Family Reunion Games

Bible Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Your Reunion

Family gatherings are not only a precious time for bonding, but also a great opportunity for passing down our faith legacy. Keeping faith alive is a big job so it’s important to do it right! Engaging family members in a game is not only a great way to incorporate Christian teaching and values, it’s the best way to do it, especially when it comes to our children.

Looking for a great activity that everyone in the family can enjoy? Then how about a scavenger hunt! But not just any scavenger hunt…a Bible scavenger hunt! Read on!

What is a Scavenger Hunt?

Everyone has heard of them but not everyone has participated. The basic concept is simple: You must find an entire list of items before time runs out. The beauty of the game is that they are super easy to plan, with rules that can be modified to suit your game. Depending on each individual game, variations can exist in the following areas:

Type of scavenger hunt: We generally think of a scavenger hunt as being a list of items to collect, but you can also put together a hunt that involves taking silly selfies in certain places or finding answers rather than collecting physical items.
The list: Obviously depending on the occasion, theme, holiday or the like, the list of items will vary from game to game.
Teams: Some hunts are carried out by teams while other hunts might call for solo play.
Time limit: Whether you want a quick scavenger hunt or wish to make a day-long event out of it, time limits need to vary in order to make sense with the kind of scavenger hunt being played.
Location: Some choose to have a scavenger hunt inside, while others prefer the great outdoors. Your options are limitless… the park, the mall, the aquarium, wherever your heart desires!
Difficulty level: One of the many things that make scavenger hunts great is that they can be planned to suit people of all ages, making them the perfect family reunion game!
Scoring system: All items may be counted the same or points may be rewarded based on the difficulty of each item
Prize: From bragging rights to monetary awards, winners will come out with something, and the rest will be awarded with the fun memories!

Whatever the rules, they must be set forth ahead of the game! More on this later.

How Can the Bible be Used for a Scavenger Hunt?

If you’re looking for a fun, Jesus-loving activity that everyone can enjoy, then your answer is a Bible scavenger hunt! You may be wondering, how does the Bible tie into all of this? Well, surely we’re not intending for you to hide a bunch of Bibles around a room for everyone to search for (I suppose that could be some type of quick variation)!

To help you get started, why not try this “Picture-Perfect Bible Scavenger Hunt” at your next family gathering? Kids love a good scavenger hunt, and if they can learn about God and the Bible in the process, it’s a win for Him and everyone else involved!

Since we like to make things easy for you, we’ve already done most of the work for you! Everything you need is below. All you have to do is click and print!

Picture-Perfect Bible Scavenger Hunt

The object of this game is to find as many of the items on the list as possible within the allotted time. There will be one item from each book of the Bible which means there are 66 items to find total.

If you need a shorter version of the Bible scavenger hunt, try choosing a section from the Bible, such as The New Testament (27 books), rather than books from the entire Bible, and edit the list accordingly.

What You Need

To get started, you will need some game materials. Before you print, be sure to have in mind how many teams will be participating, then print accordingly, allowing for a couple of extra copies just in case. You will need the following printables:

Bible Scavenger Hunt Clues (1 copy per team)
Bible Scavenger Hunt Worksheet (1 copy per team)
Bible Scavenger Hunt Answers (for the Game Master)

In addition, each team will need to have on hand:

At least one Bible (We recommend using the NIV Bible for this game as our clues are written with reference to this version.)
Pen or pencil
Camera (phone cameras are allowed)
Watch or timer

How to Play

Before beginning, make sure that you have all materials needed. Decide on teams, each team should have 2-5 people. Distribute materials accordingly.

When the timer starts, each team will work to solve the puzzles on the Bible Scavenger Hunt Clues sheet by looking up the clues in the Bible. Write your answers in the Bible Scavenger Hunt Worksheet.

