Family Reunion 1

Durango, Colorado, is a popular family reunion destination for apparent reasons…think unique and endless outdoor activities, more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, and family-friendly activities galore. How does the family champion planning such a get-together create an event that lends to lasting memories for years? Here are a few of our favorite ideas!

Have a Game Tournament 

Family Reunion 2

Break out the brackets! Think ping-pong, foosball, cornhole, shuffleboard, or even rock-paper-scissors. A game tournament can provide competition for your family members in a structured way, making sure all who want to are involved. You may even be surprised by 80-year-old gran’s competitive side! All you will need is a simple bracket that can be easily printed online or drawn on a sheet of paper, and let the fun begin!

Host an Olympic Challenge 

Family Reunion 3

Okay, more competition. This may bring out the best…or worst…in your beloved family members. Pick a few unique challenges and present homemade awards to the winners. Some of the most straightforward ideas for challenges to incorporate include a nature scavenger hunt, a three-legged race, an egg race, Minute to Win It Games, a water balloon toss, or a crab walk race. You can even get creative with team colors or uniforms! 

Present a Talent Show or Silly Skits 

Family Reunion 4

Do you have any super-talented (or goofy) family members? This may be an excellent way to allow their talents to shine! Set up a stage area to set the scene and let loose! If your family is not stoked to perform, you can divide into groups of 2-4 and pick a theme of skits to perform instead! Don’t forget to break out the video cameras. 
 

Introduce a Cooking Contest

Family Reunion 5

We all love food, so why not turn it into an activity? Invite family members to cook their favorite dishes and then vote on favorites. Consider picking a theme…fancy desserts, football appetizers, or unique salads. This is also a great time to share family recipes and take home a keepsake or two! 

Visit Unique Local Attractions 

Durango Train During Fall Photo Train Event

Picking a local activity for a day is a great way to explore the area and make memories together. Decide as a family that laughter will rule the day! To keep things interesting, try letting different age groups have a say in the activity chosen. For example, let the kiddos pick a hike, or the oldest family members pick the restaurant. You can also aim to select activities that are incredibly unique to the region you are visiting. For example, Durango offers a chuckwagon dinner at Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers, which is excellent for the whole family. You can also ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, visit Honeyville, take a family-friendly dip in the newly renovated Durango Hot Springs, or adventure down the Animas River with one of our many local rafting companies. 

Conclusion

Family on the Animas River Trail

Whether looking to law-low or adventure far, there are always options to add more structure and fun to your family reunion days, encouraging lasting memories! Happy planning! 

This blog post was guest-written by The Black Diamond Lodge. Are you searching for a family reunion spot that can accommodate the above suggestions? We are your place! The Black Diamond Lodge, formerly The Silverpick Lodge, is a wedding + events + group lodging venue offering rustic luxury in the mountain town of Durango, Colorado. They can accommodate over 4o guests under the same roof with on-site nearby additional lodging. Amenities include three hot tubs, a sauna, a steam shower, a mud room for ski and gear storage, a movie room, a game room, and a large community kitchen and dining room! The Black Diamond Lodge, formerly The Silverpick Lodge, is a wedding +