8 Kids Activities That Actually Work
Family Scavenger Hunt
Ages 5–12$0Supervision: Low
Create a list of 20–30 items or tasks specific to the reunion — "Find someone who has the same middle name as you," "Take a photo with the oldest person at the reunion," "Find something that belonged to a grandparent." Teams of 3–5 kids work best. Award prizes to the first team to complete the list.
Water Balloon Toss
Ages 5–12$5–$10Supervision: Low
Pre-fill 100–200 water balloons the night before (a balloon filler tool from Amazon makes this much faster). Classic game — partners toss the balloon back and forth, stepping back after each successful catch. Last dry team wins. Kids will spontaneously continue with the remnants for 30 minutes after the organized game ends.
Sack Races / Field Day
Ages 4–12$15–$25Supervision: Medium
Burlap sacks or large pillowcases, a flat grass area, and you have an instant activity. Add an egg-and-spoon race, three-legged race, and relay race for a full field day program that runs 45–60 minutes. Pair cousins from different branches for races — it's a great mixing activity.
Face Painting Station
Ages 2–10$15–$30Supervision: High
One or two adults with face paint kits set up a painting station. Pinterest boards have simple designs anyone can learn in 15 minutes. Kids line up — the activity runs itself once the station is established. Avoid near the food area (paint transfers to food).
Craft Station
Ages 4–10$20–$40Supervision: Low
Pre-printed coloring pages (family crest, names, reunion year), foam stickers, beads, friendship bracelet kits. Kids rotate in and out at their own pace. The craft station is your lowest-supervision option — it runs independently while adults manage other activities.
Bounce House
Ages 3–12$150–$300 rentalSupervision: Medium
Worth it for groups of 30+ kids. Bounce house rentals typically include setup and takedown. Book 4–6 weeks ahead in summer. Establish ground rules: same-size kids only, no flipping, no shoes. Designate one adult as the bounce house monitor at all times.
Slip and Slide
Ages 4–12$20–$60Supervision: Medium
For hot-weather reunions near a hose connection. Purchase or rent a commercial-grade slip and slide (the $25 versions from Target hold up for one day). Requires a dedicated adult supervisor and a rule that only one child goes at a time.
Reunion Bingo (Kids Version)
Ages 5–12$5Supervision: Low
Create bingo cards with family-themed squares: "Has a dog," "Has visited the ocean," "Was born in another state." Kids circulate asking relatives to sign squares that apply to them. Gets kids talking to adults they don't know — a built-in icebreaker.
The Most Important Thing: Assign Adults to Kids' Activities
The biggest mistake reunions make with kids' programming is assuming parents will naturally supervise. At a reunion, parents are also attending — catching up with relatives they haven't seen in years. If you don't designate specific adults to run kids' activities, either the kids run wild or the parents never get a break to socialize.
Before the reunion, recruit 1–2 people per age group to be the activity leads. Give them a written schedule: "9–9:30 AM: scavenger hunt. 9:30–10: water balloons. 10–noon: craft station open." They run the program while parents enjoy the reunion.
Teenage cousins (13–17) are often excellent and enthusiastic kids' activity helpers — they're old enough to be responsible and energetic enough to keep up with younger children. Giving them a role also helps teenagers who might otherwise feel out of place at a multi-generational event.
Quick Setup Checklist for Kids' Activities
✓ Designate a specific physical area for kids' activities (away from elderly seating)
✓ Assign at least one adult per 10 children
✓ Have a written schedule for kids' activity leads
✓ Keep a first aid kit accessible near the kids' area
✓ Ensure shade and water are available in the kids' area
✓ Have a sun-shade or indoor option for kids under 5