In order to ensure that each group stays together rather than searching for items independently, a group selfie will need to be taken with each item. This not only proves that the picture of the item didn’t come from a simple internet search, but it also allows room for more fun! Don’t skimp on the pictures as bonus points may be awarded for the most creative photos! Oh, and you never know which ones will end up online!

Return to the starting point before the designated ending time as the scores will be calculated when time is called.

Scoring Suggestions

10 points will be awarded for each correct answer on the Bible Scavenger Hunt Worksheet
20 points will be awarded for each group photo with the correct item
Penalty points will be deducted for late return (10 points per minute)
Optional bonus points: 100 points for each of the 5 most creative photos

And naturally, the team with the highest score wins!

Bible Verse Scavenger Hunt

If you can’t get outside due to weather or other circumstances, this one is suitable to play anywhere, even on road trips with the kids!

The object of this game is to be the one who finds the most words in the Bible before time is called, or be the first one to find all of them.

What You Need

This game only calls for the basics:

Bible
List of words (1 for each team)
Pen or pencil
Timer (optional)

How to Play

Best played solo or in pairs.

When the game host gives the cue, each player is given a word list and must hunt through their Bibles to find verses containing each word. Once found, they must write the verse next to the word on their list. Only rule: No Phones! Players would still be able to work together in groups and could use a concordance if available.

Scoring Suggestions

10 points for each verse found
25 bonus points for completing the list first

Whenever a tie exists, the players tied for victory must face off looking for an additional verse. The first person who finds it is declared the winner!

Bible Treasure Hunt

Treasure hunts are similar to scavenger hunts in that you go from location to location for something. While a scavenger hunt is where you must find a list of things, a treasure hunt is different; you follow clues rather than collecting a bunch of things.

The object of this game is for everyone to work through all of the clues as a team until you find the treasure at the end.

What You Need

10-25 clues from the bible (depending on how long you want the game to last)
Treasure (candy, a lesson learned, a meal, etc.)

How to Play

Clues are placed in various locations. Each clue is a verse from the bible with hints as to where the next clue is. The final clue will lead to the treasure!

Clues must be collected in order to prove to the game host that you didn’t spot a clue outside of game rules and cut corners!

Scoring Suggestions

No actual score is kept as it’s not a competition but you can choose to offer greater incentive for finishing before a certain time!

Backup Game Ideas

While we are making plans, life is happening and some things are just beyond our control. Here are some ways you can prepare for life’s unexpected hiccups and have backup games in a pinch:

Quiz of Books: Test everyone’s knowledge of the Bible as they (likely) learn new things! Make a list of questions with one pertaining to each book of the Bible, omitting anything that might make the answers completely obvious. Whoever can guess more of the books will be dubbed “The Bookmaster!”
20 Questions: Everyone knows this game! All you need to do is put a Biblical spin on it and you have yourself an easy game! Ideas for topics to include: Biblical events, Bible verses, people of the Bible, The Old Testament, The New Testament
Acts of the Bible: Just like charades, but Bible-style! Act out scenes from the Bible and have everyone guess which book it comes from, or if you’re looking for a bigger challenge, name the actual verse!

Playing a Bible-themed game like Picture-Perfect Bible Scavenger Hunt or Bible Treasure Hunt can help create a relaxed atmosphere where family members are comfortable sharing about their spiritual victories and struggles. Not to mention the wonderful time everyone would have making memories together. Who knows, you may even be unwittingly setting a new family tradition and, with the picture-perfect reminders, still be reminiscing about the hunt years later!

Alvin Gan is the father of three noisy (but lovely) teenagers and founder of www.BibleGamesCentral.com. At Bible Games Central, you will find a variety of fun and captivating games complete with Bible learning points, recommended scripture passages and discussion questions.

Icebreaker Questions for Kids to Ask Each Other

We’ve all experienced the scenario: The new kid who just moved from out of town, awkwardly passing by. Or, the one child sitting away from the others, wanting to play, but not knowing how to join. How about a cousin who is visiting from out-of-state for the first time? Everyone knows someone who is a little shy.

