Party Games for Large Groups

• 🎉   1. Coworker Feud
• 🎈   2. Balloon Stomp
• 🧠   3. Ultimate Trivia Showdown
• 🚩   4. Capture the Flag
• 🔍   5. Murder in the Dark
• 🥚   6. Egg Drop Challenge
• ✊   7. Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament
• 🔎   8. Scavenger Hunt
• 🏃‍♀️   9. Simon Says Relay
• 🎭   10. Charades
• 🤣   11. Blob Tag
• 💧   12. Water Balloon Dodgeball
• 🎈   13. Helium Stick
• 🗼   14. Marshmallow Challenge
• ✍️   15. Doodling Together
• 🔫   16. Mafia
• ❓   FAQs about Party Games for Large Groups

So, you’ve decided to host a party. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part: keeping everyone entertained. Let’s face it, no one wants their event to be remembered as “that boring gathering.” Enter 16 party games for large groups—your secret weapon to transform any snooze-fest into an epic bash.

We’ve lined up 16 killer games that are tried, tested, and guaranteed to make you the Host of the Year. Think:

• Coworker Feud: Unleash your inner Steve Harvey.
• Balloon Stomp: Because who doesn’t love a good balloon massacre?
• Ultimate Trivia Showdown: Flex those brain muscles.
• And many more…

Ready to play? Buckle up; it’s game time!

1. Coworker Feud

So, you fancy yourself as the host with the most? Time to bring out Coworker Feud, the team-building game that’s basically Family Feud but with less Steve Harvey and more awkward coworker interactions.

Objective and Setup

The goal? Get your team to guess the most popular survey answers, which sounds simple until you realize how weird people can be. You’ll need:

• Two teams (duh)
• A list of survey questions and answers (Google is your friend)
• A buzzer or something that makes noise. Your phone works too.

How to Play

1. Split your group into two teams.
2. Ask a question like “What’s a common excuse for being late to work?”.
3. Teams buzz in to give their answer. If they guess a top answer, they get points.
4. Keep going until you’ve either run out of questions or everyone has turned on each other.

Tips for Success

Encourage diverse participation. Seriously, make sure everyone gets a chance to play, even that one guy who never talks during meetings. More perspectives mean funnier and more unpredictable answers.

N e w !

Sudoku | Play & solve web sudoku puzzles online

Play

Pro Tip: Throw in some inside jokes or company-specific questions for an extra layer of hilarity. Just remember, HR probably doesn’t want to hear about that one happy hour disaster.

Congratulations! You’re now officially the host with the most awkwardly hilarious team-building game ever.

2. Balloon Stomp

Ready for some controlled chaos? Introducing Balloon Stomp—the ultimate outdoor game for large groups. Perfect for anyone who loves the simple joy of stomping on things.

Objective and Setup

• Objective: Burst all balloons of the opposing team’s color while protecting your own.
• Setup:
• Divide your crowd into teams (the more, the merrier).
• Hand out different colored balloons and string to each team.
• Have players tie a balloon around their ankle.

How to Play

1. Players spread out in an open area.
2. At the signal, everyone goes wild trying to stomp on opponents’ balloons while shielding their own.
3. The last team with intact balloons wins eternal bragging rights.

Tips for Safety and Fun

1. Safety First:

Insist on no hand-tying or body-checking—this isn’t the WWE.

2. Footwear:

Encourage players to wear closed-toe shoes unless you want a side gig as a first aid officer.

3. Boundaries:

Mark clear play boundaries to prevent mass exodus into the neighbor’s yard (or traffic).

This game is not just fun but also a great way to foster teamwork and strategy among players. For more exciting outdoor games ideas, check out this comprehensive guide on water games for kids. Perfect for those who equate fun with a bit of friendly destruction—and who doesn’t?

3. Ultimate Trivia Showdown

Ready to battle wits and test your brainpower? The Ultimate Trivia Showdown is designed to get everyone’s neurons firing.

Split the group into teams (because solo trivia is so last century) and prepare a list of trivia questions that cover a wide range of topics.

