50 Fun Challenges for Teens to Try This Summer

If you’re looking for fun challenges for teens, you have come to the right place. It’s that time of year again when the kids are home and they’re throwing out those famous “I’m bored” lines throughout the day. Chances are that your teen is too old for camp, but not quite old enough for a job. Your door is probably opening constantly to a new face that’s also “bored.”

If this sounds familiar, then let them try one of the following 45 fun challenges for teens. Of course, you can draw some inspiration from our ultimate list of fun things to do with the kids (teens, and adults) during the lockdown.

Our point here is that you can offer a bigger challenge by asking them to do one challenge a day for 45 days; that will get them through most of the summer. After all, summer is meant to be fun.

Food and Drink Fun Challenges for Teens

#1  Bubble Gum Challenge

Gather everyone around in a circle. Give them all the same amount of some good tasting bubblegum. Each person then takes a turn blowing a bubble to see who can make the biggest one. This challenge can be fun with as little as two people or make it interesting with the girls competing against the guys. Split them up into teams with the middle schoolers competing against the high schoolers. No matter how they compete, the challenge will be exciting. Just make sure you know how to get the gum off your shoes, (or hair, furniture, and other places where the gum might end up accidentally.)

#2  Baby Food Challenge

For this one you’ll need several jars of baby food, 10-12 different kinds should be a great amount. Have someone not participating in the challenge purchase and prepare the food by removing the labels from each jar. Of course, that person will be the only one to know what kind of food is in the jars. Place the food on the table and let the challenge begin. Each person takes a turn tasting the food from each jar. The object is to guess what kind of food it is and then not to throw up. Make it more fun by making everyone taste the food using a baby spoon. Get a lot of pics and videos of this challenge!

#3  Eat It or Wear It Challenge

Choose a bunch of different foods that most people don’t like. Oh and the worse the smell, the better too!

Number some lunch bags and mix up the foods in each bag. Next, put corresponding numbers on small pieces of paper and put them in a bowl. Each person gets a turn to draw a number from the bowl and then they will be given the corresponding bag. They will then need to decide if they want to eat a spoonful of the contents or wear it. Make sure to get a lot of pictures of this challenge for blackmail later.

If it’s possible, you might want to take this challenge outside. If that’s not possible then choose a large area indoors and place a large drop cloth on the floor. Be sure to let your friends know ahead of time that they shouldn’t be wearing their best clothes when doing this challenge.

#4  French Fries Challenge

A non-participant should make a trip to several fast food restaurants getting fries. Leaving them in the containers from the restaurants, they should be hidden from the participants. Each participant will need a blindfold and when the challenge begins they will all be given a fry from each place one at a time trying to guess where the fry came from. Of course, the best guesser will be given a point for each correct answer and in the end, the one with the most points wins the challenge.

#5  Chubby Bunny Challenge

Mom always said, “Don’t talk with your mouth full,” but that doesn’t count for this challenge.

Grab a partner, a bowl, and a whole mess of marshmallows to see who can last the longest. Start with one marshmallow in your mouth and say, “Chubby Bunny.” If you can say it clearly then move on to the next round where you will add another marshmallow to your mouth and say, “Chubby Bunny” again. The challenge continues until the first person can no longer say the words, or the first person loses a marshmallow out of their mouth.

#6  Hamburger Challenge

Just like the French Fry challenge, this challenge also involves fast food restaurants. A non-participant will need to visit as many restaurants as possible to buy hamburgers for each participant. You can always cut each burger in half since you probably won’t eat the whole thing anyway. Once the burgers are ready the participants must then put on their blindfolds and begin the challenge. As they taste each one, they must guess where it came from. If the answer is correct they get a point. The winner of this challenge is the one who gets the most points.

#7  Smoothie Challenge

Grab your best friend and take your stomach on a trip down craziness.

First, you will want to pick out ten good ingredients that you would normally find in a smoothie. Next, pick out ten more not so good ingredients that you would never find in a smoothie. Some good ingredients could be things such as fruits and milk. The not so good and normal could be things like hot peppers, spices, pickles, or even lunch meat. The crazier the ingredients the better this challenge will be. After you pick out all twenty ingredients, write each one down on a slip of paper and put them into a bowl. The challenge begins with each person taking turns drawing the slip of paper and adding that ingredient into their smoothie. Keep taking turns until all twenty ingredients have been used. Finally, add all your ingredients and some ice into a blender. When both smoothies are ready you must drink it all and not throw up. The first person to give up or throw up is the loser.

#8  McDonalds Roulette Challenge

You will need to make a trip to your favorite McDonalds and then pay close attention to the people around you.

Take some money and get in line. Listen to the person in front of you and order exactly what they do. Each person must do the same and then when you get back to the table let the challenge begin. You must eat everything you ordered, so for one, it might be fries and a coke while the other might have three combo meals to finish. Finishing everything on your tray without throwing up will determine the winner of this competition.

#9  Raw Onion Challenge

Next, on our list of fun challenges for teens in the real of playing with food is the Raw Onion Challenge. You might enjoy eating an onion on your hamburger, but do you think you can handle eating an entire raw onion? Try it and see what happens. Oh wait, we forgot to mention that you’re not allowed to drink anything, and if you do then you will lose the challenge. Make sure to compete with a friend, and nominate another who is too chicken to try the challenge to be the designated videographer; what would be the point if you couldn’t share it with the world?

#10 Warhead Challenge

Sour is better than spicy, right? Well, maybe not.

Warheads are sour candies that can make you pucker for the first few seconds they hit your taste buds. Let’s see if you can handle a mouth full at once. Gather your friends and provide them all with Warheads. Compete to see who can eat the most pieces at once, and swallow them too because otherwise it would be cheating and nobody likes a cheater. Grab an innocent bystander to be the photographer because this is something everyone will want to see.

#11 Lemon Challenge

This is another one of those challenges that you’ll want to do in the kitchen, besides engaging your teens into a cooking session.

Set up a table with plenty of sliced lemons for everyone. Invite your friends to sit around the table and let the competition begin. Yes, you guessed it. The idea is to see who can eat the most lemons without spitting them out. Pucker up and have fun with this challenge.

#12 The Wendy’s .99 cent Value Menu Challenge

Grab a friend or two and take a trip to Wendy’s. Each person should order one of everything off the .99 cent menu. Sit down and begin to eat. In order to win this challenge, you must eat all the food without throwing up. Yes, someone will definitely upchuck, and that calls for automatic disqualification.

Of course, if you and your friends would prefer another fast food restaurant, that’s okay too, just be sure that there’s a .99 cent menu to order from.

#13 Blindfolded Food Tasting Challenge

If you like a variety of different foods, then this challenge should satisfy your taste buds.

A non-participant should prepare different foods ahead of time. Things such as cubed cheese, small servings of lunch meat, fruits, veggies, condiments, and any other interesting combinations will work. The participants must be blindfolded and given a different food item to taste one at a time. The participants shouldn’t be able to touch the food so serving it on a skewer would work, or for a bigger challenge, they can taste with no hands at all. A point is given for each correct guess and the person with the most points wins the challenge.

#14 The Oreo Challenge

Who knew that Oreo cookies could be so much fun?

