Youth group games the most fun and ideal way to break the ice and get your youth group interacting and connecting with each other.
Whether you have a mix of young and older kids, or all from one age group, you’ll find quick and easy games that everyone will enjoy.
Here’s a list of our favorite youth group games!
Icebreaker Games
Two Truths and a Lie
- Each person takes turns sharing two true statements and one false statement about themselves, and the group must guess the false one.
- Needs 4 or more players
- Great for getting to know each other in a fun and lighthearted way
Human Knot
- Group members grab random hands and then must untangle themselves without letting go.
- A fun game for groups of 6 or more people.
- Teaches teamwork and cooperation.
Would You Rather?
- Ask fun, thought-provoking questions that force a choice between two options.
- Great for groups of 4 or more people.
- Encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
Team-Building Games
Trust Fall
- Classic trust-building exercise where participants fall backward into the arms of a teammate.
Egg Drop Challenge
- Teams build a structure to protect an egg from a fall using limited materials.
Tower Building
- Using unusual building materials, like spaghetti and marshmallows, groups must compete to build the tallest tower.
- Teaches problem-solving and teamwork.
Outdoor Games
Capture the Flag
- A classic game involving strategy, teamwork, and lots of running.
- Divide into two teams and hide the flags in opposite corners of the field.
- Players must run around the field, trying to capture each other’s flag and bring it back to their side.
Tag
- A simple game involving chasing each other and tagging people with your hands.
- A great way for kids to get physical exercise while having fun.
Water Balloon Volleyball
- Teams use towels to launch and catch water balloons over a net.
- Creates a safe way for kids to cool off and have fun in the summer.
Scavenger Hunt
- Create clues leading to various locations; groups must solve them in a race against time.
- Encourages teamwork and critical thinking.
- Great outdoor activity for all ages.
Picnic Blanket Volleyball
- Played like regular volleyball, but with a picnic blanket as the net.
- Great for larger groups of 8 or more people.
- Teaches cooperation and teamwork.
Indoor Games
Sardines
- A twist on hide-and-seek where one person hides, and others join them once found.
- Great for smaller groups of 4 or more people.
- Can be adapted to fit any age group.
Pictionary
- Teams draw items while their teammates guess what they are.
- A fun way to practice communication skills and get everyone laughing.
Charades
- Players take turns guessing the movie, song, phrase or subject that their teammate is acting out while wearing a card on their head.
- Great for groups of 4 or more people.
- Encourages creativity and teamwork.
Cooperative Group Games
The Blanket Game
- Participants must work together to flip a blanket over without stepping off.
- Teaches cooperation and patience.
- Can easily accommodate large groups of 10 or more people.
Crocodile River
- Players must work together to cross a pretend crocodile river without stepping on the ground.
- A fun way to practice problem-solving and develop communication skills.
- Great for larger groups of 8 or more
Human Chain
- Teams compete to create the longest human chain possible using only one part of the body.
- Great for groups of 4 or more people.
- Teaches coordination and teamwork.
Traffic Jam
- Solving a challenging puzzle by working together to move in specific patterns.
- Great for small groups of 4 or more people.
- Teaches problem-solving and cooperation.
Energetic Games
Dodgeball
- A classic energetic game using soft foam balls.
- Divided into two teams; players must try to hit each other with the ball while protecting their own team.
- Great for groups of 8 or more people.
Freeze Dance
- A fun game of freeze dance, where players must stop moving when the music stops.
- Great for any age group and can be adapted for different levels of energy.
- Teaches coordination and listening skills.
Scavenger Hunt Relay Race
- Two teams compete to find objects around the room and race back with them.
- Great for groups of 8 or more people.
- Encourages cooperation, critical thinking, and creativity.
Tug of War
- A fun competition that requires strength and teamwork.
- Divide into two teams and pull opposite ends of a rope.
- Great for larger groups of 10 or more people.
- Teaches cooperation and strategy.
Thoughtful Games
Hot Seat
- One person sits in the “hot seat” while others ask questions to get to know them better.
- Great for getting to know each other and encouraging thoughtful conversations.
- Can be adapted for any age group.
Conversation Starters
- Groups take turns answering questions about themselves, such as their favorite food or dream vacation spot.
- A great way to get kids talking and making new friends in the youth group
The Great Wind Blows
- A game where a statement is read out, and those to whom it applies must change seats, often revealing commonalities among participants.
- Great for groups of 4 or more people.
- Teaches self-awareness and empathy while encouraging open dialogue.
Philosophical Chairs
- A discussion-based game where participants take a side on a controversial issue and debate it.
- Great for groups of 8 or more people.
- Encourages critical thinking and open dialogue about difficult topics.
Word Games
Name That Tune
- In this game, players have to guess the name of a song by listening to its melody.
- Needs 2 or more players and an audio source like a music player or karaoke machine.
- Teaches musical knowledge and helps build vocabulary.
Rhyme Time
- Players take turns coming up with words that rhyme, creating a chain of them.
- Great for small groups of 3 or more people.
- Teaches creativity and encourages verbal communication.
Story Time
- Players take turns adding a sentence to a story they are creating together.
- A great way to practice storytelling skills and teach the importance of listening.
Youth Group Games can be fun!
Having a selection of go-to youth group games at your disposal can help make sure that every youth group meeting is fun, engaging and helps the kids connect.
Whether you’re looking for energized outdoor games or more thoughtful indoor activities, there are plenty of great games and options to choose from.
Not only will these youth group games provide entertainment, they will also help teach valuable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. With some creativity and a little bit of planning, you can make sure that every youth group meeting is fun for all!