How to Play

1. Divide into Teams: Create teams with equal numbers, ideally mixing up the know-it-alls with the “I-only-know-pop-culture” folks.
2. Ask Questions: Fire off those trivia questions. Categories can range from history and science to the obscure world of reality TV.
3. Score Points: Teams buzz in or raise their hands to answer. Correct answers score points, incorrect ones… well, they just make great stories for later.

Tips on Creating Engaging Trivia Questions

• Variety is Key: Mix up your question categories to keep everyone engaged.
• Make it Relatable: Tailor some questions to the group’s interests or inside jokes.
• Difficulty Levels: Balance easy, medium, and hard questions so no one feels like they’re back in high school calculus.

Consider throwing in some quirky prizes for the winners—nothing says “trivia champ” like a questionable trophy or a pack of ramen noodles.

A fun game of “Trivia” lies in its list of questions, and we’ve got you covered there. You don’t need to stress about coming up with your own questions, we’ve done the work for you!

To make things even easier, we’ve provided you with over 1,000 “Trivia” questions for every occasion, including Christmas. Simply download our free app or visit our website to access the questions and start playing. It’s that easy!

Party Trivia

Google Play App Store

4. Capture the Flag

Who doesn’t love a classic outdoor game that brings out everyone’s competitive spirit? Welcome to Capture the Flag, where you can finally channel your inner action hero.

Objective and Setup

• Objective: Steal the opposing team’s flag while keeping yours safe.
• Setup: Divide your group into two teams, assign them territories, and hide those precious flags in each team’s area. Pro tip: Make sure the boundaries are clear to avoid any “accidental” trespassing.

How to Play

1. Defend & Attack: Half of your team guards the flag, while the other half goes full-on ninja mode trying to capture the enemy’s.
2. Tagging: If you’re tagged in enemy territory, you’re either frozen or sent to a designated jail until someone from your team tags you back in. Yeah, it’s basically a game within a game.

Strategies for Effective Team Coordination

• Divide and Conquer: Balance your defenders and attackers. Too many on defense? You’ll never get their flag. Too many on offense? Say goodbye to your own.
• Fake Outs: Send decoys to distract the other team while your stealthiest player makes a beeline for the flag.
• Communication: Use signals or code words to keep your plans under wraps. No one said anything about playing fair.

So grab some friends, head outside, and let the games begin!

5. Murder in the Dark

Murder in the Dark is the ultimate mystery game that will keep everyone on their toes. Perfect for those who love a whodunit, this engaging group activity is a surefire hit for any gathering.

Objective and Setup

• Objective: Identify the ‘murderer’ before they “kill” everyone else.
• Setup:
• Assign roles (murderer, detective, and civilians) randomly by drawing lots.
• Ensure the room is dimly lit to create an eerie atmosphere but not pitch black—safety first!

How to Play

1. The murderer discreetly “kills” players by tapping them on the shoulder.
2. When a player is “killed,” they must dramatically collapse (Oscar-worthy performances encouraged).
3. The detective’s job is to deduce who the murderer is based on clues and observations.
4. The game ends when either the murderer is caught or all civilians are “killed.”

Tips on Creating an Immersive Experience

• Atmosphere: Use low lighting, creepy background music, and maybe even some fake cobwebs to set the scene.
• Roles: Make sure everyone knows their role well—no peeking at others’ identities!
• Acting Skills: Encourage participants to get into character; after all, theatrics make it more fun.

This mystery game is ideal for large groups as it promotes interaction and keeps everyone guessing.

6. Egg Drop Challenge

Want to test your friends’ creative problem-solving skills? The Egg Drop Challenge is the perfect game.

Here’s how it works: Divide everyone into teams and give each team an egg. The goal? Build a contraption that will keep that egg from turning into a scrambled mess when dropped from a height.

How to Play

Each team gets a bunch of random materials like straws, tape, newspapers, and rubber bands. They then have a set amount of time—say 20 minutes—to come up with a solution to protect the egg.

After the time’s up, it’s drop test time! Each team’s creation gets dropped from increasing heights until you find out who has the best engineering skills.

Tips on Materials That Work Best

• Straws: Flexible and can cushion impact.
• Tape: Holds everything together (obviously).
• Newspaper: Great for creating padding.
• Rubber Bands: Adds elasticity to absorb shock.

