45 Super Fun Games to Play When Hosting an Event (Indoor & Outdoor Ideas for All Ages)

Fun Games to Play When Hosting an Event: Planning an event can be exciting, but keeping guests entertained is where the real magic happens. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, corporate gathering, family reunion, baby shower, or church hangout, fun games can instantly break the ice, lift the mood, and get everyone engaged.

Games aren’t just for kids—they’re perfect for adults too. They spark laughter, build connections, and create unforgettable memories. But with so many options out there, finding the right games that suit your event, crowd size, and setting can be a bit overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve put together a curated list of 45 super fun games to play when hosting an event, including ideas for indoor, outdoor, formal, and informal gatherings. Whether you’re looking for something silly, strategic, or simply social, this guide has got you covered.

Let’s dive into the fun!

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45 Super Fun Games to Play When Hosting an Event

Below is our collective list of the best fun games to play when hosting an event. The games are suitable for all kinds of events and gatherings. Also, whether you’re looking for games for indoors or outside, with kids or adults, for business or pleasure, you will find them here!

Icebreaker Games to Start Any Event

These games are designed to get people relaxed, talking, and laughing right from the start.

1. Two Truths and a Lie

This classic icebreaker is ideal for introducing people in a fun and light-hearted way. Each guest takes a turn sharing three statements about themselves—two of which are true, and one that’s false. The rest of the group must guess which one is the lie.

Example: “I’ve been to Dubai, I hate jollof rice, and I can play the guitar.”
Can you guess the lie?

Why it works: It sparks curiosity, reveals interesting facts, and breaks awkward silences at the start of any event—whether it’s a party, workshop, or even a church gathering.

2. Human Bingo

This game transforms basic mingling into an exciting mission. Create bingo cards with boxes containing different characteristics or experiences, like “has a pet,” “can dance,” “has traveled outside Nigeria,” or “owns a business.” Guests must walk around and find people who match each box, writing their names in the squares.

Why it works: It encourages conversation with multiple people and is great for networking, family events, or school programs.

3. Would You Rather?

Prepare a list of funny or thought-provoking “Would You Rather” questions. One person reads the questions aloud, and others choose their answers.

Example: Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?

Why it works: This game helps people relax and think creatively. You can keep it clean and simple to fit different types of events—from birthday parties to office meetings.

4. Find Someone Who…

Give everyone a checklist of descriptions like “Find someone who speaks more than two languages” or “Find someone who has twins in their family.” Participants must interact with others to match real people to each description.

Why it works: It’s active, encourages movement, and is perfect for events with many guests who may not know each other.

5. Name That Tune

Play a few seconds of a popular song and ask guests to guess the song title and artist. You can make it genre-specific (gospel, afrobeat, classic hits) or even themed based on your event. Guests can compete individually or in teams.

Variation: Play church songs for religious events or 90s music for a themed party.

Why it works: It’s fun, easy to prepare, and brings energy and nostalgia into your event.

Hilarious Party Games for Adults

These fun games to play when hosting an event are great for birthdays, reunions, or evening events where the goal is to have a good laugh.

6. Charades

Write down a bunch of words or phrases (movies, actions, places, etc.) on slips of paper. One person picks a slip and acts out the word without speaking, while their team guesses what it is within a time limit.

Example: Acting like you’re brushing your teeth to guess “morning routine.”

Why it works: Charades gets people moving and laughing. It’s easy to play, needs no equipment, and can be adjusted for both kids and adults.

7. Heads Up

Use the popular mobile app or create DIY cards with words or phrases. One person holds a word card on their forehead without seeing it, while others give clues for them to guess. A timer makes it more competitive.

Variation: Play by categories—celebrities, Bible characters, Nigerian food, etc.

Why it works: Fast-paced and hilarious, Heads Up is perfect for smaller groups and home-based events.

8. Never Have I Ever (Clean Version)

This is a fun way to learn surprising things about your guests. Players take turns saying, “Never have I ever…” followed by something they’ve never done. Anyone who has done that thing must raise their hand (or step forward).

