29 Fun Party Games to Play with Friends and Family

Are you looking for an exciting way to spend time with friends? Are you bored of standard parties where all you do is drink and eat snacks? Do you want your party to stand out from the others?

Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’ve got 29 interesting and fun party games you can enjoy with friends and family.

You can use these games to strengthen bonds with family members you don’t see very often or use them as a new way to play fun games with your friends.

If you’re looking for professional game software, check out number 2 on our list.

Let's get cracking!

1. Never Have I Ever

First up on our list of games to play is the legendary “Never Have I Ever.” This popular student game has captured the hearts of young and old players worldwide.

So what about this game, and why do we recommend it?

To put it simply, it’s about life and confessions. While it might be a game about telling embarrassing stories about yourself, it’s entertaining. We’ve played it many times during our friends’ gatherings or coworkers’ meetings.

It is undeniably the best game for learning about funny stories from people’s lives.

How to Play “Never Have I Ever”

So, straight to the rules, the game begins with someone saying: "Never have I ever..." or “I’ve never…” and recounts a real-life event. Those who have had a similar story tip their drink or finger (it depends on whether it’s an alcohol-themed game or not). And so, one by one, everyone makes a controversial confession-challenge.

For example, one person says, "I’ve never been so drunk that I didn't remember anything the next day.” If it has happened to you, then you drink. Of course, alcohol is not compulsory, although it makes the game more interesting! However, if you don’t want to drink alcohol, you can replace it with sipping juice or bending your finger.

Apart from the triumph, the “winner” is the soberest member of the group. You can enjoy this activity in a small group, but it also works in big group games! It is one of the most fun games to play with friends.

But we wouldn’t recommend playing it during a gathering with distant family if you’re going to include spicy confessions.

You might like this: 230 Best 'Never Have I Ever' Questions For Getting to Know Someone

Quick advice: remember to be honest in your statements. Otherwise, the game is pointless.

2. Quizado

Next is Quizado, one of the most enjoyable question games to play with friends or family. It is innovative game show software based on the rules of the legendary Family Feud TV Show.

It is customizable and personalized, meaning you can adjust it to your preferred needs. It also allows you to have a Family Feud experience in the comfort of your home, bringing the TV atmosphere right to your living room.

Quizado, a party game, provides a humorous experience based on the most popular quiz worldwide.

How To Play “Quizado – Family Feud Simulator”

The game includes implemented question sets with answers on various topics. It also has two screens—for the participants and host—with embedded sounds and animation.

However, you can also add your questions to customize the game for your event!

Whether it’s a birthday party for adults, a Christmas party, a children’s birthday celebration, or a team-building meeting at work, Quizado is a pleasant, exciting and versatile game that can change the atmosphere of any social gathering. While the original Family Feud usually only has two teams, you can have up to 6 teams with Quizado, making it perfect for small or more significant groups.

You might like this: The Ultimate Alcohol Trivia Questions & Answers

The only important thing is that someone plays the role of the host to run the game. If you’re concerned about winning teams, you shouldn’t be because the game has a buzzer to choose which team should answer first. And it automatically calculates your points!

Remember, the opposing team can guess the remaining ones if you don’t get the top answer or get them wrong three times. So make sure you focus and give the correct answer to increase your chance of winning!

This is the most fun game for a game night with family and friends. If you haven't had a chance to play Quizado yet, it's time to change that and introduce it at your next gathering!

Download Quizado for free and test the game!

3. Beer Pong

Beer Pong is the perfect example of entertaining games in house party situations. It is a popular adult dinner party game and a regular feature at student parties. This is because it has undemanding rules and a competitive nature, and regardless of your ping-pong throwing skills, it is a really engaging game to play. All you need is a few plastic cups and a ping-pong ball.

How To Play “Beer Pong”

Place six cups half-filled with the drink of your choice at one end of the table. Beer pong cups are usually arranged in three rows of one cup, then two behind, and the final three behind that - almost like a bowling alley! Next, arrange them in the same pattern on the opposite end of the table.

Each team will stand at either end of the table and take turns to throw their ping-pong ball into the opposing cups. The opposing player must drink if the ping-pong ball lands in a cup. It gets more and more fun with each change! And, if you choose to drink beer, it can be fascinating very quickly!