How to Get Kids to Communicate

Some kids are super social and can make friends in minutes, while others are introverts and need a little help in communicating with others. No matter how different each child may be, they all have one thing in common–they like to have fun!

Fun is a universal “language” to children. Some children express themselves with words, others use body language, expressions or an outward display of emotion. Setting up plenty of fun activities that involve teamwork is a great way to engage kids of almost all personality types!

Another thing that works particularly well if you’re looking for simple icebreakers is using guided conversation.

What is guided conversation and how does it help?

Guided conversation is simply a way to take control of a conversation in an effort to get the dialogue rolling. Kids might have a hard time finding a common ground at first, especially if they’re shy. Guiding kids towards conversation topics they all can enjoy can pave the way for them to get comfortable with one another. Let’s move on to some ideas for icebreaker questions for kids!

Kid Icebreaker Questions

Whether you’re here looking for ideas for a new class or to help children bond at a family function, here are some kid icebreaker questions that can get them chatting!

Music, Media, and Entertainment

Who is your favorite band?
What kind of music do you like?
Do you like the music your parents listen to?
What is one song you know all the words to?
What kind of music makes you want to dance?
What is your silliest dance move?
What is your favorite movie?
Who is your favorite Disney character?
Do you have a celebrity crush?
What shows do you watch?
What is your favorite cartoon?
What cartoon character do you wish was real?
What social media apps do you use?
Do you like to play video games?
What is your favorite video game?
What is your favorite YouTube channel?
Can you play any instruments?
Have you ever been to a concert?
Who is your favorite celebrity?
If you could ask your favorite celebrity anything, what would you ask?
What shows did you watch as a preschooler?
Do you play any card games like Pokemon or Magic the Gathering?

Sports

What is your favorite sport to play or participate in?
What is your favorite sports team?
What sports have you played?
Have you ever been part of a sports team?
Is there was any sport you could perform in the Olympics, which would you choose?
Have you ever won a trophy or medal?
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Have you ever been to a professional game?
Can you catch a baseball?
Can you throw a football?
Can you hit a golf ball?
Are you good at bowling?
Do you go to school games to show team spirit?
Do you like camping?
Do you know how to fish?
What’s the biggest fish you ever caught?
Do you know how to hunt?
Have you ever shot a bow and arrow?
Do you like kickball?
Can you ice skate?

Education and Goals

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Do you like school?
What subject is your favorite?
What subject is your least favorite?
What subject do you work best in?
Have you ever been a part of student council?
Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?
Have you ever been a boy scout or girl scout?
Would you ever dress up as the school mascot?
Have you ever been in trouble in school for anything?

Personal

What is your middle name?
Do you have any nicknames?
What is your astrological sign?
Where were you born?
What is a talent you have?
Do you go to church?
What is the worst injury you’ve ever had?
What is your biggest fear?
Who do you love the most?
Do you have any pets?
Do you have any siblings?
Are you more of a morning person or a night person?
What’s one thing that recently made you laugh?
What are you most thankful for?
How do you feel about pickles?
You find a stray kitten, what do you do?

Favorites

What is your favorite candy?
What is your favorite ice cream?
What is a candy flavor that you think shouldn’t be a flavor?
What is your favorite food?
What is your favorite vegetable?
What is your least favorite vegetable?
What’s your favorite color?
What’s the best chip flavor?
What is the best Starburst flavor?
Ketchup, mustard, both, or neither?
What toppings do you like on pizza?
What’s the best season and why?
Who has the best french fries?
Who has the best burgers?
Who has the best macaroni and cheese?
What’s your favorite thing to drink?
What does your favorite t-shirt have on it?

