reunion activities
Reunion Activities
If you are planning a family or a class reunion, you must be surely looking for some fun reunion activities. This article is an effort to bring together some reunion activity ideas, which can make your event a memorable and fun-filled one.
Reunions are a time when the extended family, or a group of friends/classmates come together after a long time. It is not only a time to spend with each other, thinking about the old days, but also to have a fun and memorable time. It has been always believed that an individual's character and personality is actually a mirror image of his/her friends. Family and other relatives, however unbearable, have an immense impact on how we turn out as a person. The bonds shared with them teach us to be understanding, sensitive, respectful, and patient.
Family is a gift chosen by God, although, friends are gifts chosen by us. The friends we make in the initial phase of our life completely devise the future path we tread. It is from them that we learn to be social, dependent, amicable, and enthusiastic.
As life moves on, and with the busy survival schedule, the distances between us, our friends, and families tend to become wider. In such times, the only way to reconnect with family and old friends is through a reunion. It is definitely the best way to relive olden memories and create some new ones.
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Theme 2: Mexican Fiesta
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Theme 3: Pirate's Life
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Theme 4: Carnival
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Theme 6: Beach Day
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Theme 7: Jungle Camping
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Theme 8: Outer Space
INDEX
Family Reunion Activities
Family reunions are one of the best ways to be in touch with all the relatives. If you're planning your first family reunion, make sure to get names and addresses of as many relatives as possible. Also, plan such an event during weekends so that everybody can join in. You can also organize a theme party. For any celebration, keep the party limited to extended family, because the main goal is to enjoy with all of them. Send invites at least a month before, so that people can make arrangements to attend the reunion. Family reunions can never be complete without certain activities as outlined below.
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Family Pictures: There is no other time like a family reunion where you can capture generations of a family together in a picture. You can be very creative with these pictures. You can click a picture of hands of different generations as shown in the above image.
Family Tree: A family tree is a great way to keep a record of your lineage. There are many templates available on various websites, which you can use for this purpose. Also, finger printing technique is a nice option. Just take a white canvas, and draw a tree. Ask every member to dip his/her thumb in paint, and print it on the canvas, so that it looks like leaves of the branches. They can sign their names on these thumbprints.
Family T-shirt: While arranging for a reunion at an outdoor location, you might want others to know that it is your family reunion. Ask all the guests to get plain t-shirts of any color they want. Get your family name, or logo either printed on these shirts, or you can write them on your own. It will make for a great piece of memory of the event.
Family Photography Idea
Family Tree Idea
Theme 1: Wedding/Anniversary
Weddings are always a great way to gather and celebrate with your near and dear ones. It can also serve your purpose to arrange a family reunion. The event for this theme can either be a wedding of a young couple, or an anniversary celebration of an older couple.
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You can use the original wedding invitation for the event with a picture of the couple from the actual wedding along with a recent one. You can also request the guests to follow a color code for their attire.
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The location can be a church, a parish, a convection center, or any place that you want. If the celebration, which has to be on the anniversary day, is not a weekend, keep the affair minimized to a nice reception dinner, some dancing, and music. Keep the menu simple yet elegant, and don't forget the cake!
Invitation
Activities and Games
Bingo: No other activity can be as fun as playing bingo with the family. You can either play the classic bingo, or make a new one by replacing the numbers with names of family members present. First, you need to make sheets with blank bingo boxes. Next, pass them to all the family members, and ask them to write their names on the empty boxes. Give out all the sheets at once to ensure that everyone writes their name on a different box for every sheet. Now, make chits of names of each person present, and put them in a bowl. Call out names, and ask them to cross out that name from their bingo sheets. A classic game with a familiar twist will entertain everyone.
Note: This activity can also be a hit in a class reunion. Simply use names of ex-students instead of names of family members.
The Garter Game: It is a classic activity for a wedding-themed party. All the married couples can participate and reminisce the day of their own wedding. Blindfold all the men, and ask the ladies to put on their garter. Make all the blindfolded men to stand on one side of the room, and ask all the ladies to sit on a chair on the other side of the room. Whichever man finds his lady and removes the garter first will be announced the winner. It would be fun watching the men trying to identify their counterparts.
