When Covid Hit we wanted to see family even more. My sisters and I attempted some virtual gatherings to make up for all the isolation. We did a Mother’s day zoom call with a game for my mom. Then we did a few other game day zoom calls. Here are 3 of my favorites. Even though we can see each other now, family is still spread all over and our desire to be with them seems stronger after all we have been through in the last few years. Try these if you are looking for ways to reconnect with far away friends and loved ones.
1. Digital Scavenger Hunt
Digital scavenger hunts are fun because they get players up and moving. They are good for all ages. Scavenger hunts encourage participants to race off-screen to grab objects or perform tasks.
There are a few different ways to play these games remotely.
Method 1:
Screenshare a list of prompts and give players five to ten minutes to grab as many objects as possible. Award points for each unique item on the list the individual or team retrieves.
Method 2:
Host a lightning scavenger hunt. Read prompts one at a time, and award points to the first player who shows the object onscreen or virtually raises their hand and performs the requested action.
We made a template you can use for your game: Digital Scavenger Hunt
2. Online Trivia
Trivia is one of the easiest games to play with your friends and family on Zoom. There are a few different ways to host online trivia.
Method 1:
Split the group into teams by using breakout rooms. Deliver questions and collect answers by using a Google Form or TypeForm. Give teams 10 to 15 minutes to answer each round of questions, then announce the correct responses back in the main room. Award one point for every correct answer.
Method 2:
Ask questions aloud, and award points to the team or individual who types the correct answer most quickly in the chat.
3. Family Bingo
Bingo is a fun game to play at online social events and online family zoom calls. Many relatives already play imaginary games of Bingo during family gatherings, mentally marking off a square each time Uncle Frank relives high school football days or grandma calls one of the cousins the wrong name. Remote Family Bingo lets the whole crew join the fun. Simply send participants randomized Bingo boards and instruct each player to mark squares when they observe the occurrences therein.
We made a template you can use for your game: Family Bingo Board 1
Contact me if you want more boards – auburnraven7@gmail.com
No matter which game you choose you are sure to laugh and learn with the ones you love.