There are so many different flavors that it makes this challenge exciting. A non-participant should prepare several different kinds of cookies while the participants cover their eyes with blindfolds. The non-participant should then give each person a cookie to taste. When the participant guesses the cookie correctly they get a point. Yes, you guessed how it ends. The person with the highest number of points wins the challenge.

#15 Bread Challenge

This challenge doesn’t require anything more than a loaf of bread but beware, it’s not as easy as it looks.

With the loaf of bread, see who can construct the tallest configuration using only the bread. Each participant has only 75 seconds to see who’s configuration will be the tallest.

#16 Soda Challenge

The biggest challenge to this one might be for the person who has the job of finding twelve different soda flavors.

Compete with a friend and guess the taste of each soda. The best way to play is to be blindfolded so that you can’t see the color of the soda. You can smell if you want, but remember, the taste doesn’t always match the smell. You get a point for each correct guess, and you guessed it, the person with the most points without getting sick wins the challenge.

#17 Cook-A- Meal Challenge

This is a fun way to fix lunch!

Depending on how many people are participating will depend on the categories. If it’s just two people then each person will prepare the main course using three specific ingredients. This is done similar to television cooking shows. Each course must include the three specific ingredients but can include anything additional the participants want to add. If there are enough people to include desserts or appetizers then go for it. In the end, there must be a non-participant who can do the judging. The individual or team with the best food wins the challenge.

#18 Exploding Watermelon Challenge

This one is best for an outdoor challenge when possible.

Start out by giving each participant a small, seedless watermelon, or use two melons and split the group up into two teams. Provide each person with a ton of thick rubber bands and when the time begins, start wrapping those rubber bands around the watermelon. The first person or team to cause their watermelon to explode is the winner. The prize? All the watermelon you care to eat! If you want to start on a calmer pace, try this experiment first with chubby bell pepper. It explodes less spectacularly than a melon, but you will know what to expect. Film this challenge, it is a crowd favorite on YouTube!

#19 Tin Can Challenge

Have someone prepare about twenty tin cans of food by taking off the labels and then numbering them. Each can should have a corresponding number on a piece of paper to be drawn from a bowl. Put all the unopened cans on a table and be sure to have a can opener close by. The first person draws a number from the bowl then takes the can with the same number and opens it. That person must eat a spoonful of its contents without spitting it out or throwing it up. Each person gets a point for each of the food swallowed and loses a point when it spits out. The person with the most points wins but the first person to throw up is automatically out.


#20 Cinnamon Challenge

Another crowd favorite on YouTube and social media, the cinnamon challenge is a pain. At first, it seems easy and benign, but it is not. The idea is to challenge the participants to take a mouthful of cinnamon (a teaspoon will suffice, trust us) and swallow it in under one minute without the help of any liquid. Before you challenge your children to do this, watch a video of someone who already tried (and failed) this challenge already. The burning sensation, screaming, crying, and cursing may not be what one would call fun challenges for teens to spend the summer. If it looks to cruel, skip it. Otherwise, go for it, as the expectation aversion is strong with this one.

Exercise & Physical Fun Challenges for Teens

#21 Jump Rope Challenge

Each person is given a jump rope and a time limit. A non-participant should be the “counter.” Set a timer and let the competition begin. The idea is to see who can jump the most amount of times within the time limit without falling. Each time the rope hits the pavement that counts for a jump. It sounds easy, but is it? Go find out!

#22 Hula Hoop Challenge

Much like the jump rope challenge and other fun outdoor games for children, the hula hoop challenge will have your waist moving for the win. Set a time limit and the person who keeps the hula going the longest without stopping wins. Of course, if you lose your rhythm and your hoop, you’re automatically out. The teens should try this competition against the adults to see if they still have it.

#23 Hoverboard Challenge

Grab a hoverboard and set up a challenging obstacle course, then let the competition begin! Just like any other obstacle course game, there must be a time limit, so, you guessed it, the person who completes the obstacle in the least amount of time without falling off the board wins the challenge!

Miscellaneous Fun Challenges for Teens

#24 Not My Hands Challenge

With one person sitting on a chair, somebody else hides behind them. The person behind will be using their hands while the person in the chair will do the talking to direct the hidden person in the right direction. For example, they might make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but of course, the hidden person can’t see so the person sitting must use direction in making the sandwich. When the sandwich is made, the hidden person must feed it to the person on the chair.

#25 Try Not to Laugh Challenge

The basic goal here is to watch the video and not to laugh, that includes a smile.

You will need some of the funniest videos you can find for this simple challenge. It is one of the easiest indoor games and challenges to do indoors during the lockdown with your children and even adult friends.

#26 Makeup Challenge

One person must be completely blindfolded and give the other a complete makeup makeover. You can try this fun game with your adult female friends at a bridesmade party as well. Don’t let a mirror appear until the makeover is complete. The more makeup you use in this challenge the more fun it will be, and oh, don’t forget to get those phones out because everyone will want to see the results!

#27 Say Anything Challenge

You will need some tape and your best friend to make this challenge work. Choose a third person to pick categories or put categories in a bowl and each person takes a turn drawing from the bowl. The idea is not to stumble and to keep the rhythm flowing. When a category is chosen each person must say a word in that category. For example, the category is an animal so the first person would say dog, the next person would say cat and keep going until someone gets stuck. The person who stumbles earns a piece of tape on their face placed by the opponent. You must keep track of the pieces of tape because the person who has the most pieces at the end of the challenge loses.

#28 The Whisper Challenge

Much like a game of telephone this challenge is always fun to find out what the other person thought they heard.

You will need some noise-canceling headphones and a few friends to make this challenge more fun. Each person must have their headphones on and cranked up with their favorite music. The first person starts the challenge with a random phrase that can be drawn from a prepared pile of phrases, or by finding random fun stuff from the internet. Tell the first person the phrase and then the next person repeats what they think they heard from lip reading and so on until the last person is left. In the end, the person who started the phrase can then reveal what it was supposed to be.

If you want to complete this challenge using two people, the first person can give a phrase and repeat it three times until the person either gets it right or continues to make a mess of it. Each person can take turns until someone finally gets it right or the time runs out.

#29 Tickle Me Challenge

This challenge requires a little trivia knowledge or you will be tickled!

Each person takes a turn asking another a question, but it if the person answers it incorrectly, that’s right, they will have to be tickled until the time is up.

#30 Ice Bucket Challenge

To compete in this challenge, you will need a bucket full of ice and water. Each person who wishes to compete in the Ice Bucket Challenge should be dressed in a bathing suit and there should be plenty of dry towels and clean clothes handy after the challenge is complete. Choose one person to be the designated “dumper.” This is the person that will have a blast drowning their friends with the ice water. Dump the water over the victim’s head quickly and watch them squirm. A phone is a must-have for this challenge because you’ll want to be sure and capture the moment in pictures. There isn’t really a winner in this competition but it’s fun to watch their facial expressions and to hear their screams. Obviously, the best place to perform this challenge would be outside, and if you really want the challenge to be harder, try it in the winter.

#31 Blindfolded Hairstyle Challenge

All you need to complete this challenge is a blindfold, a lot of hair accessories, and a brave soul.

The person with the blindfold must use the hair accessories to style the other person’s hair. You can be as creative as you want, but remember that the stylist will be blindfolded so be sure that all the styling tools are safe. An excellent photographer will be needed to capture the events of this challenge while it’s in progress.