You can also make the game interesting by adding questions each team has to answer before throwing their ping-pong ball. This game is suitable both as an icebreaker and as a fun and easy game to play with close friends.

4. Pictionary

Of course, we could not miss the most well-known and popular party game: Pictionary. In this game, you guess slogans presented by the opposing team. If you're looking for inspiration for family party games, "Pictionary" is a perfect fit.

You can buy the official version of this board game. But the much cheaper home version can also be entertaining. You can also find free or paid game show software on the Internet. The choice is up to you.

How To Play a “Pictionary”

You only need notepads, pencils, and paper for your homemade Pictionary. Decide what to draw and write it down on separate pieces of paper. You can do it at the party with everyone else there, too, so nobody knows all the entries. The more, the better!

One by one, each participant takes a slip of paper and draws the word on the paper for the others to guess—all without using words! Oh, and of course, there is a time limit. Use the timer on your phone to keep track of time or buy an hourglass.

Players will usually be separated into teams, and the first person to guess the picture that’s being drawn will win a point for their team.

This is one of the best party games for family gatherings and reunions.

5. Twister

Another family-fun classic to consider.

The Twister game box includes:

1. Twister mat with colored spots (red, blue, yellow, green).
2. Spinner board with arrow.

To save money, create your mat using colored pens or even colored, felt on a rug or carpet and DIY a spinner board!

How To Play “Twister”

Spread the mat flat on the floor. A player then spins the spinner and calls out the color and body part (e.g., "Right hand, red"). The current player must place the called body part on an empty spot of that color while keeping all other hands and feet in place as the game continues.

The same repeats for all players, and if at any point you fall or touch the mat with a knee or elbow, you're out. The last player standing (or twisted) wins!

Players are not restricted by age as long as they understand the instructions. Two or four players are usually enough, but you can squeeze in another player if you want to.

Twister is an adult party game that would also work well for children. We recommend it!

6. Monopoly

This is one of the most popular group games to play with friends. However, if you’ve ever played it, you might recall how tense it can sometimes get.

Monopoly is mainly about trading and property speculation. It’s almost what you’d consider a business game simulator. And as we all know, when a business starts, all relationship ties (temporarily and for the sake of the game) go out of the window.

How To Play “Monopoly”

Each player chooses a pawn and places it in the "Start" box. Players move clockwise around the board and buy available properties. If a player stands on a field owned by another player, he has to pay rent. Its amount depends on the property type and whether the owner has all fields in the same color, houses, or a hotel.

The player who owns the property must ensure the other players pay him the rent. Only the bank can lend against the property, and no player may lend to another. The winner is the player who bankrupts the other players.

It’s recommended as another game night idea, especially if the group is notoriously competitive. But remember, it’s just a game. So don’t take it personally if your partner gets all the money and you’re left with nothing!

Check out strategies to win Monopoly game and bankrupt the rest of the players.

7. Truth or Dare

This is one of those group games for adults that everyone has heard of. Its history dates back to the 18th century, and some say even to ancient Greece. It is a low-budget game because there are no props, and the number of people is arbitrary.

How To Play “Truth or Dare”

The person who starts the game will spin a bottle, indicating which partygoer to choose: "Truth or dare?"

If the participant chooses the "truth,” bring up an uncomfortable subject. You can ask about the number of sexual partners or your current crush. The asked person has no choice but to answer honestly.

On the other hand, if a participant chooses the "dare" option, then a silly task, such as belly dancing or kissing another participant, is a perfect example of a harmless dare.

Once they have either answered their truth or completed their dare, they spin the bottle, and so on. It really is as simple as that! So what would you choose, truth or dare?

Don't know what would be the best question? Check out 251 Truth or Dare Questions to Ask Your Friends.

8. Story Guessing

This is an amusing and creative game. It's one of the most popular question games to play with friends. And it does not require any knowledge or experience.

How to play “Story Guessing”

You ask one, two, or three people to leave the room. It depends on your time and whether they feel like waiting a little while.

Of course, they can stay together or go off and get refreshments, but they should not hear what you are talking about. When you are sure they cannot overhear you, you wait about 5-10 minutes. Then, invite one of the people into the room and tell them that you have made up a story during this time.

The person has to guess the story by asking questions that can only be answered with “yes” or “no.” There isn't any story, and the answer to the questions is a system of yes-yes-no.

