Fun shouldn’t take second place while planning a party. Whether you’re having a little get-together or a large celebration, adding some games to the mix will help create a fun and memorable experience for all your guests.
From icebreakers to trivia competitions, there’s no shortage of basic party games that can keep everyone laughing. These games are thrilling, but they also foster teamwork, creativity, and healthy competition.
So, get ready to ignite the party spirit as we delve into a collection of party-friendly games that will turn any gathering into an unforgettable experience.
1. Charades
Divide your guests into teams and have them act out movie titles, song lyrics, or popular phrases without speaking. The opposing team members have to guess what is being acted out within a time limit.
2. Guess the Ingredient
Prepare a variety of small food samples or appetizers with unique or uncommon ingredients. Guests taste each sample and try to guess the main ingredient. It can be surprising and entertaining to discover unexpected flavors.
3. Photo Caption Contest
Display a series of funny or interesting photos and have guests write captions for them. Collect all the caption submissions and read them out loud for everyone to vote on the best captions.
4. Scrambled Words Race
Prepare a list of words related to a particular theme or category and scramble the letters. Hand out the scrambled words to each guest or team, and they race against the clock to unscramble the words. The person or team with the most correctly unscrambled words wins.
5. Would You Rather
Create a list of challenging or thought-provoking “Would you rather” scenarios. Guests take turns asking each other questions and explaining their choices. It can lead to interesting discussions and debates.
6. Pictionary
Similar to charades, but instead of acting out, players have to draw a word or phrase on a whiteboard or paper. The team members have to guess what is being drawn within a time limit.
7. Celebrity Couples
Write the names of famous celebrity couples on separate index cards and tape one card to the back of each guest. Guests then have to mingle and ask yes or no questions to figure out who their celebrity couple is. The goal is to find their partner.
8. Who Said It?
Compile a list of famous quotes or lines from movies, books, or historical figures. Read out each quote and have guests guess who said it. You can also turn it into a multiple-choice game for added challenge.
9. Name That Food
Blindfold one guest at a time and have them taste various foods or snacks. They have to guess what they are tasting without seeing it. The guest with the most correct guesses wins.
10. Truth or Dare
Play the classic game of truth or dare, where guests take turns choosing between answering a personal question truthfully or completing a fun and sometimes silly dare.
11. Jenga with a Twist
Take a regular Jenga set and write fun or funny instructions on each block. For example, “Do a dance move” or “Tell a joke.” When a player pulls out a block, they must follow the instructions written on it.
12. Guess the Drawing
Provide each guest with a sheet of paper and markers. One person takes a turn drawing a random object or scene, and the others have to guess what it is within a time limit. The person with the most correct guesses at the end of a round becomes the next to draw.
13. Balloon Pop Quiz
Write trivia questions on small slips of paper and insert each question into a balloon before inflating them. Divide guests into teams and have them pop the balloons to reveal the questions. The team must answer the question correctly to earn points.
14. Story Starters
Begin a story with a single sentence and have each guest contribute a sentence to continue the story. The story can take humorous or unexpected turns as each person adds their part. The goal is to create a unique and entertaining story together.
15. DIY Escape Room
Create a mini escape room experience by setting up puzzles and clues around a designated area. Guests have to work together to solve the puzzles and unlock the final solution within a set time limit. This can be a fun and challenging game for a group of adults.
16. Human Knot
Have everyone stand in a circle and reach out their right hand to grab someone else’s hand across from them. Then, have them reach out their left hand to grab a different person’s hand. The challenge is to untangle the human knot without letting go of anyone’s hand.
17. Emoji Charades
Use emojis to represent book titles, movie titles, or popular phrases. Guests take turns acting out the emoji sequence, and the other guests have to guess what it represents.
18. Movie Trivia Drinking Game
Play a movie trivia game where participants take a sip of their drink whenever they get a question wrong. This game adds a fun and social element to a classic trivia game.
19. The Newspaper Fashion Show
Divide guests into teams and provide them with old newspapers, tape, and other crafting supplies. Each team has a limited amount of time to create a fashion show outfit using only the newspaper. Afterward, each team presents its creation on a makeshift runway, and a panel of judges selects the winners.
20. Name That Logo
Compile a set of famous brand logos and display them one by one. Guests have to guess the brand associated with each logo. This game tests participants’ knowledge of popular brands and can spark interesting conversations.
21. Cocktail Mixing Challenge
Set up a minibar area with various drink ingredients and mixers. Guests take turns creating their own unique cocktail concoctions using the available ingredients. In the end, everyone can taste and rate each other’s creations.
22. Name That Accent
Have guests draw cards with different accents or dialects written on them. Each person takes turns speaking or reading a phrase in the assigned accent, and the others have to guess which accent they are imitating.
23. Karaoke Roulette
Create a playlist of songs that guests may not be familiar with or may find challenging to sing. Each person takes a turn selecting a song blindly from the playlist and has to perform it karaoke-style.
