Let’s face it….family reunions can go either way! But adding a game or two into the mix – something everyone can join in with and that is fun for all ages – and you’ll give yourself the best chance of keeping things light-hearted. Games really are the best way to bring laughter and to build memories that last.
All the games I share in this post (and dozens of more ideas!) are avaiable in my book Party Games!
Finding activities that suit both toddlers and grandparents isn’t always straightforward. In this post, I’m sharing my favourite all-ages games that work brilliantly when everyone already knows each other. Perfect for playing at home gatherings or at a family reunion.
All of them are quick to learn, simple to set up, and require little to no preparation.
1. “Hi… who?”
A fast, funny guessing game. One person sits in a chair facing away from everyone else. The others quietly form a line behind them in a random order.
The first player steps forward and says, “Hi…!” followed by the name of the person in the chair — but they must disguise their voice as much as possible. The seated player tries to guess who’s speaking. If they’re right, that person moves to one side; if they’re wrong, they move to the other.
Carry on until everyone has had a turn. At the end, the person in the chair turns round to see how many they guessed correctly. It’s surprisingly tricky!
2. You Don’t Say
A brilliant one to run throughout the whole reunion.
Give every person a “taboo word” — ideally something they’re known for saying a lot. This part is often half the fun.
Each player starts with five paperclips attached to their clothes (or kept in a pocket). If someone says their taboo word, the first person who catches them takes one of their clips.
At the end of the gathering, the person with the most clips wins.
Tip: For big groups, write each person’s taboo word on a sticker they can wear so no one has to rely on memory.
3. Head, Shoulders, Cup
Players stand around a table with a row of cups. There should be one fewer cup than there are players.
The game leader calls out simple actions: “touch your head”, “spin once”, “walk clockwise”, “tap your knees”, and so on. Everyone must follow the instructions.
At any moment, the leader can shout “cup!” Then everyone scrambles to grab a cup. The person left without one is out.
Remove one cup and play again. The final person to claim the last cup is the winner.
4. Chubby Bunny
Players add one marshmallow at a time to their mouths and attempt to clearly say the phrase “chubby bunny”. Keep adding marshmallows until you physically can’t say it any more. Whoever manages the most wins.
(It gets a bit messy, so have napkins handy!)
5. The Dealer
Everyone sits or stands in a circle. One person is chosen as a detective and must leave the room or be out of sight and earshot. Everyone else then secretly chooses someone to be the dealer; everyone else is a customer.
The detective is called back in and stands in the circle.
The dealer must subtly signal (a tiny wink or nod – decide in advance) to a customer. When a customer spots the signal, they announce: “I’ve made a deal.” The detective then tries to work out who the dealer is. If they accuse the wrong person, the round continues. If they choose correctly, they switch places. The dealer now becomes a detective and a new dealer is chosen.
6. Cookie Monster
Each player balances a biscuit on their forehead while tilting their head back.
When the game starts, players try to manoeuvre the biscuit into their mouths using only facial movements — no hands! If it falls, they start again from the forehead.
First to eat their biscuit wins.
7. Don’t Blow It
Place a cup upside down on the table with a stack of cards balanced on top.
Players take turns gently blowing to remove some cards. But make sure not to blow too many! If you blow off the final card, you lose the round.
8. Jousting
Players spread out. Their left hand goes in front of them with the index finger pointing forward – that’s their joust! Their right hand rests behind them with the palm facing outward.
On your call, players try to “tag” someone else’s back hand with their pointing finger while protecting their own. If you get tagged (someone else’s joust touches your open palm), you’re out.
Continue until only one player remains.
9. Musical Hats
Lay out a collection of hats – one fewer than the number of players. It can be fun to get everyone to bring their silliest hat for this game!
Play some music while everyone dances around the hats. When the music stops, players must grab a hat and put it on. Whoever fails to get a hat is out.
Remove a hat each round until one player remains.
10. Earth, Air, Water
Players stand in a circle with one player – the Caller – in the middle holding a ball.
The Caller throws the ball to someone, calling out “earth”, “air”, or “water”. The catcher must name a creature from that environment. Repeat answers aren’t allowed.
If they hesitate, drop the ball (from a fair throw), or repeat a creature already used, they’re out. The last person standing wins.
11. Where Are My Shoes?
Players remove their shoes and place them in a pile. The referee blindfolds everyone and mixes the pile thoroughly.
On “go”, players fumble their way through the pile, trying to find and put on their own shoes using touch alone. First fully dressed (laces tied – and in the right pair of shoes!) wins.
For extra chaos, you can add coats, jumpers, or accessories.
If you’ve got a party coming up, you’ll definitely want to grab a copy of my book Party Games!
Bonus Activity Ideas
I also wanted to share some activities that I’ve done at family reunions. It can be fun to mix up the games with a couple of activities to keep the pace varied throughout the day.
1. “Story Time” Slides
Each person prepares ten slides that auto-advance every 20 seconds. The theme could be “That time I…”, “My highlight of the year…”, or anything else you fancy. If you do something focused on the year you’ve just had, this can be nice to repeat in previous years.
When it’s their turn, they present their story as the slides roll by. It’s short, snappy, and always hilarious.
2. Put On a Show
Everyone must perform something — singing, an instrument, a magic trick, stand-up, a poem, or anything they feel comfortable sharing. It’s a great way to showcase hidden talents.
3. Family Olympics
Create a set of light-hearted challenges with small prizes. You can mix physical activities, puzzles, mini-games, or timed tasks.
4. Family Trivia
Prepare questions about relatives, family history, old stories, and inside jokes. Combine ages in each team to make it fun and inclusive.
5. Time Capsule
Invite everyone to bring photos, notes, keepsakes, or small objects. Seal them in a time capsule to be opened at a future reunion.
6. Memory Lane Display
Set up a table or wall with old photos, letters, and items from past gatherings. Perfect for sparking stories and nostalgia.
7. Family Potluck
Ask everyone to bring a favourite dish to share. It adds variety, reduces the pressure on one person, and is a lovely way to celebrate family traditions.
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