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
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
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
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
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
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
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 +