1. 'Guess Who' - Your Family's Edition
Family reunion season is almost upon us, so here are 7 activities that are sure to get everyone in your family off their phones and having a blast. Some are best outdoors while others can be played anywhere, but no matter what your family time looks like, you're sure to impress all of the members of your family.
1. 'Guess Who' - Your Family's Edition
Have you ever played the classic game, "Guess Who?" Even if you haven't, you'll enjoy this unique twist on it. Instead of the default characters that come with the game, switch them out for members of your family or pets! This is a fun way to connect more as a family and maybe learn some new things about each other.
Materials Needed:
- Guess Who Board: Original or homemade version.
- Family Photos: Print or digital photos of family members or pets.
Setup:
- Customize the Board: Replace the original game cards with pictures of family members or pets.
- Prepare Clues: Think of fun and interesting clues that can be used to describe each person or pet.
How to Play:
- Take Turns: Each player takes a turn asking yes/no questions to narrow down the possibilities.
- Guess Correctly: The goal is to correctly guess the other player’s chosen character before they guess yours.
Why 'Guess Who' is Great for Family Reunions:
- Personalized: Creates a unique and personal game experience.
- Engaging: Encourages interaction and conversation.
- Easy to Set Up: Simple to customize and play.
2. 9 Square in the Air
9 Square takes a bit more setup in the beginning, but once you have the structure, it's something you can play over and over again! You can either buy a set or DIY your own using PVC pipes. This game requires at least nine people, so every square is filled.
Materials Needed:
- 9 Square Set: Purchased or DIY with PVC pipes.
- Bouncy Ball: A large, lightweight ball.
Setup:
- Assemble the Structure: Set up the 9 Square grid using the PVC pipes.
- Mark the Playing Area: Define the boundaries and height according to your group’s preference.
How to Play:
- Start in the Center: One player starts in the middle square as the King.
- Hit the Ball: Players can hit the ball once to keep it in the air.
- Switch Places: If the ball lands in your square or you hit it out of bounds, you go to the end of the line and other players move up.
Why 9 Square in the Air is Great for Family Reunions:
- Active: Gets everyone moving and engaged.
- Fun for All Ages: Can be adjusted for different skill levels.
- Repeatable: Once set up, it can be played many times.
3. Kubb (AKA Viking Chess)
Kubb is a traditional Swedish lawn game that has gained popularity worldwide, often referred to as "Viking Chess." It combines elements of bowling, horseshoes, and chess, making it a strategic and engaging game for players of all ages.
Materials Needed:
- Kubb Set: This includes a “king” piece, ten “kubbs” (blocks), and six batons. You can buy a set online or make your own using wooden blocks and dowels.
- Playing Field: A rectangular area, typically 5 meters by 8 meters, marked out on grass or sand. You can use string, chalk, or natural boundaries like sticks to define the field.
Setup:
- Divide into Teams: Kubb is typically played with two teams, each consisting of 1 to 6 players.
- Arrange the Kubbs: Set up five kubbs on each team’s baseline. The king is placed in the center of the field.
- Decide Starting Team: A coin toss or another method can determine which team goes first.
How to Play:
- Baseline Throws: The starting team throws batons from behind their baseline, attempting to knock over the opposing team’s kubbs.
- Field Kubbs: Once kubbs are knocked down, the opposing team must toss them into the field on the opponent's half. These become "field kubbs."
- Field Kubb Placement: The opposing team stands the field kubbs upright where they land.
- Knocking Over Field Kubbs: On their turn, the opposing team must knock over the field kubbs before they can target the baseline kubbs.
- Clearing the Field: If all field kubbs are knocked over, players can then aim for the baseline kubbs.
- Knocking Over the King: The game ends when a team successfully knocks over the king, but this must be done only after all the kubbs on the opponent's side are knocked down. Accidentally knocking over the king before all the kubbs are down results in an immediate loss.
Why Kubb is Great for Family Reunions:
- Inclusive: Suitable for all ages, making it a great activity for multi-generational gatherings.
- Social: Encourages teamwork, communication, and friendly competition.
- Adaptable: Can be played on various surfaces like grass, sand, or even snow.
