Family gatherings are the perfect chance to put off your everyday grind and cherish the good times with your loved ones. Whether it’s a small weekend get-together or a grand reunion, family time brings unforgettable moments. However, planning the same backyard dinner or patio barbecue each year gets pretty monotonous. Worse yet, it makes the real fun die out.
The good news? There are multiple out-of-the-box family gathering ideas you probably didn’t think of yet. From fun activities like crafts and talent shows to adding unique themes to add fun to the party, there’s much more to ginger up family get-togethers than you think.
Read on to get inspiration for your next family gathering and how a home battery backup can help you pull it off perfectly!
9 Popular Family Gathering Ideas
According to research, around 73% of US adults consider spending time with family to be one of the most treasured moments. [1] Thus, looking for family game ideas every time you host a gathering is important to make every second worth cherishing.
Here’s a lineup of some of the most popular family gatherings you can’t miss out on:
1. Family Games
Family games never go wrong when it comes to a reunion. For example, you can make custom puzzles, card games, or board games to let everyone bond over them.
Better yet, it’s worth hosting a family gathering outdoors with activities like tug-of-war, scavenger hunt, or musical chairs to make everyone laugh. Also, you can tweak the games to fit multiple age groups so that no one’s left out!
2. DIY Food
Another exciting family gathering idea is to cook and eat the prepped meal together. It could be a cooking contest or a fun bake-off. For example, you can try DIY pizza nights where everyone creates their own toppings or set up the fillings right. Taste-testing the others' foods and deciding the winner is incredibly fun, too.
If you’d rather keep things sweeter, you can also bake cookies and cupcakes with your guests, letting everyone decorate their treats. This works especially well if your family appreciates creativity outside the kitchen!
3. Talent Show
Some great ideas to amp up the fun include telling jokes, showing off unique skills, and dancing along. Even if you have shy family members around, there are multiple ways to make them join in. Whether inside, away from the cold, or outdoors in the harsh weather, talent shows always make any family gathering worthwhile.
Plus, you can always make talent shows more creative by decorating around, adding stages, or giving out titles. With a little preparation, talent shows can be worth cherishing for family gatherings!
4. Barbecue Party
Barbecue parties never go out of style, especially when it comes to family reunions. Simply fire up the grill and treat your tastebuds while enjoying special moments with your family. From grilled meat and hot dogs to grilled veggies, there’s something to fit everyone’s taste. Plus, the best part about barbecue parties is that they can always add the charm of backyard games to double the fun.
The best part? Along with the delicious meal, the relaxing vibe of a barbecue party makes it perfect for everyone to bond and share their special moments together.
5. Movie or Music Night
When hosting a family gathering, movie and music nights top the list for many, and for good reason. You need to ask around for movie suggestions or create a playlist of everyone’s favorite songs. This will not only create a friendly atmosphere but also make everyone feel fully engaged throughout the event.
To add to the fun, add popcorn, comfortable seats, or even karaoke to ensure the fun doesn’t die out. From watching a classic to playing your favorite tunes, a movie or music night has the power to keep the laughter spreading and good vibes rolling!
6. Creative Arts Handicrafts
If you think family gathering games sound too cliche, it’s time to go with creative arts handicrafts that bring out your family’s artistic shine. Preparing all the things needed is simpler than you think. Just set up tables with paints, clay, beads, and other art supplies, and let everyone’s creativity speak for itself.
You can also set a painting theme or arrange some handmade projects that are suitable for several people to complete together, increasing the fun of the gathering. After this gathering, it offers you keepsakes of the day to remind you of this unique experience.
7. Camping
How about you take a break from the routine spots and screens and head for camping adventures with your loved ones? Whether you head to America’s popular camping spot or far into the remote areas, camping never goes out of style in keeping families together.
Prepare camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, moisture-proof mats, camping lights, etc., to ensure a comfortable experience. During the day, outdoor exploration activities such as hiking, mountaineering, cycling, etc. can be arranged. In the evening, a bonfire party can be held where everyone sits around the bonfire to barbecue and sing.
8. Sports competitions
If your family is into sports and has a competitive spirit, there’s no better way to connect than hosting sports competitions for family gatherings. Such gatherings include relay races, tug-of-war, soccer, badminton matches, football, you name it.
To keep the adrenaline going, you can even create mini-tournaments with fun prizes for the winners. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or just trying out sports for fun, it’s an incredible way to reconnect with your family.
9. Family photos
Taking a family photo at the end of a gathering is a warm and meaningful way to wrap it up. It can not only record the happiness and joy of this moment but also become a valuable asset in future memories.
If the gathering is outdoors, you can choose a natural background such as a garden, park, seaside, or at the foot of a mountain. If it is indoors, you can choose the living room, dining room, or an area decorated with a photo wall.
How to Plan a Perfect Family Gathering?