If you’re feeling extra generous, throw in some bubble wrap or cotton balls. But let’s be real—where’s the fun in that?

Ready, set, drop!

7. Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament

Remember the classic game that has saved us all from countless awkward silences and indecision? Now imagine ramping it up to a full-blown tournament level.

Intrigued? You should be.

Objective and Setup

The goal here is simple: be the last person standing in this indoor team-building activity. Gather everyone in a circle, or split them into smaller groups if you’re dealing with a mob. Each face-off will determine who moves on to the next round.

How to Play

1. Two players face each other.
2. On the count of three, they throw their choice: rock, paper, or scissors.
3. The winner from each bout continues to the next round, while the loser becomes their biggest cheerleader.

The rounds continue until one ultimate Rock-Paper-Scissors champion emerges.

Tips on Maintaining Excitement Throughout the Tournament

Keep the energy high by:

• Having a hype person announce each round.
• Playing upbeat music in the background.
• Offering prizes for creative throws or epic battles.

8. Scavenger Hunt

Ah, the classic scavenger hunt. If you haven’t experienced the sheer chaos and hilarity of a group of adults sprinting around like kids on a sugar high, you’re missing out.

Objective and Setup

The goal: Find all the items or complete tasks on your list before the other teams. Simple, right? Sure, until someone starts “strategizing.”

Setup:

1. Divide your large group into smaller teams.
2. Hand out an identical list of items or tasks to each team.
3. Establish clear boundaries for the hunt area.

How to Play

Scavenger hunts are all about speed and cunning:

1. Teams race against the clock and each other to find items or complete tasks.
2. Maybe it’s finding a red leaf, taking a selfie with a stranger, or performing a cartwheel in front of an unimpressed squirrel.
3. First team back with all items/tasks wins bragging rights (and maybe some snacks).

Tips on Creating a Diverse List of Items

• Variety is key: Mix easy-to-find items with more challenging ones.
• Incorporate fun tasks: Think silly dances, quick drawings, or mini challenges.
• Theme it up: Tailor your list to fit a specific theme—seasonal, holiday-based, or just plain ridiculous.

Get ready for chaos, laughter, and maybe even some friendly trash-talking!

For those looking to add a twist to the traditional format, consider exploring these Easter egg hunt ideas for a fun surprise.

9. Simon Says Relay

Welcome to Simon Says Relay, the game where listening skills and nimble feet are your best friends. The aim is pretty simple: follow the commands given by ‘Simon’ while racing against other teams in a relay format.

• Objective: Be the first team to complete the relay without getting tricked by fake commands.
• Setup: You’ll need a spacious area, preferably outdoors or in a large hall. Organize participants into teams of 4-6 members each.

How to Play

1. Each team lines up at the starting point.
2. One player from each team races to a designated spot and back, following only the commands prefixed with “Simon says.”
3. If a player follows a command without “Simon says,” they must return to the starting line and try again.
4. Tag the next teammate once you complete your leg of the relay.

Tips on Varying Commands for Different Skill Levels

• Beginner Level: Use simple commands like “jump,” “touch your toes,” or “spin around.”
• Intermediate Level: Mix basic commands with less frequent ones like “hop on one foot” or “pat your head.”
• Advanced Level: Include tricky commands such as “pretend to swim” or “act like you’re juggling.”

By ramping up the difficulty, you’ll keep everyone on their toes—literally.

For more fun and engaging games similar to Simon Says Relay, you might want to explore these roadtrip games for kids, which can be great additions to any long ride with littles ones.

10. Charades

Ever wanted to see your friends flail around like a fish out of water while trying to act out Jaws? Charades is just the ticket. This classic party game is perfect for large groups and guarantees some hilarious moments.

Objective and Setup

• Objective: Guess the word or phrase being acted out without any verbal clues.
• Setup: Divide the group into two teams. Each team writes down a list of words or phrases on slips of paper and puts them in a bowl.

How to Play

1. One player from Team A picks a slip from the bowl and silently reads the word or phrase.
2. They have 60 seconds to act it out while their team tries to guess.
3. No talking, no sound effects—just pure mime action.
4. If the team guesses correctly within the time limit, they score a point.
5. Switch teams after each turn and keep the game rolling until everyone’s had a go.