Example: “Never have I ever forgotten someone’s birthday.”

Why it works: It’s revealing, funny, and great for bonding, as long as you keep it family-friendly and AdSense-safe.

9. Pictionary

Split players into teams. One person draws an image on a board or sheet, while their team guesses what it is within a time limit. Use a timer to add pressure and excitement.

You can draw: Objects, phrases, titles, or event-specific items (e.g., wedding cake, Bible, airplane).

Why it works: People don’t need to be artists—bad drawings make it even more fun!

10. The Whisper Challenge

One player wears headphones playing loud music, while another player whispers a phrase to them. The person with headphones tries to lip-read and repeat what was said. The results are usually hilarious!

Example phrase: “The event planner ate too much cake.”

Why it works: It’s simple, needs minimal prep, and always brings laughter.

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Games for Corporate or Team-Building Events

If you’re hosting an event where bonding, problem-solving, and collaboration matter, these games will do the trick.

11. Scavenger Hunt

Divide guests into teams and give them a list of items to find or challenges to complete within a set time. You can do this inside a building or around a compound. Include clues like “Take a selfie with someone wearing red” or “Find an object that starts with the letter Q.”

Tip: Customize it with event-related themes (e.g., team values, church references, company slogans).

Why it works: It promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and lots of laughs as teams scramble to finish their list.

12. Escape Room Challenge

Recreate a mini escape room using clues and puzzles hidden around a room. Teams must solve riddles and unlock “doors” to move forward or win. You can design this physically or use printable kits.

Example: Bible-themed escape challenge for church youth or a branding puzzle for a business retreat.

Why it works: It encourages collaboration, communication, and problem-solving — key skills in both social and professional settings.

13. Truth or Dare (Team Edition)

Customize classic Truth or Dare for team-building. Instead of personal dares, use fun challenges like “Do 10 jumping jacks with your team” or “Tell your team something you admire about each person.”

Variation: “Corporate Truths” like “What’s your biggest work habit you’d like to change?”

Why it works: It lightens the mood while strengthening connections, and can be adjusted for any event.

14. Egg Drop Challenge

Each team receives a raw egg and random materials (like tape, paper, plastic straws, cotton). The challenge is to design a container that protects the egg from breaking when dropped from a height.

Materials needed: Be creative but budget-friendly. You can use everyday items.

Why it works: It’s messy, fun, and forces teams to strategize and think creatively.

15. Office Trivia / Team Trivia

Prepare a list of fun or educational questions based on your organization, church, or general knowledge. Teams must buzz in or write their answers to score points.

Question example: “What year was our company founded?” or “Which Bible verse mentions the fruit of the Spirit?”

Why it works: Trivia is engaging, educational, and brings a fun, competitive edge to any event.

Outdoor Games for Large Gatherings

These high-energy fun games to play when hosting an event are perfect for open spaces and larger groups, whether it’s a community picnic, school celebration, or church funfair.

16. Tug of War

Split the group into two teams and have them pull opposite ends of a rope. First team to pull the center marker across the line wins.

Variation: Kids vs. adults, or male vs. female teams, to spice it up.

Why it works: It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser, builds team spirit, and requires no complex rules.

17. Sack Race

Each participant hops from start to finish line inside a sack. The first to cross wins. You can make it competitive by organizing it in rounds or heats.

Safety tip: Ensure the ground is free of sharp objects.

Why it works:
It’s silly, active, and always draws laughter from both players and spectators.

18. Water Balloon Toss

Players form pairs and toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step backward after every successful catch. The last pair standing with an unbroken balloon wins.

Tip: Best played in warm weather and outdoor spaces.

Why it works: It’s light-hearted and fun, perfect for cooling off and creating a splash of joy.

19. Obstacle Course

Set up a course with challenges like crawling under ropes, jumping over cones, and balancing on boards. Players must complete it as quickly as possible.