Random

If it was raining tacos, would you eat them?
Where would you want to go in the world if you could go anywhere?
What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?
Can you do an impression of someone famous?
What candy best describes who you are inside?
If you could have someone play you in a movie, who would it be?
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Have you ever been to Disney World?
You’re at Taco Bell, what do you order?
Free day off of school, what do you do all day?
If you could make water smell like anything, what would it smell like? (Remember, you have to shower in it!)
If you had a superhero ability, what would it be?
What would your superhero name be?
Animal voice swap: Which two animals would you have swap sounds?
Would you rather take a train, plane, or boat somewhere?
Pick 3 animals to put together to create a new animal. Which animals would you pick?
What would you name your new animal?
Oreos wants to make a new grossest flavor cookie. What flavor would you pick?

Feel out your crowd to determine which types of questions to ask. For instance, you probably don’t want to be asking little kids about crushes or older teenagers if they prefer Sesame Street or Barney. You can choose to actively participate in the conversation, guiding it when you feel it’s needed, or you can turn it into a game.

Icebreaker Games to Play

If an icebreaker game is what you’re after, then here’s a few ideas that you might wish to consider:

Chip in

Each player starts with 10 poker chips (toothpicks, rocks, marbles, 10 of something). The object of the game is to get rid of all of your chips as fast as possible. The game begins when a player draws a question from the hat and answers it and puts a chip in the middle. You can choose to pass but you must take a chip. If the question is passed, another person can “steal” the question by tossing a chip in the middle then giving their answer. The game is played in clockwise order around the room.

Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare is an oldie, but a goodie! Each time it is your turn, you pick truth or dare, then you have to either answer a question or act out whatever dare is brought upon you! This is probably best saved for the older kiddos or teens.

Jenga Questions

Who doesn’t love the game Jenga? Put a fun icebreaker spin on the game by writing a question on each one. Whichever piece you pick out, you have to answer!

For even more icebreaker game ideas, check out our list of 101 family reunion game ideas!

Another fun way to get the kids to answer icebreaker questions is to offer incentives. Have a bowl of candy and each answer will earn them a piece of candy! I mean, do you know any kids who don’t like candy or other sweets? If you’d prefer something with some nutritional value, lean towards something like chocolate covered strawberries or nuts (consider allergies). If you want to play it really safe, offer money (think a cool dollar coin or a $5 bill) or small prizes instead for those who answer the most!

If you do decide to offer an incentive, keep it minimal; the goal is to get the children to communicate with each other, not fight over some big prize. Once you have the kids feeling comfortable and chatty, your mission is complete!

Egg Toss Game Play Rules

The egg toss game is a traditional game played at family reunions, field days, birthday parties, and even on Easter. It’s a good time and can get quite messy, which is all a part of the fun!

It’s likely that you have played this game at some point in our life, and probable that it was in conjunction with other field-type games such as potato sack races and relays. Therefore, you should know just how much fun you can have with something as simple as an egg!

How to Play

The egg toss game is a rather easy and straight-forward game to play. In order to begin, you must have an even number of players as they will be divided into pairs. Each pair of players gets one egg and then the game begins.

Make sure everyone is wearing something they don’t mind getting messy!

All teams begin by standing an equal distance apart. One person begins by tossing the egg to the other teammate.
If the teammate catches the egg successfully, they both take a step back and the game continues.
If the egg is dropped, but not broken, the teammate may pick it up and throw it back and consider themselves lucky to still be in the game! (Some variations set a limit on how many times the egg can be dropped by a team before they are disqualified.)
If the egg breaks on the ground or in someone’s hands, the team is now out of the game.
The game continues until there is one team left standing.
If there happens to be a question on the last two teams as to whose egg broke first, the winning team is determined by whichever team is at the farthest distance apart.