Big or small family gathering requires sufficient planning to be pulled off perfectly. Start a meditation before family gathering reddit. In order to make it simpler, here’s how to plan the ultimate family gathering:
1. Determine the Theme, Date, and Location of the Gathering
Like everything else, the first step down the road is planning on the theme. Your theme sets the tone of the entire event and determines how the event might turn out. While you decide on the theme, pick a date and location that works for everyone. Whether it’s your backyard or a scenic spot, the location needs to be exciting so your family can attend the gathering enthusiastically!
2. Invitation & Planning
Next up, make a list of people you wish to make a part of your event. Most importantly, get your invites ready and send them out timely so everyone can be a part of the gathering. Plus, don’t forget to set a budget to keep things working for you. This will help you manage costs and ensure everything is ready so your get-together is flawless.
3. Arrange the Venue and Prepare the Equipment
Firstly, choose appropriate decorations based on the theme, such as balloons, ribbons, theme posters, etc. Then, according to the size of the venue and the number of people, arrange tables and chairs reasonably. You can set up a dining table and an activity area. Ensure that the venue has bright lighting and prepare sound equipment to liven up the atmosphere. If you need to barbecue or cook, make sure the electric grill, oven, and other equipment are complete and clean.
If you are outdoors or in places with insufficient power supply, you also need to prepare a portable power station to ensure the normal operation of all electrical equipment.
4. Plan the Activity Process
No matter the type of gathering you’re hosting, planning the activity process is extremely important. Create a schedule of activities to keep everyone engaged. Include the games, music, and meals in the plan to ensure things are perfectly executed without any awkward gaps in between.
Bonus tip: Have appropriate plans for guests of all ages so everyone feels fully included in the family gathering.
5. Arrange Food and Drinks
Food is a primary part of any gathering, and family events are no exception. Decide on a menu that fits your theme, and make sure there’s something for everyone. This way, kids and even those with dietary preferences feel well taken care of. Plus, don’t forget to add refreshing drinks to the event so everyone’s fully hydrated throughout the day.
6. Prepare an Emergency Plan
Have a strong backup plan in the face to dodge any emergencies that might come up during the family gathering. For example, keep first-aid kits ready, have extra supplies at hand, and ensure the weather doesn’t hamper the fun. This, in turn, will save you from anything that tries to ruin the event!
Recommended Portable Power Stations for Family Gatherings
Considering the need for the perfect family gathering outdoors, having a portable power station to power all electrical equipment is important. At Jackery, we’re committed to ensuring all your events are ideally hosted without power hassles getting in the way. Whether you’re hosting a sports contest or heading out to camp for a family getaway, our battery powered outlets remain at your disposal. Two recommended products to power your family gatherings include:
1. Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
If you’re wondering what to buy for family gatherings, our Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is the ultimate answer. Here’s why it’s worth each penny you invest in it:
- Powers up Every Moment
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station delivers a 1500W output and 1070Wh capacity, which makes it strong enough to handle multiple appliances at once. Whether you’re hosting an intimate event indoors or a grand contest outdoors, this portable power station ensures you’re well equipped with sufficient power all along.
- Charges All Your Devices
With three AC outputs, one USB-A output, two USB-C outputs, and a carport, you can keep multiple devices charged at once. This makes it perfect for staying connected during family events and keeping your gadgets ready for photos throughout the event!
- Ready for Adventures or Emergencies
From camping trips to unexpected power outages during family gatherings, this portable power station handles it all. It goes from 0% to 100% in an hour under Emergency Super Charging mode and 3.8 hours via two Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels, so you’re never left hanging in the dark during family events.
2. Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station
Our Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is built to cater to massive power requirements and does the job perfectly well. Here’s a bunch of features that make it a must-have for family gatherings:
- Massive Power Output
With a 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output, this portable power station can power over 1 day of emergency needs. From refrigerators to heavy-duty heating or cooling equipment, it serves as the perfect backup for family gatherings.
- Easy to Handle
When hosting a family reunion or event, the last thing you want is to carry your baggage around. Our Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station weighs only 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg) and is 40% smaller than traditional models. It’s equipped with a foldable handle, making it easy to carry around.
- Built With Advanced Features
This portable power station comes with advanced features such as ChargeShield 2.0, a UPS system (≤20ms), exclusive CTB structure, and smart app control, making it durable and easy to use.
Conclusion
A family gathering allows you to have fun or create unforgettable memories. Power plays a crucial role in family gatherings. It not only ensures that the audio equipment can play music but also provides power for the lights. In addition, the portable power station also provides energy for electronic devices such as cooking equipment, mobile phones, cameras, etc., ensuring that everyone can record and share exciting moments.
If you are planning a family gathering or just want to hold an outdoor activity, visit the Jackery website for reliable power solutions!
References
[1] Family time is far more important than other aspects of life for most Americans. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/05/26/family-time-is-far-more-important-than-other-aspects-of-life-for-most-americans/ (Accessed: 14 January 2025)
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