A Game of Bingo
Prom Crowns for the Couple
The One-legged Prom Night: Arrange a prom night at the reception dinner. Once each person has chosen a partner, tie their legs together -- that is tie the left leg of one to the right leg of the other person. Ask a family member, whom you know to be a good dancer to show some moves on a tune. Ask the couples to follow the moves exactly. The couple that stays longer on the dancing floor is the 'prom queen and king.'
For Kids: Get a huge canvas, or white bed sheet. Arrange for some water colors and brushes, or markers of variant colors. Gather all the kids, and ask them to write their wishes for the older couple. Children often come up with the most astonishing things to say. The canvas, or the sheet will make a great gift for the married couple.
Other Things
Wedding of an Old Couple
Wedding Cake
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Hola! El tiempo de divertirse con la familia! (It's time to have fun with family!) Yes it is. It is indeed the right time and the right fervor to have a great time with your family. A good summer afternoon, lots of chili, and fun is all one would ask for. If you are going Mexican, you must try some of the activities mentioned below.
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A Mexican fiesta will never be complete if the guests are not dressed in Sombreros and Mexican outfits. So, do not forget to mention that in your invitations. You can also ask few members to bring in food or assign them to bring salad, dinner, drinks, or snacks.
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The best place to organize this theme party would be a Mexican restaurant. However, they may not allow the whole piñata game. You can also give your backyard a Mexican makeover. In such settings, serving authentic Mexican cuisine, like the classic taco chips with salsa can make the experience perfect. Ask every family member to be dressed according to the theme. Giving small tokens for the best costume, or best dance would be the perfect end to a thrilling day.
Invitation
Activities and Games
Piñatas: Any Mexican-themed party can never be perfect without a piñata. Kids and adults love this game equally. All you need is a stuffed piñata, a wooden bat, and a blindfold. It is easy and fun. You can, however, use a water balloon instead of a normal piñata.
Hat Dance: Grab a Sombrero, and put on some vibrant Mexican tunes. Let everyone dance to their heart's content. Kids as well as adults will be thrilled with the experience.
Family Enjoying Piñata
Tortilla with Fillings for Burritos
Tortilla Frisbee: Just like regular Frisbee but instead of a disc, everyone is supposed to throw tortillas. Do remember to have a camera on video mode because you will never want to miss some grown-up cousins fighting over "who can throw farther?"
MYO Burritos: Make your own Burritos. Tasty burritos made as a part of fun activity will become tastier. On a table, arrange some tortilla and fillings in separate plates and bowls. Divide everyone into groups based on age. Then ask one group, starting from the oldest, to take their positions near the table. Every member of the group has to make individual burritos. Keep a record of individual and collective time of the group. Whichever group is fastest and also makes the best burritos is declared the winner.
Other Things
Sombrero - Mexican Hats
Taco with Salsa
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After watching the Pirates of the Caribbean series, everyone must have fantasized about spending at least one day in life as a pirate. Well, with this theme, you can make their dream come true.
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Mention the games and activities and also what food you are going to serve in the theme party, on the backside of the invite. If the party is at an outdoor location, it would be wise to have directions, or a map of the area printed along with the invitations.
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If there is any pirate-themed park in your town, it would definitely be a good place to enjoy the day. Seafood recipes, like Paella, would seem to be the appropriate food option for this theme and is also easy to prepare. However, make sure beforehand that none of the family members are allergic to it. Arrange for some extra pirate costumes, just in case, someone needs it. Keep your camera handy!
Invitation
Activities and Games
Treasure Hunt: What else would a pirate want other than cursed treasure! It's a great activity and absolutely suits the theme. Divide people into groups in such a way that every group has at least one elderly family member and two kids; the rest can be from different age groups. Hide few things, like trinkets, toys, and chocolates a day before the reunion event. Give each group a map with some clues. Whichever group finds all the hidden treasure gets to keep it, like the adage -- "finders, keepers"!
Paper Boats: Do you remember how as a child we all loved to make paper boats and tried to get them afloat on the water-filled potholes? Well! It's time to get nostalgic. Get colorful papers, and hand them to everyone. Ask them to make a boat with their own pirate flag and name. If the event is organized at home, use the pool; otherwise use any other water body. Now ask everyone to put their boat in the water. People splashing water to get their boats floating will make up for a great picture in a family album.