Tips for Maximum Hilarity

• Mix It Up: Include a variety of categories like movies, TV shows, famous personalities, and actions to keep everyone on their toes.
• Pro Tip: If you’re really aiming for laughs, throw in some absurd or complicated phrases like “breakdancing penguin” or “juggling flamingos.”
• Body Language Is Key: Encourage players to use exaggerated gestures and facial expressions—you’ll all be in stitches.

Throw in some snacks, maybe a few drinks, and watch as Charades turns your party from “meh” to memorable.

We get it, coming up with Charades ideas for your party can be a stressful and time-consuming task. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you!

Our Charades generator has over 3,000 ideas that you can easily access and play online. All you have to do is download our app for free or play the game on our website. Never worry about running out of ideas again!

Play Charades online

Charades

Google Play App Store

11. Blob Tag

Who knew that the classic game of tag could get even better? Enter Blob Tag—the social butterfly of the tag world.

Here’s the low-down:

• Objective: It’s traditional tag with a twist, perfect for large groups who want to mix things up.
• How to Play: When someone gets tagged, they don’t just sit out or become “it.” Nope, they join hands with the ‘blob’—a growing chain of tagged players. As the blob expands, it moves together to tag other players.

Pro-tip: If you think dodging one person is hard, try dodging a human centipede. Spoiler alert: it’s not easy.

For those ever-growing guest lists and for anyone aiming to be dubbed the “Host of the Year,” Blob Tag is a no-brainer addition to your lineup of party games for large groups.

12. Water Balloon Dodgeball {water-balloon-dodgeball}

Who knew dodgeball could get even more chaotic? Enter Water Balloon Dodgeball—the perfect mashup of everyone’s favorite childhood game and the sheer joy of launching water balloons at unsuspecting friends.

Why It’s A Blast:

• The thrill of dodgeball meets the excitement of soaking your opponents with water balloons. Seriously, who can resist?
• Ideal for those sweltering summer days when everyone needs a reason to cool off.

Setting Up:

• Create clear boundaries to prevent overzealous players from running wild. Think designated zones for throwing and retrieving balloons.
• Establish some ground rules: no headshots (unless you want a mutiny on your hands) and make sure everyone knows where they can and can’t go.

Pro Tips:

• Fill up a ridiculous amount of water balloons beforehand. Trust me, they run out faster than you think.
• Encourage teamwork and strategy. Maybe even appoint a team captain to lead the charge or defend key players.

Water Balloon Dodgeball turns any backyard into a battlefield, making it an unforgettable experience that keeps everyone engaged and slightly damp—just the way summer should be.

13. Helium Stick

Helium Stick is a game that looks deceptively simple until you’re actually doing it.

How it Works:

1. Line Formation: Participants form two lines facing each other.
2. Stick Placement: Each person holds up their index finger, and a long, lightweight stick (think tent pole) is placed on top of their fingers.
3. The Challenge: The objective? Lower the stick to the ground without anyone losing contact with it.

Sounds easy? Think again.

What’s the Big Deal?

• Coordination and Teamwork: If one person moves too quickly or too slowly, the stick goes haywire. Everyone has to work in perfect harmony.
• Communication: You’ll need to talk constantly—“left hand down,” “right hand up,” “STOP MOVING!” Communication is key.
• Ice-Breaking Glory: This game is a fantastic ice-breaker. It’s hilarious watching everyone struggle to perform what should be a simple task. Laughter ensues, barriers break down, and before you know it, people are actually talking to each other!

Pro Tips:

• Go slower than you think you need to.
• Use a countdown system for synchronized movement.
• Have a designated leader to call out commands—trust us, anarchy doesn’t help here.

So next time your group needs an activity that’s more interesting than small talk but less intense than gladiatorial combat, whip out the Helium Stick and watch the chaos unfold.