24. Movie Character Charades
Write down the names of various movie characters on separate slips of paper. Guests take turns acting out the characters while others try to guess who they are. To make it more challenging, they can only use gestures and facial expressions, no words.
25. Family Feud
Divide guests into teams and play a homemade version of the popular game show “Family Feud.” Create a list of survey questions and have each team guess the top answers. The team with the most points at the end wins.
26. Reverse Alphabet Game
Start with a category, such as “Animals” or “Foods.” The first person names something in that category that starts with the letter Z. The next person has to name something that starts with the letter Y, and so on, going backward through the alphabet. The game continues until someone gets stumped or takes too long to think of a word.
27. Murder Mystery Dinner
Host a murder mystery dinner party where guests are assigned different roles and have to solve a fictional murder case together. There are many pre-made murder mystery kits available online, or you can create your own storyline.
28. Name That Sound
Play various sound effects or short audio clips from movies, TV shows, or everyday sounds. Guests have to guess what the sound is or what it represents. It can be a fun and interactive game for sound enthusiasts.
29. Inflatable Limbo
Get an inflatable limbo stick or use a pool noodle. Play music and have guests take turns limboing under the stick without touching it. Gradually lower the stick after each round. The guest who can limbo the lowest wins.
30. Heads Up!
This is a mobile app game inspired by the game “Who Am I?”. One player holds a phone or tablet to their forehead with a word displayed on the screen. The player has to guess the word based on the clues given by other players before time runs out.
31. Card Games
Classic card games like Poker, Blackjack, or even simple games like Uno, can be a great way to entertain guests. You can also try more social card games like Cards Against Humanity or Exploding Kittens for a fun and humorous experience.
32. Name That Tune
Play short clips of popular songs and challenge your guests to guess the song title or artist. You can divide them into teams and keep score to add some competition.
33. Who Am I?
Write the names of famous people or characters on sticky notes and place one on each guest’s forehead without them seeing it. The guests then have to ask yes-or-no questions to figure out who they are.
34. Trivia Night
Prepare a set of trivia questions on various topics and divide your guests into teams. You can cover a range of categories like movies, music, history, and pop culture. The team with the most correct answers wins.
35. Balloon Pop Dares
Fill balloons with small slips of paper containing challenges or dares. Have each guest choose a balloon, then pop it to reveal their challenge. The challenges can range from funny tasks to more daring ones, depending on the group’s preferences.
36. Minute to Win It
Set up a series of one-minute challenges using household items. For example, see who can stack the most cups in a pyramid or who can transfer the most M&M candies from one plate to another using chopsticks. The player who completes the most challenges successfully within a minute wins.
37. Name That Movie
Play short audio clips from famous movies and have guests guess the movie title. You can also show still images or famous quotes and see who can correctly identify the film.
38. DIY Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth area with props, costumes, and a camera or smartphone on a tripod. Encourage guests to take fun and creative photos. You can also provide a backdrop or create a themed setting to enhance the experience.
39. Scattergories
Give each player a sheet of paper divided into categories (e.g., movies, cities, animals) and a letter of the alphabet. Set a timer and have everyone write down words that fit each category, starting with the chosen letter. Compare answers at the end of each round to award points.
40. Karaoke
Set up a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app with a large collection of songs. Let guests take turns choosing and singing their favorite tunes. It’s a great way to let loose and enjoy some laughs together.
41. Mafia/Werewolf
This is a social deduction game where players are assigned roles as either Mafia members or innocent townspeople. The Mafia tries to eliminate the townspeople while the townspeople try to figure out who the Mafia members are. It’s a game of strategy, persuasion, and detective work.
42. Name That Tune Playlist
Create a playlist of songs from various genres and eras. Play short snippets of each song and have guests write down the song title and artist. The person with the most correct answers at the end wins.
43. Balloon Relay Race
Divide guests into teams and set up a relay race using balloons. Each person has to carry a balloon between their knees or balance it on a spoon and race to the finish line without dropping it. If the balloon falls, they have to start from the beginning.
44. The Memory Game
Arrange several items on a tray and allow guests to study them for a minute. Cover the tray and have guests write down as many items as they can remember. The person with the most correct answers wins.
45. Emoji Pictionary
Create a list of phrases or movie titles using emojis. Guests have to decipher the emojis to figure out the correct answers. The person with the most correct answers wins.
46. Guess Who?
Prepare a list of interesting facts or statements about each guest and read them out loud. The other guests then have to guess who the facts belong to. It’s a fun way to learn more about each other.
47. DIY Trivia Pub Quiz
Create your own trivia quiz using questions from various categories like history, sports, science, and entertainment. Assign point values to each question and see who scores the most points at the end of the quiz.
48. Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt by hiding objects or clues around the house or party venue. Provide guests with a list of items or riddles to solve to find each clue. The first person or team to find all the items or complete the hunt wins.
49. Reverse Charades
Instead of one person acting out a word or phrase, have one person guess while the rest of the team acts it out together. This adds a fun twist to the traditional charades game.
