Family reunions are the perfect time to reconnect, share memories, and create new ones. After enjoying hearty meals, heartfelt conversations, and catching up with relatives, it’s always a good idea to wind down with some fun and engaging games. Whether you’re gathering in a large living room, around a dining table, or even in a cozy basement, indoor games can help keep the energy alive. For those looking to add excitement and laughter to the mix, here are four must-try indoor games that are perfect for large groups, with something for everyone—from the youngest cousin to the oldest family member!
1. Left Center Right (LCR) – A Fast-Paced, Competitive Dice Game
When you have a large group, it can sometimes be hard to find a game that everyone can easily join in on. That’s where Left Center Right (LCR) comes into play. This simple, fast-paced game can accommodate any number of players and guarantees lots of fun, especially when played with money.
How to Play:
To start, each player is given three $1 bills (you can adjust the denominations depending on how high you want the stakes). Players take turns rolling three LCR dice, which each have markings for “L” (Left), “C” (Center), “R” (Right), and a dot.
- L: Pass $1 to the player on your left.
- C: Place $1 in the center pot.
- R: Pass $1 to the player on your right.
- Dot: Keep the money.
The game continues around the circle, with players rolling the dice and following the instructions. If a player has no money left when it’s their turn, they simply pass the dice to the next person. The goal is to be the last player holding money, who wins the center pot.
This game can get really competitive, especially when the stakes are high, but it’s also incredibly easy for people of all ages to pick up quickly. Plus, the randomness of the dice ensures that everyone has a chance to win—no special skills required!
2. Bowl Game – A Fun “Get to Know You” Activity
Family reunions are the perfect setting for getting to know each other better, even if you’ve known each other for years. The Bowl Game is a simple and fun way to uncover secrets, hidden talents, and hilarious stories that will keep everyone laughing.
How to Play:
For this game, you need a bowl, slips of paper, and pens or pencils. Each participant writes down a fun fact about themselves. It could be a quirky habit, a funny childhood memory, or an unusual talent. Once everyone has written their fact, fold the slips of paper and place them in the bowl.
The moderator (this can be a designated person or someone taking turns) then reads each fact aloud, one by one, while everyone else guesses who wrote it. To make it more exciting, have everyone point to who they think the fact belongs to. After each guess, the person who wrote the fact reveals themselves.
Why It’s Great for Large Groups:
This game works well for large groups because it encourages interaction and gives everyone a chance to be the center of attention for a brief moment. It’s also a wonderful icebreaker for any new family members or friends, and it guarantees plenty of laughter as you learn more about the people you thought you already knew.
3. Animal Noise – A Silly and Active Game
If you’re looking for a game that gets everyone moving and laughing uncontrollably, Animal Noise is the one to try. This game is all about silliness and fun, making it a hit at family reunions where everyone is up for some light-hearted, physical activity.
How to Play:
One person is blindfolded and placed in the center of the room. Everyone else takes a seat and, when the blindfolded person is ready, they clap to signal that it’s time for them to choose a seat. The blindfolded person must walk around and find a seat, but here’s the catch: they must sit on someone’s lap.
Once seated, the blindfolded person asks the person whose lap they are on to make an animal noise (such as a dog barking, a cow mooing, or a lion roaring). The goal for the blindfolded person is to guess whose lap they’re sitting on based on the sound.
If they guess correctly, the blindfolded person removes the blindfold, and the person whose lap they sat on takes a turn being blindfolded. If they guess wrong, they continue searching for another lap. After a set number of tries (for example, four attempts), the turn ends.
Why It’s Great for Large Groups:
This game is perfect for large groups because it involves movement, laughter, and plenty of surprises. It’s a great way to break the ice and create some hilarious moments, as the noises and guesses can quickly get out of hand. Plus, the silly factor will have everyone in stitches.
4. Mafia – A Social Deduction Game of Strategy and Bluffing
For those who enjoy a bit of strategy mixed with a lot of fun, Mafia is an excellent choice for a large family reunion game. It’s a social deduction game that requires players to use their observation skills, critical thinking, and persuasive abilities to figure out who the Mafia members are before they eliminate everyone.
How to Play:
Each player is secretly assigned a role, which they keep hidden from the others. The roles are usually divided into three groups:
- Mafia Members: These players secretly choose one person to “kill” each round.
- Detectives: These players try to figure out who the Mafia members are by investigating other players.
- Townspeople: These are the majority of players, whose goal is to vote out the Mafia members.
The game alternates between Night Phases (where the Mafia secretly chooses someone to eliminate) and Day Phases (where players discuss who they suspect might be in the Mafia). After discussion, players vote on who to eliminate, and the cycle repeats.
Why It’s Great for Large Groups:
Mafia thrives in larger groups, as the more players you have, the more suspenseful and intense the game becomes. The hidden roles and the need for careful strategy keep everyone engaged, and the accusations and bluffs add a fun layer of social interaction. Whether you’re playing with teenagers or adults, this game is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Family reunions are all about creating memories, and there’s no better way to bond than by playing games that get everyone involved. From fast-paced dice games like Left Center Right, to silly, active games like Animal Noise, to strategic and thrilling games like Mafia, these four indoor games are sure to bring lots of fun and laughter to your next family gathering.
Whether you’re looking to break the ice, test your luck, or put your detective skills to the test, these games are perfect for large groups and will ensure that everyone has a blast. So gather your family, get ready to play, and make this reunion one to remember!
