One of the things that we will look at in this article is what family reunion activities will set you up for success.  But first…

It’s difficult to determine the popularity of family reunions, as there is no centralized data tracking their frequency. However, our anecdotal evidence suggests that family reunions are a common occurrence, particularly in the United States, where they are often held during the summer months or around holidays. Many families make a tradition out of holding regular reunions, while others may hold them less frequently or only on special occasions.

EscapeTrails certainly offer many scavenger hunts for family reunions during the summer vacation (July and August) and Holiday period (in December) as they are fun, active and social and there is something for everyone to have fun (and the little dose of competition always adds a little spice!).  Our escape game experiences that we set up to play in any location are popular too especially for those wanting challenge as well as fun.

So family reunions became an important part of our client base a little by accident as people realized that an EscapeTrail can offer some great fun that everyone can enjoy whatever your age.  We started to think about why groups got together, whether family reunions always went to plan or not and what other family union activities are normally or could be incorporated into a family reunion.  Below is a summary of our research!

The Importance of Family Reunions

Family reunions are an excellent way to bring families together, catch up on each other’s lives, and create lasting memories. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find the time to connect with loved ones, but family reunions provide a perfect opportunity to do just that. Here are some reasons why family reunions are so special and why you should consider organizing one.

Strengthening Family Bonds

Family reunions are the perfect opportunity to strengthen family bonds and build relationships. It’s a time to reconnect with family members you haven’t seen in a while and to get to know new family members. Reconnecting with family members can help build trust, respect, and love, which can last for generations. Family reunions provide a chance to discuss important family issues, work through conflicts, and celebrate accomplishments.

Sharing Family History

Family reunions are an excellent platform to share family history and stories. It’s a chance to learn more about your family’s roots, traditions, and culture. Family members can share their experiences, photos, and family heirlooms, which can help preserve your family’s history and pass it on to future generations. Learning about your family’s history can provide a sense of identity and belonging, which can be especially important for children and young adults.

Creating Lasting Memories

Family reunions are not just about catching up and sharing stories; they are also about having fun and creating lasting memories. There are plenty of activities that families can do together, such as playing games, having a barbeque, or going on a family trip. These activities can bring family members closer together and create a sense of unity. Family reunions can also provide opportunities for family members to learn new skills, such as cooking, hiking, or fishing.

Strengthening Family Support Systems

Family reunions can create a strong support system that can be beneficial during challenging times. Having a strong family support system can help individuals navigate difficult situations, such as illness, job loss, or relationship issues. Family members can provide emotional support, financial assistance, and practical help when needed. Family reunions can help families stay connected and build a support system that can last a lifetime.

But are Family Reunions always good?

So we established that family reunions are an excellent way to strengthen family bonds, share family history, and have fun together. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large family reunion, it’s an event that should not be missed. The benefits of family reunions are numerous, including creating lasting memories, building strong relationships, and providing a support system during challenging times. So, start planning your family reunion today and create memories that will last a lifetime.  However , we knew that not all family reunions go so well so we looked at the good, the bad and the ugly of family reunions:

The Good

• Family reunions can help strengthen bonds and build relationships between family members.
• They provide an opportunity to catch up on each other’s lives and share stories.
• Family reunions can be a great way to learn more about your family’s history, traditions, and culture.
• They can be a lot of fun and create lasting memories.
• Family reunions can create a support system that can be beneficial during challenging times.
• With some great family reunion activities there can be some awesome memories.

The Bad

• Family reunions can be stressful, especially if there are conflicts or tensions between family members.
• They can be expensive, especially if they involve travel or large gatherings.
• Some family members may feel uncomfortable or out of place, especially if they haven’t seen each other in a long time or don’t know each other well.
• Family reunions can be emotionally draining, especially if there are difficult or painful family issues to discuss.

The Ugly

• Family reunions can sometimes bring out the worst in people, especially if there are long-standing conflicts or rivalries.
• They can be a breeding ground for gossip, drama, and hurt feelings.
• Some family members may feel obligated to attend, even if they don’t want to.
• Family reunions can sometimes lead to feelings of disappointment or regret if they don’t live up to expectations so it is important to plan some family reunion activities that will help create some awesome memories.

In the end, whether family reunions are good, bad, or ugly depends on a variety of factors, including the family’s dynamics, the purpose of the reunion, and the individual experiences of family members. However, by being aware of the potential pros and cons of family reunions, you can make informed decisions about whether to attend and how to approach them.

One thing we did find come to the conclusion on is that they are more likely to be successful if they have a rough itinerary planned out including some group fun.  So we took a look at what other activities seemed to be popular.

Fun Family Reunion Activities for everyone

Family reunions are a time to come together and make lasting memories and preferably good ones! Here are some fun activities that can help bring your family closer together and create some of those memories:

1. Family Photo Session

Capture the memories of your family reunion by scheduling a family photo session. You can hire a professional photographer or designate a family member who is handy with a camera. Make sure to take both formal and candid shots to capture the essence of your family.

2. Outdoor Games

Get everyone moving and having fun with some outdoor games. You can play classic games like tug-of-war, capture the flag, or kickball. Alternatively, you can come up with your own family-themed games that incorporate your family’s history or traditions.  This link has a list of some potential options.

3. Cooking Challenge

Have a cooking challenge where family members compete to see who can make the best dish. Assign a theme or ingredient, and let the competition begin. You can have judges or have everyone taste each dish and vote on their favorite.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt that takes family members on a journey through your family’s history. You can include clues and challenges that relate to your family’s traditions, stories, and genealogy. This activity can be a great way to learn more about your family’s history while having fun.  EscapeTrails offers some great options here, whether you want something great and ready to go or you want to add or create your own custom content we can help here to make it a really unique experience. Check out our high adrenaline version of the classic scavenger hunt here.

5. Talent Show

Put on a talent show where family members can showcase their talents. You can have singers, dancers, comedians, or any other type of performer. This activity can be a great way to discover hidden talents and showcase your family’s creativity.

6. Family History Presentation

Have a family member give a presentation on your family’s history. This can include stories, photos, and genealogy. This activity can be a great way to learn more about your family’s history and to connect with your roots.

7. Board Game Tournament

Have a board game tournament where family members can compete against each other. You can choose classic games like Monopoly or Scrabble, or you can find new games that everyone can enjoy. This activity can be a great way to bond with family members and have some friendly competition.  There are so many awesome ones now that last a little less time than monopoly and may be not as many arguments!  There are some great suggestions from Board Game Geek.

8. Family Movie Night

Have a family movie night where you can watch old family home movies or a classic family movie. This activity can be a great way to reminisce about old times and share memories with family members. So get brushing up on what is available on Netflix now!

9. Escape Game

This could be a great activity depending on how many of you there are.  There is normally an Escape Room close by but what happens if it is the summer and you don’t want to be inside, or the Escape Room can only cater for 12 people at a time, or there is no Escape Room where you are having the family reunion?  Well you could always play one of the EscapeTrails escape games that we can set up anywhere in the world and manage it remotely for you!  Check out our adventures here.

Conclusion about Family Reunion Activities

Family reunions are a time to come together and celebrate your family’s history and traditions and find out what has been going on. By incorporating fun activities that everyone can enjoy, you can create lasting memories that will stay with your family for generations to come but also potentially help to curtail some of the problems that might develop.

We love getting together with the family and know having a planned activity can take the pressure off and give a little structure to proceedings.  Whatever you decide to do here’s hoping that you have more of the good rather than the bad or ugly on your next family reunion.

If you think an EscapeTrails adventure may be a good option for your family reunion then let us know how we can help.