Family reunion ideas with a family tree at the center
Short answerThe best family reunion activities let relatives see and add to the family story: hang a large family tree poster people can write on, set up a quiet corner to record stories, put out unlabeled old photos to identify, hand out a printed family book, and finish with a quiz about how everyone is related.
A family tree wall
Print the tree as a large poster, 24 × 36 inches or bigger, and hang it at eye level near the entrance. Leave space and pens so relatives can add missing children, correct dates and write names under faces. Photograph the poster at the end so nothing is lost. Tips for printing are in how to print a family tree.
A story corner
Set up two chairs in a quiet room with a phone on a stand and a list of prompts. Invite older relatives to record one short story each. See how to record family stories.
A photo-naming table
Lay out copies of unlabeled old photos, each numbered, with a sheet beside it. Relatives write who they recognize and where it might be. One afternoon can identify faces that would otherwise be lost.
More ideas
- Family book: a printed book with a page for every person, given to each household.
- Birthday calendar: a printed calendar with every birthday and anniversary, so no one is forgotten during the year.
- “How are we related?” quiz: pair up cousins and ask them to work out their relationship, then check it with a relationship chart.
- Map of origins: a map with pins for where each branch came from.
- Generations photo: one photo per generation, and one with the oldest and youngest together.
Doing this in Family Trees
Family Trees covers several of these. Invite relatives to the shared tree before the reunion so they can add their branches; joining is free. With Plus you can print a poster of any tree view up to 36 × 24 inches, make the family book with a page for everyone, and see the family map. Moments lists everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries, and “How are they related?” answers the quiz.
Questions
What activities are good for a family reunion?
Activities that involve the family story work well: a family tree poster people can add to, recording stories with older relatives, identifying old photos, a cousin relationship quiz and handing out a printed family book.
How big should a family reunion family tree poster be?
Large enough to read from a step back: 24 × 36 inches is a common choice for a few generations. Bigger families may need several posters, one per branch.
How do I get relatives to contribute before the reunion?
Share the tree online a few weeks before and ask each household to check their branch and add photos. A shared tree means the poster and book are complete on the day.
Questions? Email support@familytreesapp.com and a person will reply.