Family reunions are a special occasion where multiple generations come together to reconnect, share memories and create new ones. While the conversations and food are often the main highlights, games play a crucial role in breaking the ice and keeping everyone entertained. To make your reunion extra fun, I’ve compiled a list of the best printable family reunion games. These activities are not only easy to set up, but they also cater to large groups, ensuring that everyone, from kids to grandparents, can join in on the fun.
Why Choose Printable Games for Family Reunions?
Printable games are a game-changer for family gatherings. Here’s why:
- Easy to organize: All you need is a printer and some paper. No complicated setup or extra materials.
- Inclusive: These games often accommodate large groups, making sure no one is left out.
- Adaptable: Whether your family is competitive or just wants a laid-back experience, printable games can be tailored to fit any mood.
- Reusable: Once printed, these games can be saved for future reunions or even shared with other families.
By incorporating printable games, you save time, reduce hassle and ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ice Breaker Printable Family Reunion Games
Starting a family reunion can sometimes feel awkward, especially if some family members haven’t seen each other in years. These ice breaker games will help everyone get reacquainted and laughing in no time.
Family Reunion Bingo
This game is a fantastic way to kick off the reunion and get people mingling. Create bingo cards with different family-related traits or experiences (e.g., “Has been to Europe,” “Loves gardening,” “Has more than three pets”). Players mingle to find someone who matches the description and fill in their card. The first to get a full row wins a prize!
Tip: Customize the bingo card with specific family traits for a more personalized touch.
Likes and Dislikes
In this game, each person secretly writes down five things they like and five things they dislike. A designated reader will read each list aloud and everyone will try to guess whose list it is. It’s a simple yet effective way to get to know each other better.
Bonus Tip: For added complexity, ask participants to make their lists as unique or tricky as possible, while remaining truthful. This will keep everyone on their toes!
Family Trivia Challenge
Turn your family history into a fun and competitive trivia game! Prepare trivia questions about the family, such as “Who was the first family member to move to the city?” or “Which aunt won a baking competition?” This game is sure to bring up fond memories and a few surprises.
Fun and Competitive Printable Family Reunion Games
Once everyone has warmed up, it’s time to dive into the heart of the fun with these competitive games that get everyone involved. These games are perfect for large family groups and will have everyone laughing and bonding in no time.
Family Reunion Word Scramble
This classic game never fails to engage. Create a list of family-related words or phrases (e.g., “grandparents,” “cousins,” “family vacation”) and scramble the letters. The first person or team to correctly unscramble all the words wins a prize.
Pro Tip: For an extra challenge, add phrases that are unique to your family’s traditions or inside jokes to make the game even more personal and entertaining.
Family Tree Bingo
A twist on the classic bingo game, Family Tree Bingo lets players learn more about their family’s history. Create bingo cards with different facts or traits about family members (e.g., “Has red hair,” “Lived abroad,” “Great-grandparent’s middle name”). As the game progresses, players mark off squares as they learn more from conversations. This game not only serves as fun entertainment but also helps family members reconnect with their roots.
Bonus Idea: After the game, display a real family tree to educate everyone on the connections that bind them.
Family Feud: Reunion Edition
This is a family reunion must-have! Create your own Family Feud game based on your family’s unique history, interests and inside jokes. Split the family into teams and challenge them with fun, personalized questions like “What’s Grandma’s favorite dessert?” or “How many kids were born in the 90s?”
Why It’s a Hit: Family Feud encourages interaction between family members of all ages, making it one of the most engaging reunion activities.
The Shoe Game
This hilarious game works well with large groups and is especially entertaining for multigenerational families. Everyone takes off one shoe and places it in a pile. Players then randomly pick a shoe from the pile and must find the owner of that shoe. It’s a great icebreaker and encourages mingling between family members who may not know each other well.
Twist: Add fun questions or tasks when someone finds the shoe’s owner to keep the game lively!
The Bowl Game
This fast-paced game is a combination of charades and trivia. First, each player writes down a name, phrase, or word related to the family reunion theme and puts it in a bowl. Players take turns pulling words from the bowl and giving clues for their team to guess. The catch? There are three rounds: describing the word, acting it out and finally, using only one word to make the team guess.
Why You’ll Love It: This game brings lots of laughter and works across all age groups.
Outdoor Printable Family Reunion Games
Family reunions often happen in spacious outdoor settings, making them the perfect opportunity for active and adventurous games. These outdoor printable games encourage movement, teamwork and a healthy dose of competition.
