Bringing together family members of all ages and backgrounds for a weekend or weeklong get-together can be fun and exciting—but also challenging. Fortunately, with careful planning, a good mix of activities and a willingness to compromise, a successful reunion is possible.
Consider a theme: Use a theme to focus family members’ attention when choosing reunion attire, planning food and decorations, or creating games and other fun activities. A theme can help you create a shared experience to build strong connections and memories that will last a lifetime.
Make sure everyone has something to do: Choose activities that are suitable for a range of ages and interests, from outdoor adventures to relaxing picnics and group photos. For example, plan a movie night under the stars with cozy blankets and popcorn or divide family members into teams to compete in a thrilling scavenger hunt.
Give the kids a chance to work together: Some families assign their grandchildren groups for cleaning up duties after each meal and activity. They earn “stars” for tasks like helping to wash dishes or vacuuming a room and are rewarded at the end of the reunion with a special outing.
Make your reunion memorable: Create a dedicated website or online journal to share stories and pictures from the event, which can then be archived and referenced by future generations. You can also host a talent show, inviting all to showcase their musical or comedic talents in front of the whole family. You can even host a virtual talent show using Zoom or another video platform, making it easy for family members to participate who can’t attend in person.