Map for Treasure Hunt
Colorful Papers to Make Boats
Tattoo Making: Pirates without tattoos is impossible. So get some paint (that is safe to be applied on skin) and brushes, and ask everyone to make a tattoo for one another. Kids and teenagers will be delighted to at least get a temporary tattoo, while the seniors will shy away. Make sure that everyone indulges in this activity.
Ahoy! Take Over their Ship! This is a pirate's take on tug-of-war. Divide everyone into two groups. Tie a bandana with "Captain of the Ship" written on it, in the middle of a rope. The team that wins is again divided into two groups. This game goes on until only two people are left to compete for the bandana. The winner gets to wear the bandana for the whole weekend.
Other Things
Kids Dressed as Pirates
Paella
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Hot dogs, sugar candy, rides -- a carnival is a complete fun-filled day with your dear ones. It may be crazy, but it is one of the most chosen themes for any party. And for a reunion, it sure is a great idea.
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Wearing the same-colored t-shirts with the family logo or name would be a great idea for a carnival-themed party, if you are organizing the event on an outdoor location. It would help you to identify your family members in a crowd. So make sure to write it in your invitation.
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A carnival theme will require an outdoor location. So, ensure transport and lodging facilities. As kids would be coming too, keep a first-aid box within reach. Also, try to keep a tab on sugar candies. A complete family with a "sugar high" is not something you want for a reunion.
Invitation
Activities and Games
Talent Show: There ought to be some shy singers, terrific dancers, and budding magicians in your family. So, take this opportunity, and give them a stage to show their talent. This activity will surely have everyone's attention. Although you may have to use a bit of persuasion to get cousin "Sally" to sing, but it will be worth it!
Blindfolded Race: All you need for this activity is some overly energized family members, few blindfolds, and a good camera. Blindfold all participants, and ask them to get down on all the fours; blow the whistle, and let them race each other by crawling. The funniest part will be seeing them collide with each other!
Blindfolded Racing
Face Painting
Family Vs. Food: With so many hot dogs around, why not have an eating competition. The rules are simple. You need a truckload of hot dogs, a timer, and some people who love to eat. Set them around a table, and give them a time limit of 5 minutes. Whoever eats the most ... well, wins more hot dogs!
Face Painting: Give each other a makeover by painting whatever you can (you don't have to be an artist for this!). The best painted face (if recognizable!) can get an extra ride!
Other Things
Ride at the Carnival
Sausages and Hot Dogs
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Class Reunion Activities
The friends you make in school know you exactly for what you are. You spend the formative years of your life with them. They are one of the people that influenced your life's decision, during the time you were in school. So, a reunion with all your classmates can be seen as an opportunity to thank them, meet them, and enjoy.
Theme 5: A Day in the Country
For all those who belong to the countryside but now live far in towns and cities, this theme is a great way to relive the past. For those who have never been to a countryside, this can be a new and refreshing change. Just grab a hat, and get ready for a country affair.
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In the RSVP section, you can have options for menus; ask the guests to choose from them and send their replies. You can also mention the activities planned for the whole weekend.
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If the event is two days long, ensure that everyone gets rooms to spend the night. As some classmates will be accompanied by their families and kids, try to avoid serving alcoholic beverages, or at least take care that it is not overdone.
Invitation
Activities and Games
A Mountain Hike: For all your adventurous friends, this activity is the most suitable one. It would also give way to bond again and know more about each other's current life, work, and family. A nice walk, or a ride in bicycles along the countryside will be an experience to remember.
The Shooting Range: Get all your cowboy and cowgirl friends to try their hand at shooting. Place some bottles, or aiming cards, and see how they try endlessly to get a straight hit.
Target Shooting
Mountain Hiking with Friends
A Country Experience: If you are arranging the event near a farm, then there are a lot of farm activities to indulge in, like milking the cows, gathering eggs, cleaning the barn, or picking your own vegetable. For first timers, a day spent in living a country life would be adventurous. It would also be fun for kids.
Other Things
Ride around the Country
Fresh Produce from Farm
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Beach, old friends, some good music, and it's a bash! Revive all the old memories of bunking classes and spending the whole day at the beach with friends. Enjoy just as you did in those good ol' days.