14. Marshmallow Challenge

The Marshmallow Challenge is a fun and creative team-building activity involving spaghetti sticks and a marshmallow. Here’s how you can get started with this culinary architectural masterpiece:

• Divide participants into teams: Each team gets 20 spaghetti sticks, a yard of tape, and one marshmallow. No eating allowed yet!
• The task: Teams have exactly 18 minutes to build the tallest freestanding structure using just those materials. The marshmallow must be perched gloriously on top.
• Why it’s awesome: This game isn’t just about constructing a wobbly pasta tower; it’s about creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Plus, it adds a dash of friendly competition.

Pro tip: Watch out for the inevitable overconfident builder who swears their design will defy gravity. Spoiler alert—it won’t.

15. Doodling Together

Imagine a group of adults sitting around with colored markers, laughing and doodling like they’re in kindergarten again. Doodling Together is your chance to let everyone’s inner artist shine without worrying about making a perfect piece of art.

Want more games you can play at the comfort of your home? Check out: 14 Epic Games to Play With Friends Indoor for a Blast

Why Play Doodling Together?

• Creativity Unleashed: This game encourages creativity and collaboration, allowing participants to express their artistic side in a fun, relaxed environment.
• Team Spirit: Each player contributes to a large communal drawing, fostering teamwork and laughter as everyone adds their unique touch.
• Inclusivity: Suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it an inclusive option that can easily adapt to any party setting.

How to Get Started

1. Materials Needed:

• A big sheet of paper or butcher paper (the bigger, the better)
• Lots of colored markers or crayons

2. Setup:

• Lay out the paper on a large table or on the floor.
• Distribute the markers/crayons.

Gameplay

• Round Robin Style: Set a timer for 2 minutes. Each person starts doodling something—anything! When time’s up, pass the paper to the next person who continues adding to the drawing.
• Themes Galore: Want some structure? Announce random themes like “underwater adventure” or “zombie apocalypse” before each round.
• Collaborative Chaos: Encourage everyone to interact and build on each other’s ideas. The more outrageous, the better!

Pro Tips

• Encourage Wild Ideas: There’s no wrong way to doodle. The crazier the contributions, the more entertaining the final masterpiece will be.
• Rotate Frequently: Keep things dynamic by rotating papers frequently so everyone gets a chance to contribute to multiple drawings.
• Showcase the Art: Once done, hang up the doodles around your party space for everyone to admire (or cringe at).

Ready to see your friends’ artistic talents—or lack thereof? Grab those markers and let the doodling begin!

But remember, this isn’t just about art. It’s also about building connections and having fun together!

16. Mafia

Ever wanted to live out your detective or criminal mastermind fantasies? Mafia is the game for you. It’s a social deduction extravaganza that pits townsfolk against Mafia members in a quest for survival and justice.

👉 If you enjoy this game, we think you’ll also enjoy playing Halloween Trivia - think you know everything spooky? Think again.

Objective and Setup

• Players are secretly assigned roles at the beginning of the game.
• Roles typically include Mafia members, townsfolk, a doctor, and a detective. The rest are clueless civilians just trying to stay alive.

How to Play

1. During the night phase, the Mafia silently “eliminates” one player.
2. In the day phase, everyone debates and votes on who they think the Mafia is. Yes, it’s as dramatic as it sounds.
3. Repeat until either all Mafia members are outed or they outnumber the townsfolk.

Tips for Success

• Strategic Thinking: If you’re Mafia, blend in like you’re auditioning for a spy movie. If you’re a townsperson, channel your inner Sherlock Holmes.
• Deception and Bluffing: The best liars win. Watch out for players who seem too innocent; they’re probably guilty.
• Team Collaboration: Townsfolk need to work together. Share clues, observations, and suspicions without getting too paranoid.

So there you have it. A game that turns friends into frenemies and frenemies into… well, let’s just say it’s all in good fun.

17. Sardines

Sardines is a fun twist on hide-and-seek, perfect for large groups.

How it works:

One person hides while everyone else counts. As each player finds the hidden person, they join them in the hiding spot until everyone is crammed together.

Why it’s awesome:

You’ll need creativity and flexibility to find a hiding spot that can fit more and more people. Expect lots of laughter as the space gets tighter.

Top tips:

Choose your hiding spot wisely – think small spaces that can start cozy and end up hilariously cramped. Be ready for giggles as more people squeeze in.