Custom idea: Add themed stations (like “Bible Verse Memory” or “Spelling Bee Stop”).

Why it works:
It combines physical fun with problem-solving and can be tailored for any age group.

20. Capture the Flag

Divide into two teams, each with a “flag” (or object) to protect while trying to steal the other team’s flag and bring it back to their base.

Rules: Players can be tagged and frozen if caught in enemy territory.

Why it works: A mix of strategy, teamwork, and physical activity. Great for school events, retreats, or large field parties.

Fun Games for Kids at Events

These fun games to play when hosting an event are golden!

Whether it’s a birthday party, school event, or church picnic, these games will keep the little ones active and smiling.

21. Musical Chairs

Arrange chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of players. Play music while the kids walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone rushes to sit. The one left standing is out, and a chair is removed for the next round.

Tip: Use kid-friendly music or even event-specific tracks.

Why it works: It’s exciting, gets kids moving, and teaches them to follow cues and think quickly.

22. Simon Says

One person becomes “Simon” and gives commands like “Simon says jump!” or “Simon says touch your toes!” If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says” first, players who follow it are out.

Example: If Simon just says “clap your hands” without the phrase, and you clap, you’re out!

Why it works: It sharpens listening skills, requires no props, and is great for younger kids in schools or church classes.

23. Duck Duck Goose

Players sit in a circle while one child walks around, tapping each head and saying “Duck… duck… duck…” until they suddenly say “Goose!” That person must chase them before they reach the empty spot.

Variation: You can adapt the theme, e.g., “King, King, Queen” or “Angel, Angel, Saint.”

Why it works: It’s simple, fun, and great for large groups of energetic children.

24. Freeze Dance

Play upbeat music and have everyone dance. When the music stops randomly, all dancers must freeze immediately. Anyone caught moving is out.

Pro Tip: Use themed music for birthdays or Christmas events.

Why it works: Kids love dancing, and this adds an exciting twist. Plus, it burns off a lot of energy!

25. Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Blindfolded players attempt to pin a “tail” onto a paper donkey (or whatever theme you want). You can adapt it to “pin the crown on the princess,” “pin the ball on the footballer,” etc.

Safety tip: Use soft pins or tape for younger children.

Why it works: Encourages fun competition, motor coordination, and creativity.

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Games for Family Reunions or Gatherings

These games bring together different generations and help families bond through laughter and shared moments.

26. Family Feud

Create your own version of the famous TV show. Ask questions in advance from various family members and use the top answers as your scoring system.

Example question: “Name something people do when they wake up.”

Why it works: It’s interactive, hilarious, and gets the whole family involved — from grandma to the youngest cousin.

27. Memory Game (Family Edition)

Place several objects on a tray, give participants 30 seconds to memorize them, then cover them and ask people to list what they remember. The person who recalls the most items wins.

Family twist: Use family-related objects like photos, heirlooms, or holiday items.

Why it works: It’s thoughtful and fun, and it helps trigger great family conversations.

28. Balloon Pop Game

Before inflating balloons, insert a small note or challenge inside (e.g., “Do 5 pushups” or “Sing a song”). Each guest pops one balloon and must complete what’s inside.

Pro Tip: Use this as an icebreaker for kids and adults alike.

Why it works:
It adds suspense and humor to the party and is super easy to set up.

29. Who Am I?

Stick the name of a famous person or family member on each player’s forehead. Everyone takes turns asking yes-or-no questions to figure out who they are.

Family variation: Use family members’ names for a reunion twist!

Why it works: It’s great for mental stimulation, laughter, and team support—especially when people start helping each other.

30. Pass the Parcel

Wrap a small gift in multiple layers of wrapping. Guests pass the parcel around while music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding it removes one layer. The person who unwraps the last layer gets the prize!

Variation: Add small notes or mini-challenges between layers.

Why it works: It builds anticipation, keeps everyone engaged, and works well for all ages.

