A family reunion is an opportunity for all members of the extended family to gather and reconnect in a place that offers a variety of memorable activities for everyone in attendance. Family reunions also provide an opportunity to introduce new family members to the larger group and to weave them into the fabric of familial ties.
Consider a theme for your family reunion to guide planning and activities. Themes help you focus your efforts, create a shared experience and make the event easier for everyone to remember. A family recipe favorites theme, for example, allows you to highlight traditional dishes and a shared culinary heritage that can connect the generations.
If you plan to host a reunion at a resort or vacation location, opt for one that offers a wide range of fun activities for all ages and interests. Public parks are another good option that typically offer playgrounds, walking trails and picnic areas. You can also choose to host a reunion at a family member’s home, or even a backyard.
Involve your family members in the planning process to keep them engaged. Recruit enthusiastic family members to serve as committee members and delegate tasks. For example, assign a communication manager to handle invitations, updates and reminders. A grandkid group specializing in clean-up duties after meals, for example, helps to streamline the task while allowing the kids to earn stars for special rewards (a ride on the boat or a sleep-over on the deck).
Encourage your family to stay connected year-round with periodic email, social media, texting and payment apps like PayPal or Venmo. Alternatively, you can host periodic Zoom or FaceTime meetings or join public family photo sites.