Teen parties can often fall into one of two categories: the wild, carefree gatherings when parents are away, or the awkward hangouts where everyone sits in gender-segregated corners, avoiding eye contact. If you’re organizing a get-together for your adolescent, you’re likely aiming for something in the middle. A handful of engaging games can help break the ice, encourage mingling, and coax your teens out of their shells.
There’s no need to worry about letting your teens host a party. There are plenty of fun alternatives to the more nerve-wracking activities that might raise your blood pressure. While they may not be your little nuggets anymore, teens still love to have a good time. So, if they keep asking for a party, share this list of games to keep the fun flowing (perhaps it’ll keep them out of trouble, too).
1. Never Have I Ever
This game works best in smaller groups where everyone knows each other well. Each player takes turns sharing something they’ve never done, like “Never have I ever kissed someone I’m not related to.” Friends who have done the deed take a piece of candy as a playful consequence.
2. Knees and Elbows
Gather everyone in a circle and have one person hold an item (like a balloon) between their knees. They must pass it to the next person using only their knees and elbows. For larger groups, split into teams for added competition.
3. Honey, If You Love Me…
In this game, one person, known as “It,” tries to make others smile or laugh by saying, “Honey, if you love me, won’t you please just smile?” No touching allowed! The last one to crack a smile becomes “It.”
4. Pass the Peanut
Players form a circle, each holding a spoon in their mouth. The first player balances a small item, like a peanut or cotton ball, on their spoon and passes it around without using their hands.
5. Medusa
Everyone sits in a circle, looking down. On “go,” they must look up. If two people make eye contact, they must scream and play dead. The last two remaining can be considered the winners.
6. Would You Rather?
Pose silly dilemmas like, “Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?” The outrageous scenarios lead to laughter and lively discussions.
7. Singing Bingo
Create bingo cards with popular words from songs. Teens can either listen to the radio or take turns singing to find bingo. Alternatively, they can draw cards and sing songs that include the word on the card.
8. Yard Twister
If the weather is nice, use outdoor paint to create a giant Twister board on the grass. It’s an entertaining way for teens to get close—just be ready for some giggles.
9. Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt at the mall or around your neighborhood. Provide a list of fun items for them to find or take pictures of, like “A selfie with a Narwhal.” Don’t forget to create an Instagram hashtag to document the adventure!
10. Suck and Blow
In this lighthearted game, players pass a playing card using only their mouths. If someone drops it, they’re out. It’s as silly as it sounds and great for laughs.
11. Sleeping Beauty
Just like “Honey, If You Love Me,” one player pretends to be asleep while the others try to wake them up without touching them. The challenge is to make the sleeper laugh or smile.
12. Taste the Rainbow
Fill a bowl with Skittles and provide each player with a straw. They must use the straw to suck up each color into their cup. The first to collect all colors wins!
13. Sardines
This is a twist on hide-and-seek. One person hides, and when found, others join them in hiding. The game ends when the last person finds the group.
14. Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Combine scavenger hunting with selfies. Players will have to take photos with specific objects or locations around the neighborhood.
15. Spin and Dare
A fun mix of spin the bottle and truth or dare. Players spin the bottle and then draw a funny dare to complete.
16. Name That TikTok Meme
Create a game where players identify popular TikTok memes. This will resonate with TikTok-obsessed teens and could even inspire some hilarious TikTok content.
17. Wacky Duck
One blindfolded player tries to identify others in a circle by feeling them with a spoon. If they guess correctly, they get to sit down; otherwise, the game continues.
18. Speed Stacker
Using plastic cups, players have one minute to stack as many cups as they can. The highest stack wins!
19. Ouija Board
For a spooky twist, have the teens experiment with a Ouija board. Just remind them it’s all in good fun!
20. Sock Wrestling
Two players compete to remove each other’s socks while lying on the floor. The first to succeed wins!
21. Wink Assassin
A fun whodunnit game where one player (the assassin) winks at others to “kill” them. The rest must deduce who the assassin is before they run out of players.
22. The Human Knot
Players stand in a circle, hold hands, and then must untangle themselves without letting go. It’s chaotic and hilarious!
23. Blind Makeup Artist
Teams compete to apply makeup on a “model” while one person is blindfolded. The best application wins!
24. I Am
A game of impersonation where players mimic someone familiar, with others guessing who it is. The best impressions earn prizes!
25. Escape Room
Transform a room in your home into an escape room. Create puzzles and clues for your teens to solve together.
26. 7 Minutes in Heaven
Though a classic, it’s best handled with care. Two chosen players enter a room for seven minutes of whatever they choose.
27. Stack ‘Em
Challenge your teens to stack a pile of plastic cups in a creative yet structured manner. This fun activity keeps everyone engaged.
By integrating these games into your teen’s party, you can create a lively atmosphere that fosters bonding and laughter. Check out more engaging activities at Home Insemination Kit, or for further insights on related topics, visit Healthline on Intrauterine Insemination and Make a Mom’s Cryobaby Kit.