#32 Popsicle Stick and Cup Tower Challenge

Set up a sturdy table and gather as many popsicle sticks and paper cups as you can possibly find. Please, for the sake of everyone, if you decide to start pulling from the trash, clean them first. Put all the sticks and cups on the table and let the building begin. Keep going to see who can create the tallest tower without it falling down first. Set a timer to make the challenge even better, or just keep going until the last person’s tower is still standing.

#33 Egg Drop Challenge

This one will work best if you have access to at least a two-story building.

Find as many supplies as possible such as newspaper, tape, straws, paper towels, confetti or anything else you can think of that will give your egg a safe landing. Once you have all the supplies ready each person can begin to build a “safe landing” nest for a raw egg. The biggest challenge will be to build the nest in a limited amount of time. Once the timer goes off the nest is finished no matter what state it’s in. You will need to place the nest on the ground under a high window. Everyone should proceed upstairs and at that time they will each be given a raw egg. The idea is to make the egg land into the nest without it breaking.

#34 100 Layer Challenge

You will need 100 pieces of clothing and you can even include hats and socks in the mix. Start with the layer of clothing you’re already wearing, that counts as the first layer and then continue to layer the clothes until you’re wearing all 100 pieces of clothing. If you can’t make it then you can’t win the challenge.

#35 Card House Challenge

Everyone grab a deck of cards, find a sturdy place, and start building the best house you can without knocking it over because if you do, you lose. Okay, so it might sound old-fashioned and corny, but sometimes the older games and challenges are the most popular.

#36 Memorize Challenge

With this challenge, a non-participant should prepare a tray and place numerous items on it. It’s then up to the non-participant to display the tray for a few seconds for each person to see. As the tray makes its way around, it’s up to each participant to try and remember what’s on it. When the tray is hidden, each person should write down what they saw. The person that has the most items right wins the challenge.

#37 Ice Bath Challenge

If it’s a warm day you can do this one outside using a kiddie pool full of ice and water. The first person must get into the pool of ice water and stay there until they’ve answered one question. In order to complete the challenge, you must be able to stay in the pool until you’ve answered the question completely.

#38 No Hands Nail Polish Challenge

You and a friend must compete to see who can paint the most nails in one minute by using only your mouth. Oh, you might think this challenge is a piece of cake, but think again! It’s really interesting to watch the guys try this challenge too. The person who gets the most nails painted in one minute wins the challenge. You can also have a non-participant to judge the best-looking nails for the win.

#39 The Cotton Ball Challenge

You’ll need a blindfold, two bowls, a large kitchen spoon, and a bunch of cotton balls for this challenge. Set a timer or designate a certain number of scoops and while blindfolded, you must hold the empty bowl on your head and scoop some cotton balls from the other bowl into the one on your head. The person who scoops the most cotton balls wins.

#40 No Thumbs Challenge

Each participant must tape your thumb and forefinger together making it impossible to use your thumb. In the meantime, a non-participant should create a list of tasks for each person to perform. Get a point for each completed task, but get a point taken away for each task that’s incomplete. At the end, the person who has the most points wins the challenge.

#41 The 7 Second Challenge

This simple challenge requires the participants to complete a task in 7 seconds. Continue by doing the process of elimination, meaning that the last participant left in the challenge wins. The tasks can be created by a non-participant so the challenge can be fair for everyone.

#42 Beans and Chopstick Challenge

The rules of this challenge are simple. Each person has one minute to get as many beans into a bowl as they can by using chopsticks. Only one hand can be used or it’s cheating. The person who can manage to get the most beans in the bowl wins the challenge. Here is one of the best and most fun challenges for teens you can do inside or outdoors, no matter the season!

#43 Blindfolded Drawing Challenge

Each person is given a blindfold, a drawing pad, and a pencil. A non-participant can tell them what to draw and they must perform the task while blindfolded. The person who has the best drawing wins the challenge. Two people can participate in this challenge by taking turns.

#44 Cling Wrap Challenge

With this challenge, it will be someone’s pleasure to sellotape each participant to a chair. When the challenge begins, each person will then have to figure out a way to escape the trap. Of course, each person will want to move the fastest because the first one to escape wins the challenge.

(Avoid using the clingfilm above the shoulders to prevent blocking airways)

#45 Store Challenge

Set a limit of around $10 and pick a favorite store. Next, everyone must make a trip to that store and go on a shopping spree with the $10 limit. When everyone is finished, you must all compare the items with each other. You can make the winner the one who buys the best for the money; who buys a unique item; the funniest, and so on.

#46 Truth or Dare Challenge

A good game of Truth or Dare with teens may go sideways if you don’t control it properly. Refrain from asking embarrassing questions or things that would invade the privacy of your teens. Other than that, Truth or Dare is one of the fun challenges for teens that help you to bond and keep yourselves entertained in the family. Check this guide on the best Truth or Dare questions to inspire you!

#47 Scavenger Hunt

Nobody can say no to a scavenger hunt in the backyard or even in the house! Organizing a scavenger hunt takes some preparation and time from your part and it could take a full day. However, keep in mind that such a challenge can keep your teens entertained and quite busy. Invite their friends over and have a blast together competing against each other! Check out our list of fun scavenger hunt ideas to implement this summer for your teenage kids!

#48 Treasure Hunt

We have talked about treasure hunts when we discussed the fun challenges to do with teens and kids at home during the lockdown, but it is worth a mention here as well. Summer, parks, and backyards are the best precursors for a good old fashioned treasure hunt. Ignite your imagination engine, get some help from others who organized treasure hunts before, and keep your kids (and adult friends, why not?) entertained for a full day!

#49 Guess the Song

The best way to play this game or implement this challenge is to have a non-participant present who knows how to play an instrument, like a guitar. If you don’t have such a musician among you, a music player/laptop/smartphone will do. One of the best and fun challenges for teens, this one has them guessing the song or at least the artist after they listen to the first notes or lyrics of the song. They should do this without using the Internet, of course.

#50 The Egg (Russian) Roulette

The last entry on our list of fun challenges for teens is the Egg Roulette you have probably seen already on celebrity shows and televised challenges. You need a full carton of eggs. Boil a few as hard as you can and leave some raw. Mix them well in the carton so not even you can know which eggs are raw and which are cooked. Then, gather the teens and their friends and challenge them to pick an egg to break against their heads. Play until the group finishes all the eggs in the carton. Of course, the winner is the player who managed to break the smallest number of eggs on their face.

Things to Consider When Performing Dangerous Challenges

We’ve tried to keep this list as safe and friendly as it can be so that anyone and everyone can have a fun time performing these challenges.

However, we are aware that teens love their adrenaline when it comes to challenging themselves and others. While we’re not your parents and have no authority over you, we feel the need to warn you about what to avoid when trying to perform dangerous stunts.

First off, when skateboarding for example, avoid doing advanced moves until you’ve gotten down the basics quite well. Be prepared to suffer a few injuries here and there, and don’t be afraid to wear at least basic protective equipment when riding on rough terrain. And, whatever you do, don’t skateboard through traffic. It’s never a good idea.

Secondly, we know teens are rebellious and won’t usually listen to adults who tell them otherwise. But, please, if you search for fun challenges for teens and stumble upon some that might look a bit too risky, just don’t. If you want some adrenaline, go bungee-jumping or sky-diving with authorized instructors. In any case, use your head. Think about it this way: are the risks worth the fun? What’s the worst that can happen if I get involved in an accident relating to this particular activity? Always keep these questions in the back of your mind.

