There’s something special about gathering with loved ones in one place. Whether it’s been years since you last saw each other or just a few months, planning a family reunion is the perfect opportunity to reconnect, share memories and create new traditions. But planning a get-together for multiple generations can feel overwhelming without the right approach.
From choosing the best location to organizing activities for all ages, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for an unforgettable setting, the Okanagan – and more specifically, a resort like Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos – offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and convenience. Here’s how to plan a family reunion everyone will remember for years to come.
Start Early And Get Everyone Involved
Gather The Guests
When it comes to family reunions, the question of who to invite is an easy one…everyone! While you may need to cap the guest list off to certain branches of the family tree (ie: Dad’s cousins and their kids), it’s best to invite everyone within that group to ensure all of your relatives have a chance to meet, mingle and make some memories.
Pick The Right Date
The best family reunions are planned well in advance. Aim for 6-12 months of preparation time to allow relatives to book time off work, arrange travel and budget accordingly. When choosing a date that works for most people, consider:
- School holidays: Summer break and long weekends are ideal for families with children.
- Local events: Check if there are festivals or activities happening in the Okanagan that could add to the experience.
- Travel ease: If family members are flying in, consider availability of direct flights or shorter road trips.
photo credit: Jon Adrian
Gather Input
A reunion is more fun when everyone has a say. Send out a quick survey to gauge interest in location, activities and accommodation options. A simple Google Form or group chat can make decision making easier.
Delegate Tasks
Avoid taking on all the responsibilities yourself! Assign family members different roles:
- Communications Coordinator – Sends out invites, updates and reminders.
- Activity Planner – Organizes games, excursions and entertainment.
- Food and Drink Organizer – Manages meal planning, reservations or potluck details.
- Budget Manager – Keeps track of costs and contributions.
There are a lot of little details that go into planning a big group event. Stay organized and don’t be afraid to delegate or accept help when it’s offered. There are all kinds of great tools online that can make collaboration and planning easy. Facebook Events is a great way to get the word out about the event – (don’t forget to confirm the RSVPs!), or share information with all of your collaborators via a cloud service like Google Docs.
Why Choose Osoyoos For Your Reunion
British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is one of Canada’s most scenic and family-friendly destinations. With its warm climate, lakeside beaches, vineyards and outdoor activities, it’s the ideal spot for a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Osoyoos, in particular, offers many attractions for visitors. Learn more about Osoyoos and its unique attractions:
- Sunshine and warm temperatures – One of the warmest spots in Canada.
- Sandy beaches and water sports – Perfect for all ages.
- Wine country and farm-to-table dining – Great for the adults in the group.
- Hiking, biking and golf – Plenty of outdoor options to explore.
Plan Your Family Reunion At A Resort Or Vacation Rental
When picking a place to stay, consider what will make your reunion stress-free. Resorts like Watermark Beach Resort offer all-in-one convenience, with:
- Flexible Accommodation in spacious suites and beachfront townhomes for families of all sizes.
- Onsite dining and catering so no one has to cook every meal.
- A beach and outdoor pool for easy entertainment.
- Group-friendly amenities like meeting rooms and event spaces.
For a more DIY approach, renting cabins or vacation homes can be a great option. However, this requires more coordination, as families will need to plan meals, clean-up and entertainment independently. If you have a hands-on group that enjoys organizing details, this could be an alternative.
Activities In Osoyoos For All Ages
A successful reunion balances downtime with fun experiences. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there are plenty of Osoyoos activities to explore. Here are some options that cater to all generations:
Outdoor Fun
- Beach day at Osoyoos Lake – Swimming, paddleboarding or just relaxing.
- Winery tour for the adults – The South Okanagan is home to award-winning wineries.
- Hiking and biking – Explore the trails around the valley.
- Boat or kayak rentals – A great way to enjoy the water together.
Family Bonding Activities
- Trivia night – Test family knowledge with a mix of history and fun facts.
- Storytelling session – Have elders share favourite family memories.
- Photo scavenger hunt – Encourage everyone to snap fun moments.
- Family cookbook project – Collect recipes from different branches of the family.
Relaxation & Free Time
Make sure to leave space for free time so everyone can unwind. Some may want to visit a spa, go golfing or simply enjoy a peaceful morning by the lake.
Simplify Meals and Logistics
Dining Options
Food brings people together, but feeding a large group can be tricky. Consider a mix of:
- Onsite catering or restaurant reservations/take out
- Potluck-style meals – Each family brings a dish to share.
- BBQ nights – Utilize communal BBQ areas.
- Local takeout or food trucks – A great way to try Okanagan flavours.
Budgeting and Costs
Set a realistic budget and decide how costs will be shared. Digital payment apps like e-transfers make it easy for family members to contribute to shared expenses.
Make Memories And Family Traditions
Capture And Share Memories
Make sure to document the reunion so everyone has keepsakes to look back on. Some ideas include:
- Hiring a photographer for a family portrait.
- Staying social by sharing pictures on social channels and create a unique # for it.
- Creating a digital photo album for everyone to access.
- Making a reunion video with highlights from the event.
- Starting a time capsule tradition to be opened at the next gathering.
Make It A Tradition
A successful reunion doesn’t have to be a one-time event. Before everyone heads home, set a tentative date for the next one. This keeps the momentum going and makes it easier for everyone to plan ahead, ensuring a higher turnout for future gatherings.
Give a Thoughtful Keepsake
A small keepsake is a great way to thank your family reunion guests and leave them with a lasting memory. Simple gifts like a photo frame or tote bag work well, while a Watermark Beach Resort gift card offers the flexibility to enjoy dining or a future getaway. Locally inspired souvenirs, such as engraved wine glasses or bottle stoppers, also add a meaningful touch to your gathering.
Ready To Plan A Family Reunion?
Gathering your loved ones in the Okanagan is an experience filled with sun, scenery and unforgettable moments. Whether you want a laid-back lakeside getaway or an action-packed adventure, a resort like Watermark Beach Resort makes planning simple and stress-free.
Start organizing your next family reunion today and let Watermark help you create lasting memories. Contact us to learn more about group accommodations, event spaces and custom packages.
