The Zoo is a
place that your whole family can enjoy. I recall a time not long after I had
learned how to drive, and my parents gave me the keys to the car and said to
take my two younger sisters to the zoo. They weren’t that much younger than me,
two and five years younger to be exact, and I remember us having a great time
looking at the animals, eating ice cream bars and feeling very grown up.
My Mom always enjoyed going to the zoo, even when she
couldn’t walk very far. We’d get a wheelchair so that when she tired of
walking, we could push her down the paths. She loved seeing the animals.
I think this is a universal enjoyment that everyone has,
watching other species and exclaiming over their beauty and diversity. Going to
the zoo would make a wonderful group event at your reunion if one is nearby.
Either order a catered lunch, or cart it in yourselves, and make a time to meet
up at midday for a shared meal. Reserve a large picnic area for your group if
that is possible.
Strolling amongst the trees and animal enclosures will
provide visiting time, and people can go on a train ride together around the
property. You can even pose for group photos together. Just set a specific time
and place for gathering.
If a zoo is not close to the site of your reunion, pick a
different outing. Just be sure to schedule one group activity that makes a
shared memory. Rent a huge dune buggy and go for a wild ride together. Go to a
water park and float down a lazy river. Hike through a beautiful wooded state
park. Try horseback riding on a local trail. Whatever is chosen, remember to
include all ages and ability levels in the activity, so no one feels left out.
If you’re near a large body of water, go for a boat tour. In
the Midwest, a land of lakes, there are tour boats that will cruise around the
lake, the guide pointing out the sights in the case of mansions built as summer
homes years and years ago, or if in more of an unspoiled setting, the plants
and wildlife along the shore. If everyone chips in for the expense, you can get
a sailboat to take people out on a lake.
For those even more adventurous, take rides in a hot air
balloon over the countryside. There are more of these adventures across the
country, and I am very familiar with the sight of hot air balloons overhead
living in Albuquerque, home of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon
Fiesta. That would make quite a memory for reunion guests.
A place to record the memories of your reunion can begin
with the Family Reunion Keepsake Book,
which is sold on this blog by clicking on the icon on the top right of the
page.
Thanks for reading my blog. Comments appreciated!