Picture Scavenger Hunt
Divide the family into teams and give each group a list of items to find or specific photos to take. For example, they could be tasked with snapping a picture of “someone doing a funny dance,” “a tree that resembles a letter,” or “three generations in one shot.” This game gets everyone moving and exploring the reunion venue.
Pro Tip: After the scavenger hunt, create a slideshow of the funniest or most creative photos to share during dinner. This can also serve as a fun memento for everyone!
Find the Family Member
This is another great outdoor game for large family groups. Create a printable checklist of fun or quirky family facts (e.g., “Find someone who has been to five countries,” “Find someone who can speak two languages,” “Find someone who’s a lefty”). Players must then locate a family member who matches the description and have them sign their checklist. The first person to complete their list wins!
Why It’s Great: It gets everyone talking and interacting with people they may not know very well.
Family Relay Race
This game works well outdoors and is a fun way to get multiple generations involved. Create a family relay race with tasks that range from easy to silly, such as “hop on one leg,” “balance a spoon on your nose,” or “carry a water balloon without popping it.” Make sure to print out the tasks for easy reference during the race. The team that completes all the tasks first wins a prize!
Twist: Include tasks that have historical significance or relate to family traditions, such as wearing a relative’s hat or singing a song that’s often played at reunions.
Find the Object Game
Similar to a treasure hunt, print out lists of common outdoor items (e.g., leaves, feathers, unique rocks) for teams to find. Teams must race against the clock to collect all the items. This is a great way to get younger kids involved and engaged in the reunion activities.
Bonus Idea: Make it a themed hunt by incorporating items that represent family milestones, like “find something that reminds you of summer vacations” or “find something that makes you think of Grandma.”
Sentimental and Reflective Printable Family Reunion Games
Not all reunion games need to be about competition. Some can focus on bonding, reflection and learning more about each other. These printable games are designed to spark meaningful conversations and create lasting memories.
The Gratitude Game
This heartwarming game allows family members to share what they are grateful for. Print out cards with prompts such as “I’m thankful for…” or “I appreciate…”. Each person writes down something they’re grateful for related to a family member, memory, or experience. Once everyone has filled out their cards, gather together and share them.
Why It’s Meaningful: The Gratitude Game brings everyone closer and encourages positive reflection. It’s a lovely way to show appreciation for one another, especially at reunions where different generations are present.
Memory Lane Quiz
Create a printable quiz that challenges family members to answer questions about the family’s history. This could include anything from “What year did Grandma and Grandpa get married?” to “Which family member had the nickname ‘Speedy’ growing up?” Print out the quiz and hand it to each family member. The first person to answer all the questions correctly wins.
Bonus Tip: Incorporate both recent and distant family history to make sure the quiz is fun and challenging for all ages.
Family Time Capsule
While not a traditional “game,” creating a Family Time Capsule can be a memorable and reflective activity. Provide family members with printable prompts such as “Where do you see the family in 10 years?” or “What’s your favorite family memory?” Have everyone fill them out and collect their responses to include in a family time capsule. Bury or store the capsule to open at the next reunion or a milestone anniversary.
Why It’s Special: A time capsule gives everyone something to look forward to at future reunions and allows families to create a shared history.
Tips for Organizing Printable Family Reunion Games
Organizing games for large family reunions can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation, it can be a smooth and enjoyable process. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your printable games:
Plan Ahead
Ensure that you have enough printouts of each game for all participants. It’s always a good idea to have a few extra copies on hand for latecomers or unexpected guests. Also, prepare any necessary materials such as pens, markers, or prizes for winners ahead of time.
Choose a Variety of Games
Since family reunions often have people of all ages, select a range of games that cater to different interests and activity levels. For example, you can combine active outdoor games with quieter, reflective games like the Gratitude Game or Family Trivia. This ensures everyone has something to enjoy, regardless of their preferences.
Keep Time in Mind
While it’s important to keep everyone entertained, you don’t want to overwhelm the day with too many activities. Pick a few key games that can serve as highlights, allowing plenty of time for meals, socializing and spontaneous fun.
Encourage Participation
Family reunions are about inclusion, so make sure everyone feels encouraged to join in. Some people might feel shy or hesitant to participate in certain games. You can overcome this by offering non-competitive options, like the Family Time Capsule or Gratitude Game, which emphasize bonding rather than winning.
Conclusion
Family reunions are the perfect opportunity to reconnect and strengthen the bonds between loved ones. With the right games, you can create an event filled with laughter, joy and cherished memories. These printable family reunion games cater to a wide range of personalities and ages, ensuring that everyone will find something they enjoy. From competitive relays to heartwarming reflections, these games will make your reunion unforgettable and leave everyone excited for the next one.