Fun Challenges for Teens: Bottom Line

We hope you enjoyed our selection of fun challenges for teens to try this summer in or outside the house. If you have some games and similar challenges you do at home, feel free to share them with us to lengthen this list of ideas and inspiration!

Before we leave you to set up in motion these challenges, we have to remind you that you should use caution when performing these challenges because some of them may be dangerous. Be sure to try as many challenges outdoors when possible; always provide towels, dry clothes, and other necessities when needed.

Make sure you check out our fundraising ideas for teens as well, together with our guide on fun things to do with children (and even your adult friends and family members) during the ongoing lockdown! Hopefully, we will get past this virus sooner rather than later and we will soon be able to resume our once wonderful lives. Until then, stay safe, and practice the necessary precautions to avoid putting vulnerable people in danger. Or play video games. Those are fun if you don’t have the possibility of meeting others face to face.

Have fun!

Featured Image via Pixabay

220+ Newlywed Game Questions for Large Groups

When it comes to hosting parties it’s not always easy to come up with different themes, much less food that will have everyone going back for more and games that will keep everyone entertained. However, with these newlywed game questions for men, women, and couples, you have a surefire way to make everyone have a good laugh and bond stronger.

A great party to host is a game show party, but which one should you start with? Think about the friends you will invite and what they would like most.

Try hosting a Newlywed Game Questions Party. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to get everyone together and keep them all laughing. This game works for bachelorette parties very well and it makes an excellent rainy day game for friends and couples who want to have a laugh or spend a fun afternoon indoors. We will talk more about this in a few moments.

Before planning the party, think about all the couples you know. They don’t have to be married, in fact, it can be played as a way for new couples to get to know each other better, you just might have to tweak some of the questions.

How to Play the Newlywed Game Questions for Men, Women, and Couples

The Newlywed Game is a classic that debuted on television in 1966. Since its birth, there have been many different variations, therefore, the rules to this game can be mixed up to your liking.

We have prepared a simple game variation that you can follow, but feel free to tweak the rules and questions to the needs of your group. Make sure you add some of your own personalized questions to make things interesting for the said couple. You can draw some inspiration from the bridal shower games for large groups as well.

Let’s see how to play the newlywed game!

  • Split the group into three or four teams of couples.
  • One person should be elected as the game host (maybe this will be the lonely one).
  • Each couple will be competing to win the game by gaining the most points.
  • For the first round, the women should leave the room. The host should pick four questions from the husband round list to ask the guys. (More questions can be asked if you choose).
  • After the guys have given their answers, the women should reappear.
  • The host should ask each question once again giving the women a chance to match with their partner.
  • Each correct match gains five points.

For the second round, the guys should leave the room and the game continues the same as the first round until it’s time for the last question.

  • That question should be one of the two-part bonus questions from the list.
  • When the guys reappear, they will compete in the same as the first round with the exception of the bonus question.
  • When it’s time for the bonus question the team will receive five points for each correct answer, so if they match both answers correctly they will gain ten points.

In the end, the team with the most points wins the game.

You can set the points up however you would like and the bonus questions can be asked in either the wife or the husband round. You might want to use bonus questions in both rounds but double the points in the second round. There is really no right or wrong way to play this game just remember to have a great time in getting to know each other better!

The following list provides you with 201 interesting Newlywed game questions to help you get started:

Newlywed Game Questions: The Wife Round

Here are some of the best newlywed game questions for the women! Keep in mind you can add some of your own to make things more personal. However, make sure you do not add sensitive questions or very intimate inquiries that might upset people. After all, these newlywed game questions are for fun, not to stir up couple’s issues!

What would your husband say is his biggest pet peeve?

When your husband cooks for you would you say the food is spot on, or would you sign him up for cooking school?

Would you say that your husband prefers your face to be painted, or would he rather look at it in its natural state?

When it comes to having children, would your husband say, “Our small house will do,” “Honey, start looking for a bigger house,” or “I’m happy with the family dog?”

Will your husband say that you spend more money, he spends more money, or you spend money equally?

What is one thing you do that drives your husband bonkers?

Between the two of you, who will your husband say is the bigger pack rat?

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would your husband say that you would go?

It’s his turn to plan a date night, what does he plan?

When it comes to sports, would you say your husband prefers the ones with a just a field, a ball and bat, a net, or he isn’t really all that into sports?

What was your husband’s first job?

Which one of you is the biggest procrastinator?

How many dates did the two of you go on before the first kiss?

Which one of you brought up the subject of marriage first?

If you were cleaning out the closets, what is the one thing of your husband’s that you would throw away?

What is your husband’s idea of the perfect weekend?

Would you say your husband would prefer to live in the wilderness and hunt for his food, or would he rather live in the big city and order dinner in?

Which one of your relatives would you say your husband likes the least?

Who won the last argument the two of you had?

If the two of you went on a double date with another couple, who would your husband want to go out with?

Finish this sentence, “I wish my husband would pay as much attention to me as he does his _________.”

What is your husband’s favorite hobby?

Has your husband ever cried during a movie?

What is the one material thing your husband owns that means the most to him?

What will your husband say that he loves about you the most?

It’s your night to pick the movie, will you pick something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, something that will keep you rolling with laughter, or will you need the tissue box?

What is your husband’s favorite late night snack?

Which one of you is the first to fall asleep at night?

Does your husband prefer pizza, wings, steak, or one of each, please?

When eating out, which of you is the bigger tipper?

Which of you is the thrifty shopper?

If the two of you went to visit a pet shelter together, would he head to the dogs or the cats first?

When it comes to dancing, would your husband wait for the slow dance, would he get on the dance floor when it’s time for the fast moves, or would he just sit them all out?

If the two of you were on a date, which one of you would be the most likely to look at your phone during the main event of the date?

When it comes to doing household chores, would you say that you do the most of them, he does the most of them, or do you share an equal amount?

If your husband wrote a book about your family what would the title be?

Who will he say you are closest to in his family?

What is the one thing the two of you can never seem to agree on?

If your husband could have a different job what would it be?

What is the one bad habit you wish your husband would stop?

How long did the two of you date before you introduced him to your family?

Does he prefer a hot cooked breakfast, cold cereal, or nothing at all?

What was the name of your first boyfriend?

Do you prefer to text or talk?

What is your husband’s favorite soft drink?

When it’s time for dessert will your husband choose pie, cake, or something else?

Will he say you are a morning person or a night person?

What was your husband’s first vehicle?

Would he say you are more of an indoor or an outdoor person?

Does your husband prefer long hair, short hair, or it doesn’t matter at all?

If you and your husband were together when you saw a homeless person, which one of you would be most eager to help them?

Which one of you would be most likely to go on a diet first?

When going to a restaurant, does your hubby prefer a sit-down or a buffet?

Which one of you can better deal with a stressful situation?

How often do you go to the beauty shop?

Would your husband rather wear a suit and tie or jeans and a tee?

How many windows do you have in your current home?

Does your car have a 4- cylinder or a 6-cylinder engine?

Which one, if any, is your husband’s favorite social media site?

If your husband were to guess, how many hangers would he say is in your closet?

What is one word that your husband uses that you wish he wouldn’t?

What is one thing you don’t have in your house but you wish you did?

