Hobbies And Interests
Animal Icebreaker
If family members haven't seen each other in a long time or if you have a lot of children in the family who may be shy around the "long lost" relatives, start the event with an icebreaker game that requires loved ones to mingle. Write the names of different animals on index cards. As guests arrive at the gathering, tape one card to each person's back. Instruct each guest to ask family members "yes" or "no" questions to help identify the animal taped to his back. Once a guest correctly identifies his animal, let him request a second animal card. Present a gift to the person who has the most cards at the end of the game.
Memory Match
Turn family photos into a memory match game that loved ones can play as individuals or in teams. Ask family members to bring two identical copies of their favorite family photos from vacations or special occasions. Choose five to 10 pairs of photos for the children's game and 10 to 20 pairs for the adults. Shuffle the pictures and place them face down on a table.
The first player turns two photos over and if they match, she gets to keep them in her pile. If they don't, she turns them face down and the game continues with the next person's turn. Continue playing until no photos remain. Once the game is complete, let family members sit together and tell stories about the events depicted in the photographs.
Balloon Relay
Organize an active party game to let family members work together as a team. Divide the players into teams of two and give each team an inflated balloon. Line the teams up behind the "finish line." As the race starts, the teams must run or walk across the yard and back to the finish line while keeping the balloon balanced between their heads. If the balloon falls, the team must start back at the finish line. Make the game easier by pairing family members up based on height.
Family Trivia
Create a written contest that family members can work on at their leisure throughout the event. Give each person a pencil and a piece of paper printed with 20 to 30 family trivia questions. Cover topics such as family members' birthdays, honeymoon destinations, occupations, quirky habits, favorite foods or hobbies. Read the answers aloud at the end of the event and give a prize such as a photo album to the family member who got the most answers right.