Planning a family reunion can be tough–it’s time consuming and requires finding fun and engaging activities to enjoy together. Instead of sitting around, and let’s face it, getting on each other’s nerves all day, you’ll be racing them on the zip line or shooting paintballs at them on our natural fresh air course.
Need some inspiration? We’ve detailed out some ideas to keep everyone entertained at your family reunion.
1.) Actually Fun Team Building Activities
Your family is a team. You never got a chance to try out for the spot, though – your teammates were assigned at birth. But, like a team, you all are stuck together and have to figure out how to best function as a unit. You need trust, open lines of communication, and learn to rely on each persons’ strengths, without harping on their weaknesses.
But if your family is well spread out, like most of ours are, you don’t necessarily get together that much to do all that emotional work. That’s what makes a family reunion such a great opportunity to do team-building and leadership activities with your family. You know what we’re talking about – you’ve probably done them before at work or at school, or even just for fun. But we’re talking about more than just the simple “will you catch me?” trust falls. We’re talking about a high ropes course, a low ropes course professionally-led team-building activities and even a rock-climbing wall!
Don’t want that kind of adrenaline rush, or want something friendlier for the older relatives? We have workshops you can add to your family reunion experience. One of which is the Communication and Leadership Training. Eliminate Miscommunication & Understand People’s “Buttons” workshop. Perfect for families of all backgrounds and sizes!
2.) Gear Up For a Family Paintball Tournament
For the adrenaline-junkie family, Pali Retreat’s paintball might be right up your alley! We have all the equipment you need, from body pads to helmets, to guns for a group of up to 10 people at a time. You’ll get to run around our outdoor course, ducking and sneaking a shot at your family members when you think they aren’t looking. It’s all in good fun – but we hear it really helps work out past aggression. Up to 30 people can play per round and games can go up to 90 minutes at a time. We only run paintball when it’s warm(ish) outside, because, believe us, it’s not fun to get hit with a frozen paintball!
Disclaimer: We only run paintball when it’s warm(ish) outside, because, believe us, it’s not fun to get hit with a frozen paintball!
3.) Play Laser Tag
Looking for something a little less intense than paintballs? Go the more virtual route and schedule a game of laser tag with your family instead. It’s safer and a better fit for all ages and abilities. Plus, the vests make fun sounds when you hit someone or someone hits you! Laser tag offers the same type of thrill as paintball and a great way to give your family reunion some added excitement!
Our laser tag course can host up to 40 people and you can play for up to an hour and a half. There are no season caps on this activity, as long as you bring clothes that will work for playing outside!
4.) Embark on a Family Day Hike
One of the best things you can do to bond with other people and make yourself happier is to be out in nature more. While most of Pali is outdoors (well, as much as you want to be), that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t schedule some on-purpose outside time. Our campus is nestled in the San Bernandino Mountains, which are temperature, safe, and beautiful. We have multiple hiking trails around our facility, ranging in length and difficulty. There’s a trail right for most family members (Please note: If someone in your family has severe mobility issues, the terrain may not be accessible).
You can schedule this hike whenever you like. We recommend a mid-afternoon hike, where you can set up a smores activity around the campfire when you get back, to reward everyone for their hard work, of course! Speaking of edible activities, did you know we have a full kitchen and kitchen staff on our property? That’s right – you don’t have to hit a grocery store on the way to our campus or deal with the hefty task of cooking for your entire extended family! Our staff provides meals, which we can make to fit a wide range of dietary preferences & restrictions.
5.) Fly Through the Air by Zipline
If your family is full of thrill-seekers, why not put out zipline or triple swing on the schedule? They’re a ton of fun and they’re safe for (most) of the family. Age and size guidelines apply. Our zip line is a retreat favorite, it’s fun and a dual zip line. That means you get to race that sibling or cousin you’re always competing with and see who can zip down our 800-foot zip line faster. Must be over 60 pounds to ride and under 285.
As for the triple swing, that’s just what it sounds like – a swing for three people. But it’s not your typical playground swing, not by a longshot! It’s a mountain swing that goes over and through the trees, giving you views you wouldn’t believe. It’s a great way to add some thrill to your family reunion and feel like a bird, flying through the air!
Disclaimer: You must be at least 6 years old and under 250 pounds to ride.
Start Planning Your Family Reunion at Pali Retreat
At Pali Retreat not only do we have endless things to do at your family reunion, but we have modernized cabins, a kitchen staff, moderate weather and beautiful landscape–you have to see it to believe it. Instead of dragging your family somewhere like Disney World, bring them out to the California wilderness, which, like everything, can feel as wild as your family prefers.
Sound like fun? Talk to someone about setting up your custom family reunion package at Pali Retreat today. Let us take some of the pressure off, we’re here to help plan your family’s next trip to Pali Retreat!