How many sets of dishes do you currently own?

What will your husband say is your go-to site on the web?

What are you and your hubby saving up for?

How many magazine subscriptions will he say you currently get on a regular basis?

If the two of you were to go on a trip and take one of your relatives, who would your husband want to take with you?

Newlywed Game Questions: The Husband Round

Here are the newlywed game questions for men! Again, make sure you do not cause reason for upsets or tensions among people if you choose to add some of your own questions that play on the more personal, intimate side.

When it comes to shoes, would you say your wife prefers heels, flats, sandals, or sneakers?

What is the one household chore your wife will say that you do better than she does?

How many pieces of luggage did your wife take with her on your honeymoon?

When your wife is getting dressed in the morning, which one of her outfits do you hope she’s putting on?

What is the one household chore you absolutely hate to do, but your wife is always nagging you to do it anyway?

The last time you gave your wife flowers, were they roses, carnations, another kind, or will she say you never give her flowers?

What is the name of your wife’s favorite store?

Finish this sentence: “The last gift I gave to my wife was ________.”

When it comes to an argument, which one of you always seems to get the last word in?

Finish this sentence: “My wife’s biggest fear is __________.”

Finish this sentence: “Our wedding was almost perfect until __________.”

What was the name of the street your wife grew up on?

How many doors will your wife say that you had in the first place the two of you lived together?

Is your wife always late, always early, or always right on time?

Which one of you is the most organized?

What was your wife wearing on your first date with her?

Where did you take your wife on your second date?

Without saying the year, when is your wife’s birthday?

If your wife gave you a hall pass, what would she say you would use it for?

What will your wife say is your favorite piece of furniture in your home?

When it comes to ice cream, does your wife like plain old chocolate, plain old vanilla, or does she like a little crunch to mix it up a bit?

Which one of you is the first to wake up in the morning?

When choosing from a menu, would your wife prefer the lighter side, the pasta side, or will she flip to the meat side?

When it comes to replacing the toilet paper roll, should the paper go over or under?

Who will your wife say is the more romantic one in your relationship?

Which one of you is elected to turn off the lights at night?

Complete this sentence: “I love eating the food my wife cooks I just wish she would quit making _________.”

Of all the bridesmaids, your wife had in the wedding, how many were relatives?

How does your wife prefer her eggs cooked, scrambled, fried, poached, omelet style, or would she say no thank you?

What was the name of your first girlfriend?

Is your wife usually too cold, too hot, or is she just right?

If your wife is texting someone, who is she most likely texting?

If your wife were to describe you as a superhero, who would it be?

Which one of you usually picks the restaurant?

How old was your wife when she started school?

When it comes to food, does your wife prefer Mexican, Italian, Chinese, or American?

What kind of laundry detergent is in your house?

Would she say that it’s your fault, or would she admit that it’s her fault that you need two bathrooms in your house?

When your wife packs your lunch, what do you hope to find in the bag?

What state will your wife say you were you born in?

Would your wife say your grades in high school were above average, so- so, or try again?

Who spoke the first words when the two of you first met?

Would your wife say that you’re the type of person who likes to try new things or would you rather leave well enough alone?

How far into the relationship did the two of you get before having your first argument?

If you were to write a love letter to your wife would she be able to read it, or would she have to call on a professional for help?

When it comes to gardening, is that something you would do, she would do, or would you share the task?

Would you say your wife does most of her shopping online or does she go out to the store?

What is the brand name of your washer and dryer?

If your wife could spend a day in the life of someone else, who would it be?

Who said, “I love you” first?

Who picked the wedding date?

If one of your relatives was going to stay with you, which one would your wife hope it would be?

When it comes to the music genre, which one would your wife say is your favorite?

What is the one thing that your wife would like to change about herself?

Finish this sentence: “Every time my wife goes shopping she brings home another __________.”

Which one of your wife’s relatives would you say she resembles the most?

When it comes to vacations, would your wife say that you would be happy sleeping in a tent, you like the smell of a cabin, or you want a hot shower in the hotel?

How long does it take your wife to get ready for a night out?

What is your wife’s favorite fruit?

What was the last thing you did for your wife that she never expected?

What will your wife say is her favorite time of the year?

Would your wife say she prefers gold or silver?

What will your wife say is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

What was the name of your wife’s childhood pet?

How long did the two of you date before you spent the night together?

When the two of you are in the car together, who controls the radio?

Does your wife prefer juice, coffee, soda, or something else with her breakfast?

Husband Round Two-Part Bonus Newlywed Game Questions

Are you having a lot of fun and want the entertainment to continue? No problems! Here is a bonus part containing more newlywed game questions for men (husbands, boyfriends, etc.).

Finish this sentence: “My wife likes to have _________ massaged, but she can’t stand to have her _________ touched.”

If you had to leave your house in an emergency what are the two things your wife would say you would grab on your way out the door?

Finish this sentence: “I like my wife’s friend ________, but I really wish she would dump her friend ___________.”

What are the two most important things your wife will say that you must have on your sandwich?

What are your wife’s two most valuable things?

When your wife was in school, what were her two favorite subjects?

Of your wife’s relatives, which two are the oldest?

What are two things you have in your house that your wife could never live without?

Name two pizza toppings that are a must have for her.

If the two of you were pregnant, who are the two people your wife would want to tell first?

Finish this sentence: “My wife is really good at ____________, but ___________, not so much.”

What are two things your wife made you get rid of before moving in together?

If you stumbled upon a Magic Genie lamp, what will your wife say that two of your three wishes would be?

If you were to look through your wife’s purse, what are two things you would find?

Finish this sentence: “My wife likes it when I wear ______________, but would rather I put _________ in the trash.”

Name two things your wife has on her dresser.

Finish this sentence: “My wife can’t wait to watch ________ on TV, but she wishes they would take _________ off the air.”

Besides texting and talking, what are two other things your wife uses her phone for?

Finish this sentence: “Everyday my wife looks forward to ____________, but she dreads _________.”

Name two animals your wife would never have as pets.

What are two things your wife likes to keep in her car?

Besides you, who are the other two people your wife talks to the most?

What are her two favorite days of the week?

Finish this sentence: “When we have kids we will name the boy ___________ and the girl will be named_______________.”

When the two of you go out to eat, which two restaurants do you visit the most?

What are the two pieces of jewelry that you will always find your wife wearing?

When going out in public, what are two things your wife cannot be seen without?

Finish this sentence: “My wife likes to shop for groceries at___________, but she won’t step foot in________.”

What are the two things your wife would say she misses the most about her old neighborhood?

Finish this sentence: “When it comes to celebrities, my wife would be ecstatic if she were to meet_________, but she would have no interest in meeting_______.”

“If my wife were to paint the living room I hope she would paint it _________ because I really hate the color__________.”

“If she was playing on the playground she would be in a hurry to run toward__________, but she would run away from__________.”

Wife Round Two-Part Bonus Newlywed Game Questions

In the spirit of pure entertainment, if you want to prolong the game, enjoy the following bonus newlywed game questions for women (wives, girlfriends, etc.)!

Finish this sentence: “My husband doesn’t mind driving_______, but he really hates driving_________.”

When your husband plans an outdoor trip, what are two things he’s sure to have in his cooler?

If you sent him to the store with your grocery list, what are two things he would bring home that were not on that list?