- Portable: Easy to transport, set up, and play in different locations.
4. Heads Up
While Heads Up does require at least one person to use their phone, this game is so fun you won't even notice. You can download the Heads Up app onto your phone. Pick someone to be 'it' first and choose a category that your group feels somewhat knowledgeable about, such as Accents or Disney Characters. The person who is 'it' places the phone on their forehead, which shows the other players different things in the category. Similar to reverse charades, your group must describe or act out the items. The goal is to get as many correct guesses as possible before the timer runs out.
Materials Needed:
- Heads Up App: Download on a smartphone.
How to Play:
- Place the Phone: The player who is ‘it’ holds the phone to their forehead, displaying the word or phrase to the rest of the group.
- Describe and Act: The group describes or acts out the word or phrase without saying it directly.
- Correct Guesses: The player tilts the phone backward for correct guesses and forward to skip.
Why Heads Up is Great for Family Reunions:
- Interactive: Encourages laughter and lively interaction.
- Versatile: Can be played anywhere, indoors or outdoors.
- Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible for everyone.
5. Would You Rather?
This is a fun game that you can do in any situation, whether you're at the dinner table, relaxing in the backyard, or waiting in line at the amusement park. If you would like to come prepared, you can find plenty of 'Would You Rather' questions online to get the ball rolling, but it is also fun to see what questions your family can come up with! It's all about silly or strange hypotheticals, and in the process, you all learn a little bit more about each other.
Materials Needed:
- Questions: Prepared list of 'Would You Rather' questions or create them on the spot.
How to Play:
- Pose a Question: One person asks a 'Would You Rather' question to the group.
- Take Turns Answering: Each person takes a turn answering and explaining their choice.
Why 'Would You Rather?' is Great for Family Reunions:
- Flexible: Can be played anywhere, anytime.
- Revealing: Helps you learn more about each other’s preferences and personalities.
- Simple: No setup or materials needed.
6. Just Dance - Dance Off
Playing Just Dance with friends and family creates fond memories. You don't even need the actual game to play; you can find lots of dances on YouTube now. Not only is this a fun way to get a workout in, it's also a great way to get your whole family off the couch and moving. Turn it into a dance-off and have different family members compete for the gold. See who can perform the dances most accurately or with the most pizzazz!
Materials Needed:
- Dance Videos: Just Dance videos or similar found on YouTube.
- Screen: A TV or projector to display the dance videos.
Setup:
- Select Videos: Choose a variety of dance videos suitable for your group.
- Prepare the Space: Ensure there is enough room for everyone to move around.
How to Play:
- Watch and Dance: Follow the dance moves shown on the screen.
- Compete: Judge performances based on accuracy, style, and enthusiasm.
Why Just Dance is Great for Family Reunions:
- Energetic: Gets everyone moving and having fun.
- Inclusive: Suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Entertaining: Provides lots of laughs and memorable moments.
7. Nerf Gun Battle
Hosting a Nerf gun or water gun battle is sure to win you brownie points at your next family reunion or gathering. If you have a combination of little and older family members, get creative to even the playing field, such as older cousins having fewer bullets or uncles having additional challenges. You'll probably want to do this outside, but this is a game that can last for hours and provide endless fun!
Materials Needed:
- Nerf Guns or Water Guns: Enough for all participants.
- Ammunition: Extra Nerf darts or water for refills.
- Obstacles: Use natural terrain or set up barriers for cover.
Setup:
- Define Boundaries: Mark out the play area to ensure safety.
- Distribute Equipment: Give everyone a Nerf gun or water gun and sufficient ammunition.
How to Play:
- Start the Battle: On a signal, players start tagging opponents with their Nerf darts or water streams.
- Elimination or Points: Decide whether to play elimination style or keep track of points.
Why Nerf Gun Battle is Great for Family Reunions:
- Exciting: Adds an element of thrill and adventure.
- Interactive: Encourages teamwork and active participation.
- Flexible: Can be adapted for different ages and skill levels.
No matter which activities you choose, these games are sure to create memorable moments and bring your family closer together. Enjoy your family reunion!