50. Cards Against Humanity
A popular and humorous party game where players complete fill-in-the-blank statements using funny or outrageous answers from the cards in their hands. The fun comes from the absurd combinations and creative responses.
51. DIY Casino Night
Set up different casino-style games like poker, blackjack, roulette, or even a simple wheel of fortune. Provide guests with play money and let them enjoy a night of friendly gambling.
52. The Great Egg Drop
Challenge guests to create a protective container or device using materials like straws, tape, and paper to prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from a height. Test the designs and see whose egg survives the drop.
53. DIY Art Challenge
Set up an art station with various art supplies and paper or canvases. Give guests a specific theme or prompt and a time limit to create their artwork. In the end, display the artwork and let everyone vote for their favorite.
54. Human Sculptures
Divide guests into pairs and give each pair a roll of aluminum foil. One person becomes the “sculptor” and molds the aluminum foil around their partner, who becomes the “sculpture.” Set a time limit, and at the end, everyone votes for the most creative sculpture.
55. Movie Emoji Puzzles
Create a list of movie titles using only emojis and have guests decipher the titles. The person who correctly guesses the most movie titles wins.
56. Ping Pong Madness
Set up a ping pong table and have guests compete in various ping pong games, such as a singles tournament, a doubles match, or an “around the world” style competition.
57. DIY Lip Sync Battle
Have guests take turns performing lip sync performances to their favorite songs. Provide props and costumes for added fun, and let the other guests cheer and vote for their favorite performances.
58. Impromptu Speeches
Give each guest a random topic or object and ask them to deliver a short impromptu speech on that topic. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and public speaking skills in a fun and supportive environment.
59. Mixology Challenge
Set up a mini bar with various liquors, mixers, and garnishes. Guests take turns creating their own signature cocktails using the available ingredients. They can name their cocktails and share the recipe with others.
60. Beer Pong
Set up a beer pong table and play the classic beer pong game. Divide guests into teams and take turns trying to throw a ping pong ball into the opposing team’s cups. The team that eliminates all the cups first wins.
61. Blind Taste Test
Blindfold guests and have them taste various foods or beverages. They have to guess what they are tasting based on flavor and texture. You can include different types of cheese, exotic fruits, or flavored drinks.
62. Bean Bag Toss
Set up a bean bag toss game by creating targets with different point values. Guests take turns tossing bean bags and aim to score the most points. It’s a simple yet fun game that players of all skill levels can enjoy.
63. Pictionary Relay
Divide guests into teams and have them play a game of Pictionary. Instead of one person drawing at a time, each team has to collectively draw and guess the word or phrase. The team that guesses correctly first gets a point.
64. Two Truths and a Lie
Each person takes turns sharing three statements about themselves, with two being true and one being a lie. The other guests have to guess which statement is the lie. It’s a great icebreaker game that allows guests to get to know each other better.
65. Ping Pong Relay
Set up a ping pong table and divide guests into teams. Each team stands at one end of the table, and they have to bounce the ping pong ball back and forth without letting it drop. The team that keeps the ball going the longest wins.
66. The Laughing Game
Guests sit in a circle, and one person starts by saying “ha.” The next person adds another “ha,” and the pattern continues around the circle, with each person adding one more “ha” to the previous sequence. The goal is to keep a straight face and not laugh. If someone laughs or breaks the pattern, they are out, and the game continues until there’s only one person left.
67. Name That Country
Prepare a list of country flags or interesting facts about different countries. Guests have to match the flag or fact with the correct country. The person with the most correct answers wins.
68. Story Chain
Have everyone sit in a circle and start a story with a single sentence. Each person adds a sentence to continue the story, and it goes around the circle. The story can take unexpected turns and become quite amusing.
69. Dance-off
Clear some space for a dance floor and play upbeat music. Have guests show off their dance moves and take turns battling each other in a friendly dance-off. You can even have a panel of judges rate the performances.
70. DIY Craft Station
Set up a craft station with various art supplies and materials. Guests can engage in a creative activity like painting, jewelry making, or decorating personalized items. It allows guests to relax and express their artistic side.
Final Thoughts
Organizing a party that guests will talk about for years to come doesn’t have to be difficult.
From classic charades to creative DIY challenges, these games are sure to add excitement and laughter to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a larger celebration, this article will provide you with plenty of ideas to suit your guests’ tastes and preferences.
With games like Emoji Pictionary, Balloon Pop Confessions, and Name That Tune, guests will have a blast interacting, laughing, and creating lasting memories.
Resources
- https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/party-games-ideas
- https://www.buzzfeed.com/mallorymcinnis/20-insanely-simple-party-games-to-entertain-your-whole-famil
- https://simplepurposefulliving.com/party-games-ideas-for-adults/
- https://www.thespruce.com/affordable-party-games-for-adults-4154485
- https://www.momjunction.com/articles/party-games-ideas-for-adults_00790652/
- https://www.purewow.com/home/best-party-games