Finish this sentence: “I like my husband’s friend___________, but his friend___________ is a little out there.”

What will he say are the two things you miss the most from your childhood?

When the two of you plan to go out for dinner, what two restaurants would not be on the list of choices?

When you pack for a trip, what are the two things your husband will say he can find in your suitcase?

What are his two favorite kinds of animals?

What are two things he will say you can always find in the refrigerator at home?

If the two of you went on a picnic, what will he say are two things you would put in the basket?

Finish this sentence, “My husband likes to see ________ on his dinner plate, but he will push the plate aside if ________ is on it instead.”

Finish this sentence: “My husband is a tough man, but when it comes to ________ and _______, he melts.”

Who are the two people your husband works he likes the least?

Finish this sentence: “My husband always seems to remember_______, but he can never remember_______.”

If you were to look through your husband’s wallet, what are two things you would find in there?

What are his two favorite articles of clothing?

When it comes to watching TV, what are his two favorite networks to watch?

Finish this sentence: “My husband wears size_______ shoes and he requires a size_________ for his gloves.”

What will he say are the names of your two best friends from high school?

Finish this sentence: “If we were at an amusement park we wouldn’t be able to stay away from__________, but I wouldn’t be able to get him to go on___________.”

Finish this sentence: “When it comes to eating hamburgers, my husband always puts________ on his, but he can’t stand to put__________ on it.”

When your husband leaves for work, what are the two things he always takes with him?

When it comes to nail polish, which two colors will your husband say you will choose?

If you were to plant a vegetable garden, what are the two must haves he would insist on planting?

What would he say were your two favorite childhood cartoon characters?

Finish the Sentence Type of Newlywed Game Questions

“If I were to dye my hair he would like it to be__________, but he would hope that I didn’t color it____________.”

“My partner can fix a__________ like a boss, but when it comes to fixing__________ he needs a little professional help.”

“When we go to a bar, my husband always drinks___________ but he can’t stand the taste of___________.”

“Every time our friends come over for game night my husband hopes we are going to play___________ and not__________.”

“When it comes to shopping for lunch meat my husband always runs for__________ but turns his nose up at___________.”

“When I buy soap my husband really hopes it smells like__________ because he can’t stand the smell of____________.”

“When it comes to buying air freshener, my husband prefers the house to smell like__________, but can’t stand it if the air freshener makes the house smell like__________.”

“When it comes to his underwear, my husband likes his to be__________, and is uncomfortable in a pair of__________.”

“Regarding furniture, my husband loves to sit on_________, but please don’t make him sit on__________.”

“When we eat snacks my husband loves when I put out__________, but watch him frown when he sees__________.”

Game Questions for Couples

You can adapt the game as a competition between two or three couples – which are also good friends – to see who knows who best. Of course, it also makes an excellent ice breaker for a newlywed party. So here are 20 more questions that the couple can ask the guests to see which of their friends know them best. You can repeat the questions for the other couples present at the party game as well. As we said, it is one of the easiest ways to spend an afternoon or an evening having fun indoors.

Who is the celebrity crush of each of us?

Who is the better kisser between us?

What are our star signs?

When and where did we first meet?

Which is the strangest quirk each of us has?

Who is the best cook between us?

Who is the tidiest and most organized between us?

What is our favorite getaway/vacation destination?

Who is the most likely between us to deal with a cockroach or a spider in the house?

What is the most likely thing each of us could end up in jail for?

Which is our most favorite shared hobby?

What would be the last perfect meal for each of us?

What are the most likely things that we could argue about on any given day?

Indoor couch potatoes or outdoor adventurers – what does describe us best?

Who has the most exes between us?

What movie do we re-watch most frequently together?

What’s our most prized possession, or the item we would save in a fire?

If we would have a pet, what would it be?

What is our worst habit?

What would we most likely do if on a desert island together?

Biggest fear for each of us: what is it?

The way we see it, you can gather together in the living room one evening. The hosting couple can ask these questions to their friends. Of course, both partners should have an agreement on what the correct answers are. As the friends give their answers, you can note them down and declare the winner the person that nailed the most correct answers. You can set a time for each question or let the group collaborate for a shared prize.

Newlywed Traditions and Superstitions

Have you ever wondered why does the groom have to carry his newlywed wife across the threshold? It’s to protect her from evil spirits lurking below.

Ironically, the one day that’s considered to be the unluckiest for weddings in England is Saturday. Coincidentally, it’s also the day when most couples choose to have their wedding.

According to Hindu tradition, rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck.

Ancient Romans studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry. Oh, those crazy Romans…

Moving on to Egypt, people believe that having women pinch the bride on her wedding day brings good luck. We’re not judging, but we wouldn’t want to be in the bride’s place, that’s for sure.

In the Middle East, brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye. Now you can see that henna isn’t just a trend, but a long-lasting tradition.

A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she’ll never do without. Going slightly more south in Europe, Czech newlyweds have peas thrown at them instead of rice like in most other European countries.

Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century. However, diamonds themselves have very little real value. It was during the 20th century’s advertising campaigns that they got their price artificially inflated thanks to some well thought-out ads.

Ever wondered where the now iconic white dress comes from? Or the bride’s veil? Queen Victoria started the Western world’s white wedding dress trend in 1840. Before then, brides simply wore their best dress. Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.

Bottom Line

Now that you have this newlywed game questions list you should have no problem keeping the group busy for a few hours. Have a great time, and remember, it’s only a game! Make sure you check out our bridal shower games for large groups as well!

Featured Image via Pixabay

7 Board Marble Games

Do you feel like you’ve lost your marbles as of late? Have you sat around feeling bored and wondering what could possibly keep you entertained while challenging our brain at the same time? Perhaps you’ve lost your marbles over the fact that your kids are equally as bored and in need of something to do. Luckily, you can get your marbles back with the help of 7 board games with marbles.

Board marble games are a fun way to pass the time. You can play board games no matter the weather outside, and some board games you can choose to play by yourself or with someone else. The list of board games below can help you choose those that best suit you whether you are looking for a game for you or perhaps your children.

1. Solitaire

Sale
Marble Solitaire - Made in USA
  • Board measures 8-1/2" in diameter.
  • Made from solid cherry wood.
  • Each game is finished with a clear non-toxic finish for long lasting durability.

Pass the time away with this single player board game featuring a round wooden board with 37 round grooves and 36 marbles. The goal of Marble Solitaire is to clear all but one of the marbles off the board by jumping one space over a marble using another marble. While that might sound relatively simple, directional movement limitations make this game both fun and challenging at the same time. For an entertaining brain teaser, this marble board game is highly recommended for one person looking to pass the time.Enter your text here…

2. Aggravation

Sale
Aggravation With Retro Artwork by Winning Moves Games USA, the Classic Marble Race Game, Great For Kids, for 2 to 6 Players, Ages 6+
  • THE ORIGINAL: Take a trip down memory lane with this wonderful edition of the fun family-favorite, the...
  • THE PLAY: Opponents race around the board from base to home, disrupting each other’s marbles in the...
  • HOW TO WIN: All you have to do is get all 4 of your marbles Home first! Roll the die, move your marbles...

Aggravation is a classic marble board game that was first introduced in 1962. The game is fun for 2 people or an entire family of 6. Aggravation challenges players to move their marbles around the board from their base positions to the home area. The first player to get all of their marbles to the home area wins the game. Keep in mind that challenging players can capture your marbles, which makes this a challenging, competitive, and fun game to play.

