lot more to your hometown than you realize. Do you know all of the landmarks and incredible stories that have shaped your community? IF not, going on a historical tour in your city or even another city is one of the best family reunion ideas to blend fun with education.
A visit to a museum filled with ancient artifacts can captivate the kids, while a guided tour of a historic district can spark engaging conversations. Historical tours aren't the only family reunion ideas for exploration, though.Food tours around the world provide a delicious way to learn more about the city around you wherever you are while uncovering the cultural significance behind its cuisine.
26. Create a Family Tree Mural
You might be surprised at just how fascinating your family lineage is. Not learning about your shared heritage can be a missed opportunity, which is why creating a family tree mural is one of the most essential family reunion ideas.
To do this, set up a large canvas where family members can add their names, photos and stories, with branches out from the central trunk that represent the family. By the end, you’ll have a stunning piece of art that reminds everyone of their shared lineage. Plus, it might even inspire some family members to begin their genealogical research to uncover more about their roots.
27. Embark on a Family Hike
There’s nothing like putting away your digital devices and stepping outside for some fresh air. Exploring the great outdoors allows us to appreciate the beauty of nature and reminds us of the wonders around us.
The United States is home to countless national parks, offering beautiful scenic viewpoints and opportunities to spot wildlife. Plus, it’s one of the best family reunion ideas to improve your physical health while teaching kids the importance of unplugging from the digital world.
28. Take an Art Class
Get your creative juices flowing with an art class. This unique family reunion idea might not be the most obvious, but it’s a great outlet for personal expression and improved mental health.
Whether it’s pottery, painting, sculpting or another art form, everyone gets a chance to share their creative work. The bonus is that your finished artwork serves as a special keepsake that can be kept for yourself or a thoughtful gift to someone else, making it one of the best family reunion ideas to keep in mind.
Team Building Goes Gourmet Connect with your team through world-class cooking classes, mixology classes, food tours and more. Book Now29.Toss Water Balloons
What better way to break the ice than a water balloon toss? Face it, we all dread the awkward “getting to re-know you” questions at family gatherings. If you’re searching for family reunion ideas that get everyone in a fun mood fast, you can't go wrong with water balloons.
Everybody pairs up with another family member before tossing the water-filled balloon back and forth. After each successful toss, the players take a step backward, keeping the balloon from bursting for as any throws as possible. The pair that successfully tosses and catches the balloon over the longest distance without it breaking wins.
This is one of the best family reunion ideas to include while camping or enjoying some time outdoors. Just make sure everyone brings a change of clothing!
30. Play Charades
When it comes to family reunion activities, you want to look for something that breaks the ice and promotes bonding. Charades brings out everyone’s playful side, eliminating the nervous small talk that can happen at family gatherings. Plus, the creative-thinking elements of Charades help to develop problem-solving skills.
The idea is that players act out words or phrases while their teammate tries to guess what it is. The best part? This family reunion idea is fun for all age groups.
31. Visit an Amusement or Trampoline Park
If you or your children are thrill seekers then you may want to head over to a trampoline or amusement park. It’s one of the best family reunion ideas to unleash everyone’s inner child since.
Find an indoor trampoline park where family members of all ages can bounce, jump and flip around. Alternatively, choose an amusement park with rides like roller coasters, Ferris wheels and carousels for some good old-fashioned fun.
More Team Building In Cities Near You
Check out more exciting team building activities in cities near you.
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Boston
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in San Francisco
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Miami
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Indianapolis
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in NYC
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It can be hard to come up with exciting family reunion ideas that don’t feel like the same old, tired activities. What's important is that you keep things fresh and engaging while also catering to everyone’s interests, which is where this guide can help. Whether you choose cooking classes or karaoke, storytelling or charades, by now you should have everythingyou need to ensure your next family gathering goes off with a bang.
For even more fun team building inspiration, check out other experiences on Cozymeal.
