Best places for a family reunion

YMCA of the Rockies is an excellent place to set up a
 family reunion. Plenty of activities in neighboring Estes Park.

Time to get the clan together? It’s not always easy to find a place that’s suitable for a variety of ages and interests. If you’re planning a reunion that encompasses several generations, one of these locations might be just what you’re looking for.

Branson truly has something for 
everyone.

Branson, Missouri                                        

Known as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” Branson can provide world-class entertainment (it’s not all music) for the whole family. With 52 live performance theaters, the hardest part will be choosing which shows to attend. 

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, this all-American vacation destination also has three pristine lakes for fishing and relaxing, 12 championship golf courses, an award-winning theme park (Silver Dollar City), and dozens of attractions and museums including the acclaimed Titanic Museum. 

Nightly light shows of the river are pure delight.

There’s a full range of shopping on The Branson Landing in the heart of downtown on Lake Taneycomo, with waterfront dining and whimsical light shows at night.

New Braunfels, Texas                                  

The wave pool is fun for all ages--with plenty of funky rides for the brave.

Home of Schlitterbahn, the largest and most creative water park in the world, New Braunfels is the perfect destination for families that crave excitement. From toddler wade pools to simple water slides inside a castle-like tower to some of the fastest, scariest, and funest (yes, that’s a word) rides, there’s something exciting for every member of the family.

Try the ropes challenge, a zipline, and cave visit when visiting New Braunfels.

When not blasting down a variety of water rides, you can visit Natural Bridge Caverns, a family-friendly experience with incredible views of underground formations plus a ropes course, zipline, and mining adventure keep kids busy for hours. Enjoy delicious German food and dance to polka bands scattered throughout New Braunfels.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee                                 

A visit to the aquarium is fun for all.

Weddings are wonderful occasions for families to get together, why not plan an extended vacation at Gatlinburg, Wedding Capital of the South? Scenic mountains, whitewater rafting, ziplining, golf, and fishing—not to mention proximity to Great Smokey Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the country—make Gatlinburg as excellent destination for special events. Its small town charm belies amenities like a world-class aquarium and a Space Needle observation tower.

Gatlinburg is a gateway to Great Smokey Mountain National Park.
 

Other destinations that multiple generations would enjoy include Gulf Shores, Alabama and Rosemary Beach, Florida—ideal places to dig your toes into soft sand. Both are located on the protected waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If your group prefers mountains, head west to Rocky Mountain National Park. YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado specializes in accommodating large family groups.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier