49 Adult Party Games Fun Party Games for Adults and Teens

How to play

Acrobatic Dance Freeze is an energetic party game that’s perfect for getting guests loosened up on the dance floor.

You might remember playing classic freeze dance as a kid - this version takes it to the next level with a fun acrobatic twist! It’s best suited for kids, teens, and young adults, although it can be just as much fun to play with grown-ups as well.

Here’s how it works: Players form pairs and begin dancing when the music starts playing. When the music suddenly stops, one partner must quickly crawl between the other’s legs and then climb onto their back. The last pair to complete the move is eliminated. The game continues until only one pair remains!

How to play

This is an incredibly fun game to watch and play, guaranteed to get everyone excited. It’s perfect for challenging your guests at an outdoor party or letting kids try it out at a garden birthday party.

The game is played two at a time. Each player gets two spoons and one apple. Place the apple on one spoon, held in any hand you choose, and have the other spoon (or ladle) in your other hand.

When the signal is given, the goal is to knock the opponent’s apple off their spoon without dropping your own. The first player to have their apple fall to the ground loses. You are not allowed to touch your opponent with your body, only the spoons may be used. To protect your apple, you can hold it high, low, or even behind your back. Anything goes as long as the apple stays balanced on your spoon.

You can even organize it as a tournament, where everyone competes until one person is crowned the winner.

Tips

For kids (and sometimes adults), it can be helpful to play in a small, defined area (about 3x3 meters) to keep the game quick and lively.

How to play

This challenging party game is played in pairs. If you’re playing at a kids’ party, it’s a good idea to pair children who are roughly the same size before starting. With adults, having mixed sizes often adds to the fun!

The game works like this: each pair sits back-to-back on the ground and links their arms together. When the start signal is given, the teams must work together to stand up without breaking their arm hold. The first team to successfully stand up wins!

While it may seem easy, this game often turns out to be much trickier than expected. Keep playing until every team has managed to stand.

How to play

This hilarious balloon race game is enjoyable for both kids and adults. It’s a bit goofy and chaotic, making it entertaining for spectators as well.

The game works great as either an individual challenge or a team competition.

Each player starts with a fully inflated balloon placed snugly between their knees. (Tip: use smaller balloons for younger kids to make it manageable.) At your signal, contestants must waddle, hop, or shuffle their way to a designated checkpoint, round it, and make their way back - all without dropping or popping the balloon.

If a player drops their balloon before reaching the checkpoint, they must pick it up and return to the starting line to try again. However, if they drop it after rounding the checkpoint, they only need to go back to that point, not all the way to the start.

If someone pops their balloon, they must run back to the start, inflate a new balloon, and return to the point where the old balloon burst before continuing.

Balloon Race Relay (Team Version)

To play a relay version, divide players into teams. Each team will have its own course and checkpoint. One player at a time completes the race and then hands the balloon over to the next teammate. The first team to have all members complete the course wins!

This game can be played at parties, in schools, or in preschools, making it suitable for all ages.

How to play

This is a fun and simple outdoor game where participants team up in pairs to test their tossing and catching skills.

Each team starts with one water balloon. The first player tosses the balloon to their partner, who tries to catch it without popping it. If the balloon breaks, that team is eliminated. If the catch is successful, both players take one step backward, increasing the distance for the next toss.

Players continue to toss and catch the balloon, moving farther apart each time they do so. The team that manages to throw and catch the balloon successfully over the longest distance wins!

Kid-Friendly Version

This game is a cooperative and friendlier version that typically lasts a bit longer. If the balloon doesn’t break during a toss but a player fails to catch it, both players take a step forward to reduce the distance. If they successfully toss and catch the balloon from that distance, they can each take a step back and try the same distance again. If a balloon pops, the team is disqualified.

Get ready for some splashy, fun, and friendly competition!

How to play

Challenge your friends to a fun and tasty race in this competitive party game for two players! To set it up, prepare a long candy string. If necessary, tie together two or three pieces to make it extra long. Tie a small treat or candy in the middle of the string.

Each player should hold one end of the candy string in their mouth, standing face-to-face with each other. When the game starts, the goal is to be the first to eat your way along the string and reach the treat in the center.

Remember, hands must stay behind the back the entire time, and players aren’t allowed to pull, yank, or twist the string with their heads - only bite and nibble!

Get ready for a fun, sweet challenge!

How to play

In this storytelling game, each participant shares a true story from their life. The twist? Everyone else must guess whether the storyteller was a child or drunk at the time of the event.

The best stories are often silly, embarrassing, or completely unexpected, but any real-life moment works. If someone has never been drunk, they can simply share childhood stories.

Give players a few minutes to prepare their story in advance. They can write it down or take notes on their phone, then read it aloud when it’s their turn. To make it competitive, award one point for each correct guess. The player with the most points at the end wins.

Fun Charades Twist

For an extra laugh, have players act out their story without speaking while others guess both what happened and whether the storyteller was a child or drunk.

Additional Fun Twists

• Add a third option: completely sober (but still weird).
• Assign one player to tell a completely made-up story.
• Collect all stories, read them aloud, and have guests guess both the author and whether they were a child or drunk.

How to play

This party game is a lot of fun for both kids and adults, and the best part is that everyone can participate, regardless of age. It’s easy to set up, hilarious to play, and just as entertaining to watch for those who aren’t competing. While it’s often played outdoors, it works just as well indoors as long as there is enough space.

To prepare for the game, set up two chairs for each player or team, placing them at least seven feet apart. On one chair, place a bowl filled with cotton balls; on the other, an empty bowl.

Before the game begins, apply a small dab of, for example, petroleum jelly or sticky hair wax to the tip of each participant’s nose. This is their only “tool” for transporting the cotton balls - no hands allowed!

The goal is to move as many cotton balls as possible from the full bowl to the empty one using only their noses. Players can shake, nod, or swing their heads to help drop the cotton balls into the bowl, but their hands must stay out of the game!

The player who transfers the most cotton balls in 2 minutes wins.

Team Version (Relay Style)

To play in teams, set up two chairs per team and turn it into a relay. One person at a time will take a turn moving cotton balls for about 30 seconds to a minute, then tag the next player. Continue this process until all team members have played or until a specified total time has elapsed (such as 5 minutes). The team with the most cotton balls in their bowl at the end wins!

How to play

This is the perfect party game to get your guests moving! It’s especially great for children’s parties when the kids are full of energy and need a fun way to burn it off.

Play some dance-friendly music that suits your group, and let everyone showcase their best moves. At random intervals, stop the music - when it does, everyone must freeze in place. Anyone caught moving is out of the round and steps to the side. The music then starts again, and the dancing continues! The game goes on until only one person remains, who is then declared the winner.

For younger kids or more relaxed groups, you can skip the elimination part. Instead, keep stopping and starting the music for fun - no winners or losers, just giggles and good energy.

Twists

• Each time the music stops, players must freeze in a pose that represents an action, such as walking a dog, running from a bear, eating a hamburger, relaxing on the beach, or lifting something heavy.
• In some rounds, you can shout out a participant’s name when the music stops, and everyone must freeze in the same position as that person. -Shout an instruction each time the music stops, such as: get down on your butt, lay down on your belly, stand on one leg, or have only your butt touch the floor.

How to play

This sweet and silly game is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Give each participant one candy string and have them place just the tip of it in their mouth. Hands must stay behind their backs for the entire game - no cheating! When the signal is given, players race to eat the whole candy using only their mouths. No hands allowed!

The first person to finish and swallow their licorice lace wins the game.

How to play

This is a hilarious and energetic game, perfect for an outdoor party. Set up water-filled bottles, cans, or any other suitable objects on a table. Place a tennis ball inside one leg of the tights so that it sits at the toe. The participant then puts the tights on over their head, with the ball hanging down in front.

With their hands behind their back, the player must swing the ball to knock over as many bottles or cans as possible, using only head movement, within a set time. You can run the game with one player at a time, or set up multiple tables so several players compete simultaneously.

To make the game even more dynamic, create a course with several tables. The player runs to the first table and tries to knock down an object, then races to the following table to continue. The fastest player to complete all tables wins.

How to play

Face the Cookie Challenge is a classic, popular, and fun game that’s much harder than it appears. It’s also easy to set up and entertaining for other party guests to watch.

To play, participants should sit in chairs with their faces directed toward the ceiling or sky, keeping their hands behind their backs. A cookie is placed on each participant’s forehead.

At the start signal, players must use only their facial muscles and head movements, making exaggerated expressions and movements, to move the cookie down their faces and into their mouths. Hands must remain behind their backs, and players must stay seated throughout the game. The first person to successfully get the cookie into their mouth and take a bite wins.

If someone drops their cookie, they can use their hands to pick it up and place it back on their forehead to start over.

How to play

This fun and active game can be played individually or in teams, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.

Each participant ties their ankles together with a string or yarn, effectively “binding” their feet. Once everyone is ready, the goal is to complete a course as quickly as possible using only two-footed hops or waddling forward. Hands or crawling are not allowed!

You can design the course to include simple obstacles, such as circling a tree or navigating around garden furniture. Decide whether everyone will compete simultaneously or if participants will take turns with a stopwatch. The fastest player to finish the course wins!

Team Relay Version

For a team relay, players race one by one, each with their feet tied together. When one player crosses the finish line, the next teammate takes their turn. The first team to have all members complete the course wins!

All-Tied-Up Team Relay (Cooperative Challenge)

For an extra hilarious twist, try binding the entire team together! After tying each player’s ankles, connect team members to one another, so the whole group is linked. Each person should be tied to at least one teammate.

Now, the whole team must work together to complete the course as fast as possible. The team that crosses the finish line first wins.

Get ready for laughter, teamwork, and lots of hopping fun!

How to play

This is a fun and fast-paced guessing game that’s perfect for teens and adults at parties or game nights.

To begin, each participant writes the names of 3 to 5 famous people - either real or fictional - on separate slips of paper. All the slips are then folded and placed into a bowl. Divide the players into teams of two.

The game consists of three rounds, using the same slips each time. In the first two rounds, no gestures are allowed.

Round 1 – Describe in Other Words

The first player draws a slip and must explain the name on it to their partner using only words, without saying the name itself or any part of it. They have 30 seconds to get their teammate to guess correctly. If they succeed, they keep the slip as a point; if not, the slip goes back into the bowl.

After the first team has had their turn, the next team goes. All guesses are said aloud, but only the team whose turn it is may make a guess.

Each correct answer earns one point. When the bowl is empty, move on to Round 2.

Round 2 – Only Three Words

Fold all the slips and return them to the bowl. This round is played similarly to Round 1, but each player may only use three words to describe the name on the slip. Players who remember a lot of names from the first round will have an advantage.

The rules remain the same: 30 seconds per turn, one point for each correct guess, and missed slips go back into the bowl. Teams take turns until the bowl is empty. Once all the slips are guessed again, move on to the final round.

Round 3 – Charades

Fold the slips and return them to the bowl one last time. In this round, players must act out the name on the slip using only gestures; no words or sounds are allowed.

Each team has 30 seconds per turn. A correct guess earns one point, while a failed guess returns the slip to the bowl. Teams take turns until the bowl is empty.

After all three rounds, the team with the most total points wins!

How to play

In this entertaining guessing game, players test their taste buds by identifying different beverages.

To set up, arrange several glasses in a row and fill them with a variety of drinks that suit your group’s preferences. These could include water, milk, beer, wine, iced coffee, tea, or creative blends, such as milk mixed with beer.

For added fun, consider choosing a theme, such as lemonade, soft drinks, beer, or energy drinks. To increase the challenge, blindfold the players before they take a sip.

Players taste each drink and try to guess what it is. The person with the most correct guesses wins!

How to play

Suppose you’re hosting a party or gathering that includes multiple mini-games. In that case, this bonus game is perfect - it’s a game about the games! This fun and inclusive icebreaker can be enjoyed by everyone, including children, adults, and even guests who are not participating in the main mini-games.

At the start of the party, decide which guests will compete in each mini-game. Then, create a few simple prediction questions, such as:

Example: Who will win the sack race?

• Zoe
• Mike
• Ellen

Each guest writes down their guesses on a sheet of paper before the games begin. They can even choose to guess their own name if they’re one of the contestants!

As the mini-games unfold, everyone becomes an eager spectator, cheering and watching closely to see if their predictions come true. At the end, tally up the correct guesses. The person with the most accurate predictions wins this entertaining side game. It’s a great way for guests who aren’t playing in the main events to still join in on the fun!

How to play

This party game is a lot of fun, especially if your guests know each other well. It’s great for a birthday party or any gathering among friends, like a student party.

To play, start by blindfolding one player. Then, have three other players stand in a row, shoulder to shoulder. The blindfolded player must try to guess who each of the three is by feeling their faces and hair. Once the blindfolded player has figured out everyone’s identities, switch roles and play again!

How to play

Candy games are always a hit with kids, but this particular game is enjoyable for all ages! I even tested it out with my grandparents, who are in their eighties, and they thought it was hilarious.

This game is perfect for summer parties, kids’ birthdays, student gatherings, or any outdoor celebration. It’s far more entertaining than it may sound!

To prepare for the game, soak jelly candies in water for at least an hour before you begin. This makes them slimy and slightly swollen, which adds to the fun when it comes to spitting them out.

At the start of the game, each player receives a soaked candy. The challenge is to stand at a marked spot and spit the candy as far as possible! The player with the longest spit wins.

Team Version

You can turn this into a team competition by adding up the spit distances of each team member. The team with the greatest combined distance is declared the winner!

How to play

This party game will bring plenty of laughter!

Start by taking a lot of Post-it notes and cutting off the sticky strips. On each note, write down two body parts that can be paired together, like “hand - knee.” Fold the notes and place them in a bowl. Divide the players into pairs.

One team at a time draws a note from the bowl. The pair must then try to hold the Post-it between the two body parts listed on the note. The sticky note doesn’t necessarily have to be held between the two players. For example, a “hand–head” note can be held by one player alone.

As more notes are added, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep them all in place. The pair that manages to hold the most notes at once wins. Adjust the number of notes depending on how many players there are.

You can play with one pair at a time, or have pairs take turns drawing notes and holding their positions while the others continue playing. For added challenge, try creative variations or include more than two players per team.

How to play

This party game is perfect for guests who enjoy a little friendly competition and have some arm strength to show off!

The challenge is straightforward: contestants must hold weights straight out to their sides, with arms extended, for as long as possible. It’s a true test of endurance, and the last person standing with their arms held up is the winner. You can use plastic bottles filled with water as makeshift weights (or dumbbells if you have them).

The most entertaining and competitive version of the game is when everyone stands in a circle and plays simultaneously. This group format adds excitement, energy, and a healthy dose of playful banter and trash talk as participants try to outlast one another.

How to play

Limbo is a classic party game that adds energy and fun to any celebration, whether it’s a kids’ birthday party, a student gathering, or a sunny backyard get-together. It’s easy to set up and enjoyable for all ages.

To play, you’ll need an object that can serve as a bar - anything from a broomstick to a pool noodle will work. Two people should hold the bar at either end unless you have a frame or stand to support it.

The rules are straightforward: players take turns trying to pass under the bar by leaning backward without touching the ground with their hands. After each round, the bar is lowered slightly to increase the challenge. The last person remaining who can successfully pass under the lowest height is crowned the winner.

Enhance the party atmosphere by playing upbeat music in the background!

Twists

• One-Leg Limbo: Everyone must hop on one leg while attempting to go under the bar.
• Couples Limbo: Players compete in pairs, with one partner carrying the other in some way while going under the bar.

How to play

This is a fun and engaging party game that’s perfect for playing with friends as well as with people you may not know very well. There is no limit to the number of participants, making it ideal for large birthday celebrations, student gatherings, or any lively social event.

To start, divide the players into teams of around 7 to 10 people each. Have each team stand in a line, one behind the other. Once everyone is in position, read out an instruction that tells them how to arrange themselves in line based on a specific criterion. As soon as the instruction is given, each team must work together to rearrange themselves as quickly and accurately as possible. The team that finishes first and gets the order right earns one point.

Examples of Instructions

• Ask teams to line up by height, with the shortest person at the front.
• Have them arrange themselves alphabetically by first name, with the person whose name starts closest to “A” standing at the front.
• You could also ask them to line up by age, starting with the youngest.
• Have them sort by how long they’ve known the birthday person, with the longest relationship at the front.
• Another idea is to have them arrange themselves by proximity to the party location, with the person living closest going first.
• For a relationship twist, you can ask them to line up based on the length of their current romantic relationships, with singles at the front and couples ordered from the newest to the longest-standing.

Keep the rounds moving quickly and mix up the instructions to keep everyone laughing and on their toes. The team with the most points at the end wins!

Twists

• To make the game even more challenging, have the players arrange themselves without speaking to one another. Gestures and facial expressions are allowed.
• One variation is to whisper an instruction to one team, allowing them to arrange themselves in the correct order, while the other teams attempt to guess what the instruction might be.

How to play

This simple yet surprisingly tricky activity is great fun for both kids and adults, and it works just as well indoors as it does outdoors.

The objective is straightforward: each player tries to cut a piece of string to match a specific length - say, exactly three feet, or even something quirky like the circumference of your head. Once everyone has made their cut, it’s time to measure. The person whose string is closest to the target length is the winner!

This game is also fun to play as a team challenge.

Team Competition

For the team version, divide players into groups and give each member their own piece of string. Instead of cutting the full target length, each person aims to cut an equal portion of the target length. For example, if the goal is three feet and there are three players per team, each player should try to cut a piece exactly one foot long - without measuring tools, of course!

After everyone has made their cut, measure each piece of string and add up the total for each team. The team whose combined string length is closest to the target wins the round.

How to play

Looking for a fun and engaging party game? This one is ideal for kids’ parties, adult get-togethers, and mixed-age groups. To prepare the game, gather 10 to 20 familiar objects and arrange them on a table. Make sure that all players know the names of the items.

Single-Player Version

One player is given one minute to study the objects. After that, cover them with a cloth. The player must then recall and name as many objects as possible from memory. Each player takes a turn, and the one who remembers the most items wins.

Multi-Player Version

Two or three players compete against each other by studying the objects simultaneously for one minute. Then, they take turns naming one object at a time. Each correct answer earns one point. The round ends when all objects have been mentioned or no one can remember any more. To keep it fair, ensure the total number of objects is divisible by the number of players—for example, use 6, 9, or 12 items for three players. The player with the most points at the end wins.

Ordered Version

Arrange the objects in a specific sequence from left to right. One player studies the order for one minute and then tries to recall the exact sequence. They earn one point for each correctly placed item. A single mistake ends their turn. Before the next player begins, rearrange the objects into a new order. The player with the highest score at the end wins.

How to play

This game is typically played in pairs but can easily be adapted into a relay race. Each team starts with a piece of fruit, commonly an orange (or you could use a tennis ball). The pairs must work together to move the orange along a designated course or distance.

To play, the competing pairs stand face to face with their hands behind their backs, holding the orange securely between their bellies. The challenge is to move as quickly as possible from start to finish without dropping the orange.

If the orange falls, the pair must stop, pick it up, and take three steps backward before continuing the race.

To turn this into a relay, each pair passes the orange to the following team members once they have completed their leg of the course.

This game is perfect for kids’ parties and can easily be customized for any season. Try using pumpkins for a Halloween party, eggs for Easter, or even beach balls for a summer-themed event!

Challenging Adult Version

Replace the fruit with a plastic glass filled with water. The pair that has the most water remaining in their glass after crossing the finish line wins.

How to play

In this fun and messy party game, participants can only use their mouths - no hands allowed!

The challenge is to search through bowls filled with overcooked macaroni to find and pick up small hidden objects using only their mouths while keeping their hands behind their backs.

Turn it into a competition by setting a time limit - say, 30 seconds - and counting how many items each player can collect.

For a children’s party, fill the bowls with silly toys or colorful trinkets. At an adult party, add some unexpected or quirky items for laughs. And for a Halloween party, amp up the spooky factor by hiding plastic spiders, fake fingers, or other creepy crawlies in the macaroni.

How to play

This game is fun for both kids and adults and is perfect for playing outdoors on the lawn. If you have sufficient space indoors, it works well there as well.

To get started, set up a start line and a finish line. Each participant should have an orange (or you can have players race one at a time). It’s usually most entertaining to have everyone compete at the same time, though.

Players begin by lying on their stomachs or getting down on all fours. When the start signal sounds, the goal is to push the orange forward using only their nose. If a player accidentally touches the orange with some other part of their face, they receive a 5-second penalty. Touching the orange with any other body part results in a 10-second penalty. Using hands to touch the orange or kicking it results in immediate disqualification.

The first player to push their orange past the finish line wins!

Team Relay

This game can easily be transformed into a team competition by making it a relay race, where teammates take turns pushing their oranges down the course.

Twist

For an adult or student party, consider swapping out the oranges for something more unusual or quirky - something funny, gross, or whatever fits your crowd. Just make sure it can actually be rolled with the nose!

How to play

This is a fun twist on the classic Dance Freeze game and works just as well at a kid’s birthday party as it does at a teen or student gathering.

In this version, players don’t just freeze when the music stops, but they also have to follow a specific instruction for each round. For example, when the music cuts off, everyone might have to drop onto their butt as fast as possible and then freeze.

You can turn the game into a competition by eliminating the slowest player each round. In the final round, only two players remain, and the player who follows the instructions the fastest wins.

To make judging easier (and to capture some hilarious moments), film the rounds with your phone.

Instruction Ideas

Get down on your butt Lie down on your belly or your back Stand on one leg Touch the floor using only one foot and one hand Have only your butt touching the floor Lift one foot as high into the air as possible Touch the ground with one cheek and both knees at the same time

How to play

Have each guest anonymously write a question on a piece of paper and place it in a bowl or box. Later in the evening, take turns drawing and reading the questions aloud. One guest will pull a question from the bowl and read it for another person to answer. After responding, that person will then draw the next question and read it aloud for someone else to answer.

You can also prepare a few thought-provoking or playful questions in advance to get the conversation started. Just remember that this game should be enjoyable for everyone. Avoid mean-spirited questions, and never pressure anyone to answer something they’re uncomfortable with.

Game Variation

Instead of having one person answer at a time, consider reading each question aloud and allowing everyone to take turns giving their answers.

How to play

This hilarious and low-prep party game is quick to set up. All you need is a paper bag and a group of willing participants.

It’s perfect for a kid’s birthday party, but it can be even more amusing (and often funnier) when played with adults.

To begin, remove any handles from the paper bag and place it upright on the floor. Each participant will take turns trying to pick up the bag using only their mouth - no hands allowed, and their feet must remain the only part of their body touching the ground. Players must keep their hands behind their backs at all times.

Each player gets one attempt per round. If they fail, they’re out of the game. Those who succeed move on to the next round.

After every round, trim the top of the paper bag to make it shorter, increasing the difficulty. As the bag gets lower, players will need more balance, flexibility, and creativity to succeed!

The last person able to lift the bag from the floor wins the game.

Alternative Version

Instead of trimming the bag evenly, you can cut out small sections where each player successfully bites. This creates an uneven and gradually shrinking edge, adding an extra challenge as the game progresses.

How to play

This entertaining and straightforward party game is perfect for players of all ages. It’s quick to set up, easy to understand, and always gets people moving and engaging.

Provided each participant with a sheet of paper. Set a timer for 30 seconds and challenge everyone to fold a paper airplane as quickly as they can. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just ready to fly!

When time is up, participants take turns launching their planes from the same starting point. Each person gets two throws, and only their best distance counts. Planes can fly in any direction; the throw that goes the farthest away from the starting point wins the game.

This game works well both indoors and outdoors. If playing outdoors, the wind adds a fun (and chaotic) twist, allowing planes to soar much farther. For added excitement, players can launch from a raised platform, such as a hill, deck, or chair.

If playing indoors, you can increase the challenge by setting specific goals - for example, the plane must fly through a doorway, land on a rug, or hit a particular object, such as a couch or wall target. The player whose plane flies the farthest or meets the goal wins!

How to play

This is a fun and slightly chaotic team game involving water - and yes, there’s a good chance you’ll get wet!

Each team lines up in a single file. The first person in line starts with a bucket filled to the brim with water. The goal is to pass the bucket down the line through several rounds, each with a different (and trickier) rule. The team that has the most water left in their bucket at the end of all rounds wins the game.

Round Instructions:

• Round 1 – Pass the bucket using both hands.
• Round 2 – Pass the bucket using only your non-dominant hand.
• Round 3 – Pass the bucket over your head to the next person.
• Round 4 – Pass the bucket behind your back.
• Round 5 – Pass the bucket between your legs.

The first round begins with the person at the front of the line and ends with the person at the back. In the next round, the bucket will travel back from the last person to the first person. This process will continue, alternating directions, with different instructions for each round.

Try not to spill - every drop counts!

How to play

This hilarious and slightly ridiculous party game is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether played solo or in teams. It’s great for mixed ages and works well both indoors and outdoors. Best of all, it’s just as entertaining to watch as it is to play, making it the perfect addition to your party lineup.

To play, each player ties a piece of string around a pen and fastens the other end around their waist, allowing the pen to dangle behind them like a tail. Place an empty bottle on the ground about 10 yards (or 3 meters) away from each player.

When the start signal is given, players race to their bottles and attempt to lower the pen into the bottle without using their hands - only by squatting, adjusting, and aiming with their hips.

The first player to get the pen into their bottle wins!

Relay Version

Set up one bottle per team and have the first player complete the pen-drop challenge. Once successful, they run back and hand the setup to the next player, who ties it around their waist and repeats the challenge. The team that gets all their players to land the pen in the bottle first wins.

Tampon Version

For a fun twist (often popular at student or adult parties), swap the pen for a tampon and fill each bottle halfway with water. When the tampon hits the water, it begins to swell and gets stuck inside the bottle.

Here’s the twist: once the tampon is in the bottle, the player must race back to the starting line, hands-free with the bottle dangling behind them! If the bottle falls off, they are out of the game, so be careful.

How to play

Pennant Banner Toss is a fun and versatile game that can be played both indoors and outdoors (just be sure to avoid strong winds).

First, hang up a pennant banner and number each triangle flag. For added excitement, mark some of the numbers with a minus sign to indicate negative points.

Players take turns tossing balls at the pennant banner, aiming to hit the numbered flags on it. Each successful hit earns the player points based on the number shown on the flag, but if they hit a flag marked with a negative number, those points are deducted. Each player gets five tosses per round.

For younger players, move the throwing line closer to the banner to make it easier for them. You can use any balls you have on hand, like tennis balls, or get creative with safe household items like rolled-up socks or lightweight toys.

To increase the difficulty, hang the pennant banner so that it swings freely, making it harder to hit the targets. For an easier version, especially suitable for kids’ parties, secure the banner flat against a wall.

Hosting a pentathlon is a fantastic way to liven up any summer party! The idea is simple: players compete in five different mini-games, and the person who earns the most points across all events is crowned the pentathlon champion.

The events don’t need to be complicated - just a mix of fun, quick challenges where participants can score points.

A key part of running a successful pentathlon is making sure the scoring is balanced. No single event should allow someone to earn a disproportionately large number of points. For example, suppose players can score 50 points for landing three bullseyes in one game but only 5 points at most in another. In that case, the competition won’t feel fair. Try to keep point values consistent across events to maintain excitement and balance.

Ensure the winner of the pentathlon receives a final prize. If both children and adults participate, hold separate prize ceremonies for each group.

Examples of Pentathlon Events

Horseshoe Toss

Each player gets a set number of horseshoes to throw at a stake. The goal is to get the horseshoe to encircle the stake. You can award points based on how close they get.

Dart Throwing

Players throw darts at a dartboard or at water balloons pinned to a wall. Award points for each hit or based on accuracy (bullseye = more points).

Bucket Toss

Set up buckets on the ground or hang them at different heights. Players throw tennis balls and earn points depending on which bucket they land the ball in - more challenging targets can be worth more points.

Can Knockdown

Stack tin cans (filled with sand or gravel for weight) in a pyramid (three on the bottom, two in the middle, and one on top). Players throw tennis balls to knock over as many cans as possible. Score based on the number of cans toppled.

Football Bowling

Place some water-filled plastic bottles at different distances and have people try to knock them over using a football. Let the participants throw tennis balls and try to topple as many cans as possible.

If you don’t want to use traditional games for your pentathlon events but instead try something different you can follow these links for our collections of more modern games. There are games that go well with individual competitions and team competitions.

How to play

Here is a party game that requires no preparation, just a group of guests divided into at least two teams (the more teams, the more fun it is).

To start, have everyone remove their shoes and place them all together in a big pile. When the signal is given, teams race to the pile to find and put on their own shoes. Remember, shoes cannot be thrown or tossed while searching! The first team to successfully find and wear all their shoes wins.

This game works great both indoors and outdoors. Whether at kids’ birthday parties or adult gatherings, it’s a quick, lively team challenge that won’t take up too much time to perform.

Non-Dominant Hand Twist

Each participant is only allowed to use their non-dominant hand, and they cannot use any hands when trying to put on their own shoes. However, team members can assist each other using their non-dominant hands.

How to play

Here is a fun and chaotic party game for kids and adults using balloons. Start by choosing a play area that is not too large, as a bit of crowding makes the game even more exciting!

Tie a balloon to each ankle of every participant using string or yarn so the balloons trail just above the ground.

Once everyone is ready and standing inside the play area, the game begins! The goal is to stomp on other players’ balloons while protecting your own. Players must use only their feet; no grabbing, pushing, or using hands is allowed.

If a player loses both of their balloons, they’re out and must leave the playing area. The last person with at least one balloon still intact wins the game!

Team Version

Turn it into a team challenge by assigning each team a specific color of balloon. The same rules apply: no hands can be used, only feet can be used to pop balloons.

The game continues until only one balloon color remains on the field. That team is declared the winner!

How to play

If you’re looking for a hilarious party game that’s just as entertaining for the audience as it is for the players, this one is sure to be a hit. It works well with kids, teenagers, and young adults, especially those who don’t mind a bit of silliness.

To start, divide your guests into pairs. If you only have one sleeping bag, pairs can take turns competing. However, if you have several, all pairs can race at the same time, which adds to the chaos and fun.

Each pair climbs into a sleeping bag together and zips it up completely. Once the game begins, the challenge is to swap socks with each other—all while staying inside the sleeping bag. This simple task becomes surprisingly tricky and funny in such close quarters.

When the socks have been successfully swapped, the pair must unzip the bag and scramble out. The fastest team to complete the sock exchange and exit the sleeping bag wins the game.

Twists

• Fill the sleeping bags with items like plush toys and crumpled paper to make it more challenging.
• Have one or two persons acting as live commentators during the game.

How to play

This classic spelling bee party game is perfect for playing solo or in teams, making it great for all ages and group sizes.

In the game, the host reads one word at a time, and participants write down the spelling as accurately as they can. Each correctly spelled word earns 1 point. In the end, the participant or team with the highest score wins the game.

Word Suggestions to Challenge Your Players

Parallel, conscience, broccoli, entrepreneur, occurrence, separate, bureaucracy, embarrass.

How to play

This party game is a fun way to learn surprising (and often hilarious) things about each other. Each player writes down three statements about themselves: one true and two false. These can be personal facts, funny stories, or unexpected experiences. Make sure the true statement is believable, and the false ones are convincing!

Taking turns, each player reads their three statements aloud. The rest of the group must guess which statement is the truth. Every player who guesses correctly earns 1 point.

After one player finishes, the next person takes their turn, and the game continues until all players have gone. Ultimately, the player with the most points wins!

Twist

Assign a theme to each round, such as food, travel, or famous people you have met.

How to play

This fun and silly game is an eating competition with one key rule: no hands allowed! Players must eat treats hanging from strings using only their mouths. The person who eats the most in one minute wins! You can play simultaneously or take turns.

It’s perfect for outdoor kids’ parties, Halloween, or summer gatherings, and it can also be played indoors.

To set up the game, cut shorter lengths of string and tie treats to the ends. Attach these to a longer string, spacing them evenly, and stretch it across your play area (between trees, poles, or hooks). If you’re playing indoors, secure it to something stable.

Choose treats that are safe and easy to hang, such as ring-shaped candies, donuts, gummy rings, or marshmallows.

Tip: Match the treat size to the players. Use smaller treats for kids and larger ones for teens and adults to keep the game fun and achievable.

Challenging Grown-Up Version

For adults, make it trickier by using silly, unexpected, spicy, or oddly-shaped foods that are harder to eat.

How to play

This game is incredibly simple to play and requires no preparation - just gather a group of participants.

Have everyone meet in a designated area or form a circle. The objective of the game is to guess when one minute has passed. Players indicate their guesses by sitting down whenever they believe the minute is up.

The winner is the person who sits closest to the one-minute mark. Going over time is allowed, so sitting down at one minute and one second is better than sitting down at fifty-eight seconds.

To keep track of the time, start the game and begin video recording simultaneously. The video timestamp will help you determine exactly when each player sat down. Additionally, watching the footage later can add plenty of laughs and create great party memories to share!

How to play

Here’s a great, low-key game idea that works perfectly for parties with lots of guests - whether it’s a birthday, wedding, baby shower, or any gathering where many people might not know each other. It’s an easy and fun ice-breaker that gets everyone engaged right away.

To play, read out ten statements aloud. Everyone who relates to the statement waves their napkin or cloth enthusiastically. Ensure the final statement is something that encourages everyone to participate. Hence, the whole group concludes the game with a smile and a sense of connection.

Example Statements to Get the Party Going:

• Who is related to [Name]?
• Who is feeling hungry??
• Who traveled more than 100 miles to be here today?
• Who owns a cat?
• Who knows fewer than three other guests here?
• Who is excited about a fantastic party?

How to play

Here is a simple and fun party game that works great for kids, teens, students, or adults. All you need are blindfolds and a clear wall space.

Have all competitors line up about 15 feet away from the wall, standing with their backs to it. Make sure there’s enough room between players so they don’t accidentally bump into each other.

Once everyone is ready, have each player put on their blindfold and cross their arms over their chest. When the game starts, the contestants must carefully walk backward, aiming to get as close to the wall as possible - without touching it.

If someone touches the wall, they’re out of the round but should stay quietly in place until the game ends.

When everyone has stopped moving and feels confident about their distance, remove the blindfolds. The winner is the person who stands closest to the wall without having touched it.

How to play

Unroll the Toilet Paper is a quick and fun game that’s perfect for kids’ birthday parties or student gatherings.

To play, each participant receives a roll of toilet paper. At the starting signal, everyone begins unrolling their roll as quickly as possible. Once a player has completely unrolled their paper, they must shout, “I’m done!” through the cardboard tube.

The first person to finish unrolling their paper and shout the phrase wins the game.

How to play

If you have a large group, this game works exceptionally well, ideally with at least five people per team. It’s perfect for children’s parties, student gatherings, or any event where most participants are comfortable with a bit of physical contact.

Here’s how it works:

Each team selects a leader who stands with their back to the rest of the team. When the signal is given, teammates “tangle” themselves together by forming a pile on the ground or grass, weaving their arms and legs into a chaotic knot.

When the stop signal sounds, everyone must freeze in place. The leader then turns around and begins directing the team using specific verbal commands, such as “Alicia, lift your right arm.” General commands such as “untangle yourselves” are not allowed.

The first team to get all its members standing up without touching anyone else wins.

How to play

Look for objects that are rare, unfamiliar, or quirky - things that most people wouldn’t immediately recognize. The more curious or strange, the better! A great idea is to ask grandparents if they have or know of anything that most people today wouldn’t recognize.

Divide your guests into teams, or let them play individually. Teams work well because it encourages discussion, which often leads to hilarious guesses and creative ideas.

Place all the mystery items on a table where everyone can see them, but don’t provide any information about what they are. Each team must now write down two things for every item: what they think it’s called and what they believe it’s used for. If they don’t know the real name, they must invent one. Encourage creativity!

Each team submits their answers on slips of paper - one slip per item - with both the name and the use clearly written. Ensure that they also include their team name or participant names so you can keep track of the points.

Once all answers are collected, sort them into piles - one pile per item. Look through the submissions, and if any team has correctly identified the item and its purpose, award them 4 points and set their slip aside.

Now comes the fun part! For each item, read aloud one correct answer (prepare notes to read in case no one makes an accurate guess) and a selection from the incorrect guesses, which may be amusing. Then, ask the remaining teams to vote on which answer they believe is the correct one. Teams that made an accurate guess from the beginning and earned 4 points will not participate in this voting round. If a team guesses correctly, they earn 2 points. If a team votes for a wrong answer, the team that originally submitted that incorrect answer will earn 1 point for being so convincing!

At the end of the game, the team or player with the most points wins.

How to play

Before the game begins, choose 6 to 10 interesting objects that vary in size, shape, and texture. Place each object inside a separate paper bag so it can’t be seen, and label the bags with numbers.

Distribute the bags to the participants one at a time or arrange them on a table. Allow each person to feel and squeeze the bags from the outside without looking inside or opening them. Set a time limit for this part of the game, such as 30 seconds per bag or a total of 5 minutes for all the bags. Each participant should write down their guesses on a sheet of paper, matching each guess to the corresponding bag number. Once everyone has finished, reveal the contents of each bag and tally the correct guesses.

The player who identifies the most objects correctly wins!

How to play

Here is a fun and flexible party game that encourages participants to share personal stories while deciding how much they want to reveal. Start by giving each participant one or two slips of paper. Ask everyone to write down a secret or personal story about themselves. This could be something funny, embarrassing, proud, weird, or just unexpected. The only rule is that participants should feel comfortable sharing it anonymously.

Once everyone has finished writing, fold the slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Draw one slip from the bowl at a time and read it aloud to the group. After hearing each story, everyone should point at the person they believe wrote it. The actual author must point at someone else to keep their identity a secret.

Anyone who correctly guesses the author earns one point. The game continues until all the slips have been read. The player with the most points at the end wins.

Twist

Before the event, you created some incredible stories that are entirely fictional and placed them in the bowl. When the participants believe one of these is being read, they will point at you.