Family Reunion Games: Getting the Fun Started
Getting The Games Started
Congratulations! If you have made it to this point in the planning process, you are ready for the real fun to begin!
Let's recap.
By this time you have decided on a theme, you have chosen where the reunion will take place, you have set up lodging for out of town family members, and you have created and sent off your invitations. Now, it is time to decide what exactly you will DO at your family reunion.
Breaking the Ice with Family Games
If you are like most families that are spread all over the country, you most likely have some relatives that do not know each other that well. Therefore, you will want to be sure to include some icebreaking activities in your family reunion plans.
FAMILY REUNION GAME TIP: Use your family website while planning your family reunion to collaborate with your family members regarding what games they would like to play at the reunion. This helps ensure everyone will enjoy the activities you plan.
Human BINGO: The Ultimate Family Icebreaker
One great ice breaker is Human BINGO. With Human BINGO, you will need to prepare some BINGO cards ahead of time. Rather than using numbers as you usually find on BINGO cards, however, you will write human characteristics and traits on the cards.
Creating Your Human BINGO Cards
Examples of squares to include:
- Hobbies and Interests: "Plays a musical instrument," "Loves to garden," "Enjoys cooking"
- Physical Traits: "Has brown eyes," "Is left-handed," "Has curly hair"
- Life Experiences: "Has lived in more than 3 states," "Speaks two languages," "Has been to Europe"
- Extraordinary Activities: "Has been skydiving," "Has run a marathon," "Has met a celebrity"
- Family-Specific: "Was born in the same month as you," "Has the same middle name as you," "Is a grandparent"
How to Play Human BINGO
After your cards are created, you will play Human BINGO much like you play traditional Bingo. Only in this case, you or someone else designated as the caller will name off certain traits or characteristics. Each family member must then mix and mingle to find a family member that fits that trait. Then, the person matching that trait signs the appropriate square. The winner is the first player to successfully complete a BINGO.
Game Variations:
- Free Roam: Let players find matches at their own pace
- Called Game: Announce one trait at a time
- Speed Round: Set time limits for finding each match
- Blackout: Try to fill the entire card
I Am Turtle: Creative Expression Game
Another option is to play I Am Turtle. With this game, your younger guests draw pictures of an animal or other object that they think represents them. The older family members then try to determine which animal or object fits with which child.
How to Set Up I Am Turtle
Materials Needed:
- Paper and colored pencils/crayons
- Timer (optional)
- Small prizes for participants
Game Process:
- Drawing Phase: Children draw their chosen animal/object
- Collection: Gather all drawings without names
- Guessing Phase: Adults try to match drawings to children
- Reveal: Children explain their choices
Why This Game Works:
- Encourages creativity in younger participants
- Creates conversation starters about personality traits
- Helps adults learn more about the children in the family
- Produces keepsakes that can be saved in family albums
Bring Me: The Ultimate Mingling Game
Bring Me is another good game to play. To play this game, you or the designated caller will call out for certain objects by saying something like "Bring Me a shoe with yellow shoestrings." The first person to bring that item then receives a prize.
The Special Rule That Makes It Work
The item brought up to the caller, however, cannot belong to that person or to a person in his or her immediate family. Rather, he or she has to get the object from a more distant family member. This helps to get your family mingling and the fun is sure to ensue!
Example "Bring Me" Requests:
- "Bring me a photo from someone's wallet"
- "Bring me a keychain with more than 3 keys"
- "Bring me something red from someone's purse"
- "Bring me a business card from a relative"
- "Bring me a coin from before 1990"
- "Bring me something that represents a hobby"
Making Bring Me Even Better
Prize Ideas:
- Small gift cards
- Family-themed items
- Candy or treats
- Funny certificates
- Family reunion memorabilia
Advanced Variations:
- Team Bring Me: Form mixed family groups
- Story Bring Me: Items must come with a story
- Photo Bring Me: Take pictures of successful finds
- Chain Bring Me: Previous winners become the next callers
Additional Icebreaker Games for Family Reunions
Family Trivia Challenge
Create questions about family history, member achievements, and shared memories:
- "Who in the family has lived in the most states?"
- "Which family member once met a famous person?"
- "What was Grandpa's first job?"
Two Truths and a Lie (Family Edition)
Each person shares three statements about themselves, and others guess which is false. Great for learning surprising facts about family members.
Family Member Matching
- Match baby photos to current family members
- Match childhood nicknames to adult relatives
- Match family members to their professions or hobbies
Time Capsule Predictions
Have family members write predictions about the family for the next reunion, then seal them to open in the future.
Tips for Successful Family Reunion Games
Consider All Ages
For Young Children (3-8):
- Simple rules and short attention spans
- Visual and hands-on activities
- Immediate rewards and recognition
For Tweens/Teens (9-18):
- Technology integration when appropriate
- Competitive elements
- Cool prizes that appeal to their age group
For Adults:
- Nostalgia-based activities
- Intellectual challenges
- Social interaction opportunities
For Seniors:
- Seated options available
- Clear instructions and good lighting
- Memory-sharing components
Game Management Best Practices
Preparation:
- Test games with a small group first
- Prepare extra supplies
- Have backup activities ready
- Assign game helpers/referees
During Games:
- Keep energy high with enthusiasm
- Be flexible with rules if needed
- Ensure everyone feels included
- Take photos of the fun moments
Prizes and Recognition:
- Have enough prizes for multiple winners
- Consider participation prizes for everyone
- Recognize good sportsmanship
- Create certificates or awards
Building on Game Success
Creating Lasting Memories
Documentation:
- Photograph game moments
- Save creative outputs (drawings, writings)
- Record funny quotes or moments
- Create a reunion memory book
Follow-Up:
- Share photos on your family website
- Plan similar games for future reunions
- Let game winners help plan next time
- Create family game traditions
Ready for More Fun?
These icebreaker games are just the beginning of creating an unforgettable family reunion experience. When family members are laughing, sharing, and connecting through games, you're building the foundation for stronger relationships and treasured memories.
The key is choosing games that encourage interaction between family members who don't know each other well, while ensuring everyone can participate and feel included. With these activities in your reunion toolkit, you're ready to transform a simple gathering into a celebration that strengthens your family bonds for years to come!