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For a beach party, never forget to mention the things that the guests must bring to enjoy the party wholeheartedly. If you are also planning to have a musical night with some famous DJ, mention it in the invite to gather more crowd.
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While having a beach party, make sure that there is proper lighting for the night. Try not to force anyone to get into the water against his will, as it can be dangerous. Also, ask everyone to get an extra set of clothes, towels, and sunscreen. You can also ask people to go fishing and serve the catch as lunch, or dinner.
Invitation
Activities and Games
Surf On: If the beach that you are visiting has good tides, surfing is probably the best thing to do. Capture all the grownup friends boasting how they could surf all day, and later, trying to give excuses as they fall on their first attempt. It would, without doubt, make up for a great story.
Boat Race: Divide everyone into groups, and allot them boats with oars. Now, let the race begin. Make sure that some lifeguards are around and that everyone is wearing life jackets.
Wheelbarrow Racing
Limbo Dancing
Wheelbarrow Race: If there was ever a funny way to race, it would be the wheelbarrow race. Divide all your friends into teams of two, each consisting of one girl and one boy. In a wheelbarrow race, the lighter group member has to bend down and use his hands to run while the stronger group member holds the legs of the other and matches up to the pace. Just be careful, and try not to get hurt.
Limbo Dancing: Dancing with a prop gets a real twist in limbo dancing. All you need is a big log of wood and two volunteers (who apparently are shy of dancing!) to hold the log. Every participant has to bend backwards and cross the log held very low to the ground. The catch -- they have to dance while doing it, and they should not touch the log at anytime. Fun? Wait till you try it!
Other Things
Carry These to a Beach Party
Grilled Fish Straight from the Sea
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Camping does not need an explanation. It will always top the list of themes and activities.
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On the backside of the invite, give a proper map and the route to the camping area. Also, mention in detail all the camping gear and food items, if any, that all are required to bring with them.
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Keep some mosquito repellant creams and extra camping gear. Turn the mealtime into fun by serving food out of cans into big leaves. However, wash the leaves properly before serving food on them. Also, clean out the camping area before leaving, and do not leave any garbage behind.
Invitation
Activities and Games
Hunter and the Prey: Relax! It's nothing to do with actual hunting. It is a simple take on hide-and-seek. You need two groups of people; one as hunters and the other as the prey. Hide some colored flags in the area beforehand. Give the prey group a 15-minute head start to hide in the woods. Then, after 15 minutes, ask the hunters to find all preys. The prey group needs to find all the flags before they are caught by hunters. If they can do so, they can be declared winners. However, if the hunters catch all the prey before the latter can collect all flags, the hunter group becomes the winner.
Bird Watching: If you are in the woods, you might as well watch nature's mysterious creatures. Prepare a list of birds native to that part of the forest. Set out early in the morning to do so.
Hunter and the Prey
Bird Watching with Friends
Bonfire: Camping and bonfire go hand in hand. Ask your friends to get their instruments with them, and enjoy a musical night in the middle of nowhere.
Other Things
Place to Camp in the Jungle
Serve Food on Leaves
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Are you a fan of Star Wars, ET, and Aliens? Then this theme is for you. Here's a slice of space for your reunion party.
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An alien-themed party will never be complete if the guests are not dressed for the occasion in alien costumes. So make it a point to write it in the invites.
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You can neither serve normal food at an outer space-themed party nor serve inedible food. So, simply ask your caterer to make normal food but add food coloring to it to make it look as if the food has come from another planet!
There are a whole lot of activities that you can choose from, for your reunion. Remember to choose games that can involve everyone. Also, make it a fun experience, as you and everyone else is at the event to have a great time and make new memories to cherish.Invitation
Activities and Games
Karaoke: Tune the mike and speakers into techno setting, and let everyone sing their favorite songs. Your friends dressed as aliens and singing in a weird voice will make up for a "must-have video" in your collection!
Toy Robots and Spaceships
Techno Karaoke in Costume
Get Ready for the Battle: Arrange for some robots and spaceship toys, and dismember their parts. Hide these parts in different places in the venue of the party. On the day of the event, divide people into groups, and give them clues for finding their spaceship or robot parts. Once they have found them all, they need to reassemble the toy again. The group that is fastest will be the winner.
Other Things
Alien Costume
Food from Mars