Tips for Playing

Although the egg toss game is meant to be fun and messy, sometimes it’s not always realistic to use raw eggs, and sometimes extra precautions should be taken. Here are a few tips and tricks:

Young children: who are not yet very coordinated throwers or catchers, a hard shell can hurt! Instead, consider using a small water balloon or a plastic egg with some goodies in it for the younger kids. This way, they can participate without the potential for getting nailed in the face with a real egg!
Indoor or strict venues: You may wish to consider replacing the raw egg with a hard boiled egg as they are much easier to clean up! Also, laying something on on the floor can help ease the cleanup process.
Championship games: If you plan on making it a huge egg toss affair, then be sure to keep record of the measurements between each winning teammate to determine the overall winner at the end of the game!
Outdoor cleanup: After the game is done and the party is over, simply hose down all of the areas with splatted eggs to avoid having a nasty stench emanating from the area in a couple of days. We all know that the smell of rotten eggs is less than pleasant!

Now that you have all of the knowledge you need to plan the game, it’s time to get ready for tossing some eggs!

30 Fun Family Reunion Trivia Questions

With all of the fun to be had at a family reunion, why not throw a trivia game into the mix? You might be surprised at the type of family reunion trivia questions that will be asked.

The family reunion trivia questions will all depend on each individual family; in other words, no two family reunion trivia games will be alike! Not only is family reunion trivia fun, but it’s a great way to break the ice! It provides an opportunity for family changes, such as new marriage or a new baby, to be recognized and everyone can really learn a lot about family history. This is a family reunion, after all!

How To Play

If you don’t know what trivia is, it is basically a quiz, and in this case, about your family. The host of the game will write down 10-20 questions about the family, and these questions will be asked aloud to the family during the game. Those who wish to answer can raise their hand to be called upon, whether you decide to have everyone play individually, or play in groups with a spokesperson.

Correct answers should get rewarded with something simple like bead necklaces, and anyone who is pointed out specifically in correct answers should be recognized with something appropriate for them, whether it be flowers for a grandma, or koozies for men. You really don’t have to hand anything out, but it makes it more fun and you’ll probably break the ice a lot easier with some incentive!

If you need help figuring out the type of family reunion trivia questions to ask, read through the following list and you’re bound to find some that will work for your reunion trivia!

Sample Family Trivia Questions

How many generations are in our family, alive and well today?
Who is the longest living family member with us today? (If female, give her a rose, if male, give him a family reunion hat or koozie.)
Who is the newest family member here today? (Could be a baby or a new marriage.)
Who are the newlyweds?
Who lives in Wyoming?
Who just got engaged? (Perfect opportunity for a lucky man to propose to his lucky girlfriend!)
Who recently retired?
How many military members are in the family? (Give them each a little flag to recognize.)
How did Uncle Buckwheat get his name?
Who came here all the way from Europe?
In what year did our family make it over to the United States?
Where did our family immigrate from in 1803?
What is our family’s native language?
What is Uncle Buckwheat’s real first name?
How many cats does Grandma Joyce have?
How many people are in our family total?
Who’s the gossip queen in the family?
How many people live in this city?
How many grandchildren does Grandma Lois have?
How many different states did family travel from to be here today?
Who in the family plays the drums.?
Who lost a tooth in a hockey incident?
Who has traveled to 26 different countries?
Who couldn’t be with us today because they are serving the country?
Who is the baker in the family?
How many cars does Uncle Bob own?
Where was the first family reunion held?
Who has the most contagious laugh?
Who is the aspiring actor in the family?
God is good. (All the time!)

Name Your Winner

Once all of the family reunion questions have asked, it’s up to you to decide if you want to determine a winner or make it just a game to get people socializing. If you decide to recognize a winner, have them stand up, take a bow, and accept a modest prize, whatever it may be.

If there are any non-participants, haze them with something like silly string! Proceed with caution with friendly hazing though because some people might not take well to it. Only you know your family, their boundaries, and their sense of humor, so use your own common sense.

When the trivia game is over, your family will likely be talking more and having a better time than before you started. Be sure to throw in a few silly questions to get the family laughing. Everyone will love the trivia game and be happy that they played!