10 Fun Family Reunion Themes

Many families host their annual reunions during the summer months, and for good reason. Without the snow and rain in many areas, travel is generally safer. It’s also usually better weather for outdoor activities, a favorite pastime during these events. Family reunions can be jazzed up with fun themes. Here are ten ideas you might want to use at your next family gathering.

10. The Beverly Hillbillies

If you live in the Midwest like me, much of your family may already seem like Ellie May or Jethro! And even if they don’t, it could still be fun to make everyone dress up like hillbillies, rednecks, or whatever phrase your family likes and see how far people go with it.

9. Costume Party

Who says you have to wait until Halloween? Have a contest for the best costume. Better yet, have it a costume party where each family member has to dress like another family member!

8. Secret Pal

Have each family member bring along a gift for a secret pal. Make the maximum allowance $5 for really interesting gifts—but allow homemade ones, too.

7. Potluck

This is the theme we always have each year. Everyone brings their own grilling base—hot dogs, soy burgers, what have you—and drinks along with a dish to share.

6. Chef Cookoff

Iron Chef, the Next Food Network Star—whatever you want to call it, get the family together and compete with a few select ingredients. Have kids judge for the most hilarity, or simply enjoy everyone’s creations when they are complete.

5. Family Carnival

Hire a bounce ride or two, a fortune teller, and a face painter and you’re set. Decorate if you’re ambitious!

4. Family Sports Day

Decide on a sport before the event and break off into teams to challenge one another.

3. Family Game Day

Have each person bring his or her favorite game.

2. Family Weekend Getaway

Remember Steve Carrell’s family weekend in Dan in Real Life? I’ve always wanted to have one of those—complete with pancake breakfasts, morning workouts, talent competitions and more! We do have a semi-regular family event where we rent a hotel and a conference room, but we usually just hang out and play cards.

1. Lovely Love My Family

This is actually a song title from the song that the band The Roots plays on Yo Gabba Gabba! I just love it, and I love what it stands for. We could each do with a bit more of songs like these in our lives. Play this song at your reunion, and have each family member be prepared to either share a story or write a memory at the reunion.