3. Chinese Checkers

Sale
Brybelly Chinese Checkers Game Set with 11.5 in Natural Wood Checkers Board | 60 Wood Marbles in 6 Bright Colors for Adults, Boys and Girls Game Playing
  • High Quality Wood Construction - All natural wood chinese checkers board is 11.5 in in diameter, making...
  • 6 Bright Color Wood Marbles - Set comes with 60 wooden marbles in six distinct and brilliant colors
  • Set Includes - 1 natural wood board, 60 wood marbles, gameplay instructions

Of the 7 board games with marbles found on this list, Chinese Checkers is perhaps one of the most well-known. The game offers a natural wooden board that is 11.5 inches in diameter and 60 wooden marbles in 6 different colors, including red, green, white, black, blue, and yellow. Chinese Checkers provides fun and challenging play for up to 6 players, a player for each set of colored marbles. The goal of the game is to move your colored marbles across the board to the adjacent triangle. 

You can move your marbles in any direction you would like, but you can only “hop” one space to an empty adjacent space. You are allowed to hop over the marbles belonging to other players as long as there is an empty space just beyond where their marble sits. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to jump over more than one marble at a time. All-in-all, this class marble game can provide hours of intellectual challenges and entertainment.

4. Mancala

Sale
Classic Mancala Game
  • Great game for counting and strategy
  • Challenging but simple game for adults and children
  • Two-player strategy game

Mancala is yet another classic, yet well-loved, well-received game. The game is played on a wooden folding board with 48 beautiful glass gemstones or slightly flattened marbles. The game encourages strategic and fun gameplay among 2 players. To play, place the board long ways in front of you. You should have 6 holes on your side of the board and 6 holes on your opponent’s side of the board. Take the 48 marbles you have and place 4 in each of the empty holes.

The goal is to move your marbles in a counter-clockwise direction. You grab all of the marbles at once but you are only allowed to drop one at a time into the hole next to your gems. The first player to get rid of all of his or her marbles wins the game. In other words, losing your marbles in this instance is a good thing.

5. Hungry Hungry Hippos

Hasbro Gaming Hungry Hungry Hippos
  • One golden marble, Cleanup is a snap with the marble and hippo storage
  • You'll have a chompin' good time with Hungry Hippo and his pals
  • Cleanup is a snap with the marble and hippo storage

Most of the other board games mentioned above are for older children and adults. Young children might find the brain-teasing, mentally challenging games above too difficult for their liking. Fortunately, Hungry, Hungry Hippos is the perfect game for young crowds. The goal of this game is to get your designated hippo to swallow as many marbles as possible. Whoever manages to get their hippo to swallow the most marbles wins the game.

Hungry, Hungry Hippos supports up to four players. Each player chooses their designated hippo and the 20 small marbles are placed in the middle of the board. Players then send their hippos into a feeding frenzy in order to swallow as many marbles as possible. This game is great for groups of young children or even a fun, family-friendly game night.

6. Ker Plunk

Sale
Mattel Games KerPlunk Kids Game, Family Game for Kids & Adults with Simple Rules, Don't Let the Marbles Fall for 2-4 Players
  • Ker Plunk! is a blast from the past with a cool look and attitude!
  • Create a "lattice" of sticks midway through the translucent tube and place the marbles on top; players...
  • Players take turns removing sticks while trying to prevent the marbles from dropping through.

For over 35 years, Mattel has used a combination of marbles and strategy to create a fun game known as Ker Plunk. In order to play, players must push 30 of the included thin sticks through the small holes in the middle of a plastic tube. You must then pour the 32 included marbles on top of the sticks. Players take turns removing sticks one at a time, but you must do so carefully. The player who causes the marbles to fall to the bottom loses the game. This blast from the past is a fun game to play for 2-4 players.

7. Screwball Scramble

TOMY Games Screwball Scramble Marble Run Game for Kids - Timed Marble Maze Kids Games - Cooperative Board Games for Family Game Night - 1-4 Players - Ages 5 Years and Up
  • Maze Board Game: Use skills and hand-eye coordination to guide your marble through the crazy obstacle...
  • Beat the Clock: Challenge yourself or a friend to beat the clock on this timed game to see who’s...
  • Easy to Set Up: This screwy board game for kids is easy to set up but not easy to master

Screwball Scramble might be an older marble game, but it is still a goodie. This fun game encourages young players between the ages of 5 and 10 to race against the cock as they scramble to get their marble through a maze of obstacles. From a moving platform to jumping through hoops, this game can provide hours of entertainment with just one marble and some careful thought process. The game is just challenging enough to be fun and yet simple enough that young children will enjoy it, too.

Fun Facts About Board Marble Games

Marbles have a long history of use for fun. The first traces date back around 1588 according to TIME Magazine. One notable location where marbles have been used for centuries is Tinsley Green, West Sussex, England.

Ever since 1932, the British and World Marbles Championship have been held at Tinsley Green on an annual basis. The first championship in 1932 was won by a team from the Black Horse public house in nearby Charlwood. As history went on, the marbles playing season would go on from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday. As you can imagine, people back then were very superstitious. It was thought that playing after Good Friday would bring bad luck.

Professional marble players around the world often tend to collect several types of marbles of different shapes, sizes, and textures. Many people look forward to purchasing scarce marbles from known artisans and producers. A marble’s worth is primarily determined by the type, size, condition, and visual appeal, coupled with the law of supply and demand. Ironically, some ugly but rare marbles are also high on the asking price range. But you should know that this is rather an exception than a rule.

As you can imagine, marbles today are rarely made by hand. That’s why the artisan-made ones are so much more valuable as a rule of thumb. But in the older days, marbles were made mostly by hand, the most valuable ones being produced with stone or ivory. You could also find the more common clay, pottery, ceramic, or porcelain marbles that were made by rolling up the material into a ball and letting it dry over a fire. Either way, it’s outstanding to think about how much a little ball can be worth in today’s currency. For something so simple, marbles are really unique.

Verdict

The list above provides you with some of the most entertaining board games played with marbles that there are. Luckily, you can now use one of the games mentioned to prevent you from losing your own marbles. You can keep yourself, your family, and your children entertained for hours with any one of the games mentioned above.

Featured image via Unsplash

9 Icebreaker Games for Adults

Icebreakers are group facilitation techniques which can help people communicate, learn more about one another, relax and enjoy themselves.  They are an excellent way to foster a creative and friendly environment that is ideal for learning or collaboration.

Groups of adults can really benefit from icebreakers, particularly if participants are meeting for the first time.  Icebreakers can be used in a wide range of environments including classrooms, conferences, parties and meetings — wherever you want a group of adults to relax and communicate freely.

This article will share a few reasons why icebreakers are so useful and a few of the best icebreaker games for adults.

Why are Icebreakers so Useful for Adults?

Icebreakers can reduce inhibitions or tension in a group

Many adults are fairly inhibited and reserved when they meet new people. They often don’t communicate freely with people they are meeting for the first time and require a “getting-to-know-you” period.  Icebreakers can speed up the getting-to-know-you process, encouraging participants to start communicating freely with one another.

Icebreakers can make a group event fun!