Fun Games for Bridal or Baby Showers

Bridal and baby showers are special events filled with love, laughter, and close friends. These games are designed to entertain guests, celebrate the occasion, and bring everyone together in fun and heartfelt ways.

31. Diaper Derby

Set up a table with baby dolls, diapers, and wipes. Each guest is timed as they diaper a baby doll as quickly (and neatly) as possible. You can make it more challenging by blindfolding players or using only one hand.

Example: A guest is blindfolded and must race to secure a diaper on the doll — hilarity guaranteed when the diaper ends up on the doll’s head.

Why it works: It’s playful, themed, and always gets the room laughing. Perfect for baby showers, especially when guests are new parents.

32. Guess the Baby Food

Label different jars of baby food with numbers and remove their actual labels. One by one, guests take blind tastings and guess the flavor — from carrots to pureed peas or even mystery fruit blends.

Variation: Make it a team game where one blindfolded person is fed by another, based on guesswork alone.

Why it works: It’s weird, it’s messy, and it turns into a fun guessing game that guests remember.

33. Bridal Pictionary

Write wedding-related words or phrases on slips of paper (e.g., “walking down the aisle,” “bridesmaid,” “first dance”). Players draw them on a whiteboard or large paper while their team guesses.

Example: Drawing a long gown, a bouquet, and a crying dad to guess “father of the bride.”

Why it works: It’s interactive, easy to set up, and sparks wedding-related conversations.

34. Who Knows the Bride Best?

Prepare trivia questions like “What’s her favorite food?”, “Where did she meet the groom?”, or “What’s her dream honeymoon spot?” Guests write down answers, and the bride confirms the correct ones.

Variation: Turn it into a multiple-choice quiz for easier scoring.

Why it works: It celebrates the bride while making guests feel involved in her story.

35. Don’t Say “Baby”

When guests arrive, give them a pin or bracelet. The rule? Don’t say “baby” throughout the shower. If someone catches another guest saying it, they take their pin. The guest with the most pins at the end wins.

Tip: This can run throughout the entire party as a low-key background challenge.

Why it works: It’s sneaky, ongoing, and keeps everyone engaged — even during gift opening or food time.

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Fun Games for Church or Faith-Based Events

These fun games to play when hosting an event are great for church or faith-based events!

These games are ideal for youth groups, Sunday school, or church retreats. They focus on teamwork, spiritual growth, and fun — all while keeping the atmosphere respectful and Christ-centered.

36. Bible Charades

Prepare a list of Bible-based phrases or stories (e.g., “David and Goliath,” “Jesus feeds the 5,000,” or “Parting the Red Sea”). One person acts it out while their team guesses.

Example: Mimicking throwing a stone for “David and Goliath” or pretending to walk on water for “Jesus walks on the sea.”

Why it works: It brings the Bible to life and keeps participants thinking creatively about Scripture.

37. Sword Drill

This one’s a classic! Every participant holds a physical Bible. The host calls out a verse — “John 3:16!” — and players race to find it and read it aloud. First one done wins the round.

Variation: Give bonus points for reading with dramatic flair.

Why it works: It’s fast-paced, educational, and helps participants navigate Scripture with confidence.

38. Verse Relay

Split participants into teams and give them a Bible verse cut into words or phrases on paper. Teams race to assemble the verse in the correct order.

Example: Philippians 4:13 is split into “I,” “can do,” “all things,” etc.

Why it works: Combines teamwork, memory, and fun — plus it’s a great Scripture reinforcement activity.

39. Guess the Worship Song

Play a 5-second snippet of a worship or gospel song. Teams try to name the song title and artist. You can use YouTube, Spotify, or even play it live if you have musicians!

Variation: Hum the tune instead of playing music for a tougher challenge.

Why it works: It brings a joyful noise to the game and gets everyone in a worshipful yet playful mood.

40. Christian Trivia

Prepare a list of questions ranging from beginner to advanced about Bible characters, books of the Bible, miracles, or memory verses. Teams write down answers and score points.

Tip: Use visual aids like photos or object clues for added depth.

