Summer is the season for spending extra time with the people you love. If you’ve got a family gathering coming up and need a few ideas to make it more than just sitting around, here are some of my favorites.
1. Family Talent Show
This one gives every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, a chance to shine and show off a skill or a hidden talent nobody knew about. Singing, dancing, comedy acts, magic tricks, even a surprisingly impressive pet performance all count. It doesn’t need a script or rehearsal. Just a little encouragement and a willing MC to keep things moving.
The best part of a talent show like this is usually the unexpected entries, the shy cousin who turns out to have a killer singing voice, or the grandparent who’s been sitting on a magic trick for thirty years.
2. Goofy Awards Ceremony
If you’ve ever watched The Office, you already know the vibe here. Start by brainstorming a list of funny, family-specific awards. Print out simple certificates or grab a few cheap trophies, then pick a lively family member to host and run it like a full award ceremony, complete with a little fanfare.
A few award ideas to get you started:
- The Nap Master – Most Likely to Fall Asleep at the Family Reunion
- The Chatterbox Champ – Loudest Talker in the Family
- The Laundry Houdini – Making Clothes Disappear Faster Than a Magic Trick
Half the fun is in the buildup. Read each award out loud before announcing the winner and let the family roast each other a little.
3. Family Time Capsule
Gathering the whole family to put together a time capsule is a meaningful way to make memories and leave something for the next generation. Ask everyone to bring a couple of items they want to include, and let each person share why they chose it before it goes in.
Once it’s sealed, find a safe spot to store it until your next big family get-together, or keep it sealed for ten years for an even bigger payoff down the road. It’s a simple way to preserve a little family history that future generations will genuinely appreciate.
4. Capture the Day With a Photo Booth
Whatever activities you choose, giving your family a way to capture the day adds something a talent show or awards ceremony alone can’t. A photo booth gives everyone, kids included, a reason to gather together and walk away with something to keep. I bring a fully restored 1968 camper trailer set up as a photo booth to family gatherings around Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah County, and it tends to become the spot where three generations end up in the same photo, which doesn’t happen nearly often enough otherwise.
I’d love to hear how your family gathering goes. Message us and tell me which activity you tried.
Want a photo booth at your next family gathering? Contact us to check availability.