Many group icebreakers are focussed on helping participants relax and feel comfortable within the group.  This is usually achieved through the use of fun activities that encourage participants to talk to one another.  These “fun” icebreakers can be used by group facilitators to introduce people or to simply give the group a break from a tough activity.  Fun icebreakers can also be used to start a meeting or conference with a few laughs.

Icebreakers can energize and motivate participants

Using an icebreaker at the start of a meeting is a great way to excite and motivate participants.  A fun icebreaker can turn a stale meeting or class into something that participants look forward to.  Icebreakers can also be used midway through a meeting or class to energize participants.

Icebreakers can help a group learn more about one another

If you are working with a group of people who have never met each other before, “introductory” ice breakers may be useful.  They are activities which encourage participants to learn each other’s names and personal details.  It can help create cohesion within a group and familiarity between participants increases user engagement.

Icebreakers can improve the ability of people to learn

Researchers have discovered that adults learn better when they are mentally, physically and emotionally stimulated.  This is because they become fully engaged in the activity and the people around them.  You can use icebreakers in a classroom or seminar environment to really make sure the participants are learning.

Icebreakers help the facilitator learn more about the group

The facilitator can also gain some useful insight from using icebreakers.  In addition to helping you learn the name of participants, you can gain insight into the background, interests and skills of participants.

Icebreakers increase the sense of community within a group

If you are working with a group that is sharing personal details, it helps to foster a sense of community and friendship among participants.  This helps people open up and share intimate details.  Icebreakers can be very useful in fostering a sense of trust and community within the group.

Icebreakers get everyone involved

An icebreaker can help passive participants contribute more to the group and feel more comfortable about expressing themselves to others.

Icebreakers foster creativity

Many icebreaker activities ask people to be imaginative and creative.  Once participants are in this mindset, you can harness it during the class, meeting or seminar that follows.

The Best Icebreaker Games for Adults

People Bingo

This is one of the most popular icebreaker games for adults because it is simple to explain and very effective.  It is ideal for use in classrooms, seminars or meetings.  It can be used for groups of up to 30 people in size.

If you already know a few things about the participants, create a list of interesting facts about them, like “plays guitar” or “always does the morning crossword”.  If you don’t know the participants very well, use more general descriptions that probably apply to multiple people, like “is fanatical about coffee”, “has been on holiday to Europe”.

Now create bingo cards where each number square has one of these descriptions written in it.  These sheets are handed to participants who will then talk to each other in an effort to find someone who matches one of the squares.  When they do find someone who “is fanatical about coffee”, that person signs their bingo square.  The first person to reach 10 signed squares wins.

2-Minute Mixer

This is another common icebreaker for adults that is very effective for introducing people to one another.  Have participants find a random partner and form a large circle, with one partner standing closer to the center of the room.  Each participant will then spend 2-minutes talking to their partner.  They will discover each other’s name and something about their background — where they work, what they like to do, why they are attending the class.

After the 2-minutes has expired, the people on the edge of the circle will rotate clockwise and spend two-minutes talking with the next person.  The session can continue until the circle has done a complete rotation.  By this point, each participant will have met half of the class.

Expectations

This is a simple and fun icebreaker for adults that encourages them to be creative.  Each participant is asked three simple questions:

  • What is your name?
  • What do you hope to get out of the class
  • What could be the craziest thing that could happen if their expectations of the class are met?  Encourage participants to think of a crazy and interesting outcome after completing the class!

For example, a student attending a computer class might say “My name is ted,  I expect to learn how to program computers and understand computer hardware.  If I can learn those skills I will use them to become the next Steve Jobs, marry Charlize Theron and buy the island of Hawaii”.

Two Truths and a Lie

This icebreaker is usually quite popular with adults and can lead to some funny responses.  Each participant in the group says three things about themselves — two truthful things and one lie.  The other participants can guess which one is the lie and give a reason why thick so.  You can elicit some very funny, creative and interesting responses from the group!

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Guess Who

Each participant in the group writes a very interesting or unusual fact about themselves on a piece of paper.  The group facilitator then reads out the responses and the group guesses which person wrote the interesting fact!

All My Neighbors

This is a simple icebreaker that helps people communicate with one another and learn more about each other.  The group is seated in a circle with one person in the center.   The person in the center says “I like all my neighbors who…” then mentions some characteristic like “wears glasses” or “has brown eyes”.

Everyone in the circle who matches that characteristic will switch spots with someone else.  The person in the center will also try to find an empty spot.  The participant who doesn’t find a spot will have to ask the next question!  It is a simple, fun and easy icebreaker for adults.

The Toaster Game

This is a useful game for meetings where participants may turn up hungry!  It requires the facilitator to bring a toaster and a large assortment of condiments.  Insert a piece of bread into the toaster and while it is browning ask everyone in the group to reveal one thing about themselves.  The person who is mid-sentence when the toast pops up is challenged to eat a piece.  The catch is — the group decides which kinds of condiments they have on their toast!  They may decide to have peanut butter, chilli flakes, and mayonnaise!  Just make sure the participants aren’t allergic to any whacky condiment combinations you think of.

Toilet Paper Game

The very premise of this game will get the group laughing.  The group facilitator passes a roll of toilet paper around the room and asks each member to tear off how much they normally use when going to the toilet.  After everyone has their tiles paper, ask them to tell the group one interesting fact about themselves for each piece of toilet paper they have.

Question Ball

Buy a large beachball and write some icebreaker questions on its surface.  Things like “What is your favorite place to go on holiday?”, “What is your perfect Sunday morning?”.

Throw the ball to a random participant in the group and ask them to answer the question that their right-hand index finger falls on.  You can elicit responses from the entire group and help them learn more about one another.

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Bonus Games

Never have I ever

While not exactly known as an icebreaker game, but more of a party game, you can adapt it to fit a certain situation. For example, at a corporate meetup, you could start by stating something along the lines of “Never have I ever worked in Adobe Illustrator”.

If you think your statements through, you can actually learn a lot of stuff about your new coworkers and teammates, and thus learn how to prioritize teamwork tasks in a more efficient manner. You could even write down some statements on the whiteboard to give participants a hint about what they can say in case they run out of ideas.

The One-Word Icebreaker

This is as simple as it gets. Make everyone describe their mood using a single word. You can get creative by saying really cryptic things like “I feel alpaca” or “I feel like Twilight”.

You get the picture. It can be very boring or very cryptic. It depends on the people you’re playing with. It’s definitely more fun when you’re playing with a creative marketing team, that’s for sure.

Online Quiz Icebreaker

Do you know what Google and Salesforce use as their preferred icebreaker game? It’s QuizBreaker. This online trivia-style game gives each user fun questions like “Which dead or alive person would you invite over for dinner?” and much more. Afterward, each user receives answers to these questions in their inbox and they have to guess which coworker gave that particular answer. It’s a fun way to get to know each other when working remotely.

The Logo Love Icebreaker

Hand everyone in the office some blank tags and tell them to write their name on them and draw a logo. Alternatively, if they’re not good at drawing, they can just write the name of the brand. Once everyone’s done, each person must explain why they chose that logo and how they think it represents them. If you’re good at psychology, you can find out a lot of stuff through this simple game.

The Bottom Line

There are many more icebreakers for adults available!  They are a great way to start your group activity or to energize participants.  You can modify any of the icebreakers above to suit your specific group and the participants involved.  Remember to stay flexible and have fun!