Why it works: It’s fun, competitive, and helps deepen biblical knowledge in a relaxed setting.

Games That Require No Props or Setup

These games are perfect for spontaneous gatherings, small spaces, or when you’re short on time and materials. They rely on creativity, wit, and interaction, not props.

41. 20 Questions

One person thinks of an object, person, or place. The group has up to 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is.

Example: Thinking of “coconut tree,” and the group asks questions like, “Is it living?”, “Is it found in Nigeria?”, etc.

Why it works: It sparks curiosity, works in any environment, and builds anticipation.

42. Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament

Pair up players and let them battle it out. Winners move on to face other winners in a bracket-style competition. Final two go head-to-head in a best-of-three showdown.

Variation: Add themes like “superhero version” or do a slow-motion final round.

Why it works: It’s a high-energy filler with no materials needed — and everyone knows the rules already.

43. Freeze Tag

One person is “It” and tries to tag others, who must freeze when touched. Other players can “unfreeze” them with a tap. Last person tagged becomes the new “It.”

Tip: Play with music for an extra twist — freeze when the music stops!

Why it works: It keeps kids active and laughing — especially great outdoors.

44. Categories

Choose a topic like “fruits,” “cities in Africa,” or “Bible characters.” Each player must name something that fits the category in turn — without repeating.

Variation: Use alphabet format — each answer must start with the next letter.

Why it works: A great brain game that can be played seated or while traveling.

45. Simon Says

The leader gives commands prefaced with “Simon says…” (e.g., “Simon says touch your toes.”). If the command is given without “Simon says,” and a player does it, they’re out!

Example: Tricking players with “Touch your head!” — and watching everyone scramble.

Why it works: Classic, interactive, and adaptable for any age or theme.

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Tips to Consider When Selecting Fun Games to Play When Hosting an Event

You’ve picked your games, invited your guests, and the snacks are ready — but to truly make your event unforgettable, a little extra planning goes a long way. These tips will help you pull off the ultimate game-filled experience with style and ease.

1. Prepare Materials in Advance

Nothing kills the vibe faster than scrambling for paper, balloons, or music at the last minute. Make a checklist of all materials needed for your games — from scorecards to blindfolds — and prep them ahead of time.

2. Appoint a Game Moderator

Assign someone with a big voice and bigger energy to lead the games, explain the rules, and keep track of scores. A game moderator ensures fairness, keeps the pace lively, and helps shy guests feel more involved.

3. Keep the Energy High (But Flexible)

Start with easy warm-up games and build to high-energy options as the crowd loosens up. But don’t be afraid to change direction if a game flops or drags — have a backup or quick pivot in your pocket.

For example, if a physical game isn’t vibing with your group, switch to a trivia or guess-the-song activity. Every group is different. Great hosts read the room and adapt.

4. Mix Up the Game Types

When planning your list of fun games to play when hosting an event, variety is key. Alternate between high-energy games (like balloon races), brainy games (like trivia), and calm or creative ones (like Pictionary). This keeps everyone refreshed and involved.

5. Capture the Moments

Have someone take photos or videos while the games are going on. Whether it’s the Diaper Derby chaos or someone pulling a wild charade face, these candid shots are gold.

Fun Games to Play When Hosting an Event: Final Thoughts

When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences, nothing beats a well-planned lineup of fun games to play when hosting an event. Whether you’re organizing a bridal shower, a youth retreat, a birthday bash, or a family gathering, there’s a game on this list that fits your vibe, space, and guest list.

From high-energy physical games like Balloon Pop Challenge to meaningful moments like Christian Trivia or Who Knows the Bride Best, the right mix of games adds connection, excitement, and joy to your event.

So go ahead — pick a few games from each category, prepare your materials, and don’t forget to adapt in the moment. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s participation, laughter, and lasting memories.

Final takeaway: No matter your event size or theme, having a go-to list of fun games to play when hosting an event ensures your guests are entertained, engaged, and eager to come again.