Party Games for Family Gatherings

Whether a reunion or holiday event, it's fun to schedule some party games for family gatherings. Games help everyone stay excited and active through the day or evening.

Then, as now, croquet is a great party game for the whole family.

You don't need to be an historian to know that the playing of party games at family gatherings is a time-honored tradition. It's much written about in books and plays, and shown in period films. The most popular and common of these games historically was Charades, which nearly every Victorian family played at Christmas parties. This was usually a very elaborate set-up with mixed groups of adults and children acting out words and could go on for a few hours.

Charades might be the only game that adults and children played together, although adults would certainly supervise games of Blind Man's Bluff and Pass the Parcel. Evenings were often rounded out with music – the girls of the family would take turns providing musical accompaniment throughout the evening and then be allowed to perform and other family members would sing solo or as a group.

At garden parties, everyone participated in lawn games like croquet (this is why Alice knew the game so well in Wonderland). Younger children would have supervised races and play with hoops while teens and adults might enjoy archery.

Just because the above-mentioned games have a long history, it doesn't mean that they don't continue to be appropriate and fun party games for family gatherings. Charades in particular can be a very fun activity for nearly all age groups to play together. It's an opportunity to exercise the kids' creativity both in thinking up the charade and acting it out. Kids always love to see adults, especially relatives, being silly, so be sure to indulge them. But do give the kids the most opportunities to act.

Charades and other word games are great for indoor parties, just as croquet is still a fun – if offbeat – choice for an outdoor event. The key is planning. Predominantly, you have to know your crowd. How many adults? How many children and of what age? If most of the children are under five, you'll have to stick to more physical, easily comprehended games where the adults help, rather than participate. If you're dealing with a lot of easily bored teenagers, especially those who are mortified when their parents start getting silly, you'll have to construct some clever games to keep them on their toes and, hopefully, interested. A mixed group of kids might allow the teens to be engaged in helping the younger kids, which could encourage them to get over their "too cool for this" attitude and enjoy themselves.

Sometimes the adults can be party poopers, too! Obviously, no one is compelled to join in the fun, but gentle nudging and the offering of special prizes for all might help get the curmudgeons involved.

There is nothing quite like the tried-and-true party games at family gatherings to liven up an indoor gathering. Tons of board games are designed specifically to be raucous activities played by large groups of mixed ages. Like the card parties of Jane Austen's day, you can set up several tables in your biggest room or rooms and have multiple games on offer so there is something for everyone.

You can also get creative and tailor some games specifically for the family. A game of family trivia or "Who Is This?" can be great fun and make everyone from the tiniest tots to great-grandma feel special. These sorts of games will take some work to prepare, so be sure to plan ahead and delegate.

Party games are a great way to get everyone relaxed and laughing, so do be sure and include some at your next big event.

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