This game is sure to create some unforgettable moments and very close encounters!

FAQs about Party Games for Large Groups

1. What are some easy-to-set-up party games for large groups?

• Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament: Just your hands and a crowd of competitive spirits.
• Charades: Zero prep, just some creativity and maybe a notepad.
• Simon Says Relay: No props necessary, only a loud ‘Simon’ with a knack for trickery.

2. How can I ensure everyone participates in the games?

1. Inclusive Rules: Pick games that require team participation or rotating players.
2. Low Pressure: Avoid overly competitive setups. Fun is the goal!
3. Encouraging Hosts: Be the hype person, rallying everyone to join in.

3. Are there any party games that require minimal materials or space?

• Blob Tag: Requires nothing but people and an open area.
• Wink Murder: A room full of people and some shifty eyes are all you need.
• Human Battleship: Just a grid on the floor and some human ‘ships’.

4. Are there any party games that work well both indoors and outdoors?

• Capture the Flag: Works great on a lawn or in a spacious indoor area.
• Scavenger Hunt: Adaptable to almost any environment.
• Balloon Stomp: Whether in your living room or backyard, just make sure nothing fragile is around!

5. What are some easy-to-set-up party games for large groups?

Some easy-to-set-up party games for large groups include Coworker Feud, Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament, and Simon Says Relay. These games require minimal materials and can be quickly organized to ensure everyone can participate.

6. How can I ensure everyone participates in the games?

To ensure everyone participates in the games, choose activities that encourage teamwork and collaboration, such as Blob Tag or Helium Stick. Additionally, create a welcoming atmosphere where players feel comfortable joining in and consider rotating teams to involve all participants.

7. Are there any party games that require minimal materials or space?

Yes, games like Charades, Mafia, and Doodling Together require minimal materials and can be played in small spaces. These games focus more on interaction and creativity rather than physical resources.

8. What are some fun outdoor party games for large groups?

Outdoor party games suitable for large groups include Balloon Stomp, Capture the Flag, and Water Balloon Dodgeball. These games promote physical activity and teamwork while being perfect for larger spaces.

9. Can you suggest some icebreaker games for large gatherings?

Icebreaker games like Helium Stick and Doodling Together are great for large gatherings as they encourage communication and collaboration among participants, helping to break down barriers and foster a friendly environment.

10. Which party games work well both indoors and outdoors?

Games such as Scavenger Hunt, Mafia, and Charades work well both indoors and outdoors. They can easily adapt to different environments while still providing an engaging experience for all players.

11. Why Choose Games for Large Groups?

Ever been to a party where everyone’s glued to their phones, the small talk is torturous, and you start questioning your life choices? Yeah, let’s avoid that. Here are some reasons why incorporating group icebreakers, team bonding games, and competitive games for teams can transform any large gathering into an unforgettable bash:

1. Enhancing Social Interaction

Games are like the social WD-40. They loosen everyone up and get people talking, laughing, and maybe even high-fiving. Whether you’re playing “Coworker Feud” or battling it out in “Water Balloon Dodgeball”, these activities push people out of their comfort zones and into actual human interaction.

2. Promoting Teamwork and Collaboration

Nothing says “team bonding” quite like strategizing how to protect a raw egg from a 10-foot drop or figuring out who among you is winking everyone to death in “Wink Murder”. These games encourage participants to think together, plan together, and celebrate (or commiserate) together. It’s like corporate team-building but with way more fun—and fewer awkward trust falls.

3. Creating Memorable Experiences at Events

Nobody remembers the party where they stood around awkwardly sipping on punch. But they will remember the epic “Capture the Flag” game that turned into a full-blown strategic warfare or the hilarious moments during “Simon Says Relay”. Engaging games take your event from “meh” to legendary status.

So next time you’re planning a shindig, remember: it’s not just about having snacks and drinks—it’s about creating moments people will talk about for years. And hey, wouldn’t it be nice to be known as the host who threw THAT party?

12. Why Should You Care About Engaging Games?

Imagine this: a room full of people awkwardly staring at their phones. Not exactly the stuff of legendary parties, right? Engaging games not only break the ice but also keep the energy levels high. They’re like the caffeine kick your party desperately needs.