You'll see how colorful a story your friends will start to come up with. And the funniest thing is that they will make it up alone!

9. Taboo

Taboo is a cult game made by Hasbro that has been a favorite at social gatherings worldwide for many years. So what makes Taboo so popular during friends and family meetings? Put simply, the rules.

How To Play “Taboo”

The game is based on guessing simple words related to everyday life. It is more difficult to talk about a given thing without using specific words forbidden by the game’s creators.

Because of this rule, the players have to combine different ways to talk about given objects or activities without saying the phrases related to them. It may not be the most challenging game in the world, but the running time makes it not that simple. And it's so much fun!

Recommended as one of the party games at your next birthday party or family reunion.

Get Taboo card version or download it from AppStore and Google Play Store.

10. Jenga

At first glance, Jenga may not seem like a fascinating game, but it is. So what makes it fun? Well, the atmosphere while playing it is everything. Rising tension, excitement, and disappointment in losing make this game worthwhile.

How To Play “Jenga”

Arrange the tower and try to pull out the first block without knocking it over. The excitement will be rising with every next block. Jenga is a great game for small groups but is unlikely to work for large groups of adults indoors. But feel free to give it a try!

To win in Jenga, you need not only dexterity but also tactical sense. This game can be even more interesting if alcohol is involved, but it’s not mandatory. If alcohol is involved, it becomes very much an adult game!

However, it can also be a great game to play with children to improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity and implant some great memories.

If you want to make Jenga even more interesting, consider getting a giant game version. You’d think it would make the game easier, but you’ll soon find out it doesn’t!

11. Trivia

Trivial Pursuit is well-known to all fans of party game production. It was created in 1979 in Canada and has been a permanent guest at various meetings and parties since then. The gameplay during trivia night is based on simple rules: general knowledge and knowledge of pop culture. Players answer questions based on various topics and fields.

How To Play “Trivia”

Players roll dice and move their pawns around the board with fields of different question categories. If they give the correct answer, they can make their next move. The winner is the person who answers a given number of questions in each category first. Trivia questions and answers usually require no specialist knowledge.

They also work well as a family game with children. There are plenty of funny trivia questions on the internet that you can use to get the party started. Those who like a spicier game will also appreciate trivia games for adults with interesting multiple-choice trivia questions. We recommend you to search the Internet or check this one.

12. Heads Up

Does your party feel like it’s gotten off on the wrong foot or needs kicking up a notch? If so, you should reach for one of the best party games, undoubtedly Heads Up.

The advantage of this game is its simplicity, which is very important when playing with several people. Thanks to that, you don't have to explain complicated rules.

How To Play “Heads Up”

The player puts a password card on his forehead. Then, by asking questions, he guesses what’s on the card. The rest of the group answers affirmatively or negatively, pushing him towards the answer. Heads Up can be played traditionally, such as using sticky notes or downloading the app to your phone.

A great idea for games for adults at home! Fun is absolutely guaranteed.

Download the game from AppStore or Google Play Store!

via GIPHY

13. Scavenger Hunt

Hunt is a traditional game that involves a night in the town with friends. This game idea is one of the hottest trends for bachelorette nights and birthday parties.

What’s great about it is that there are really no limits to this game, which makes it interesting, thought-provoking, and entertaining.

Although it requires careful planning and active participation, one of the best things about scavenger hunts is the adaptability to any theme. That's why it's on our list. It makes it one of the most versatile party games! The tasks and content of the game can be changed at will.

How To Play “Scavenger Hunt”

So, how do you play a scavenger hunt and make the most of it? First, prepare a list of things to look out for, hear, or do, and set a time limit for each task. Next, give participants a list and start the game. The winner is a person who completes all the tasks within the scheduled time. If nobody completes the challenges in time, the person who accomplishes most of them wins.

Let the scavenging begin!

14. Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is a fun indoor party game that can be played anywhere and anytime. This makes it an excellent option for any group of friends, colleagues, and family members alike. You can use this game as an icebreaker to help your party participants get to know each other better. So how do you play it? Let’s find out!

How To Play “Two Truths and a Lie”

The rules are simple to follow. Each party participant tells three facts about themselves. As the game name suggests, two stories are true, and one is a lie. Then, the group tries to guess the lie. You can either keep count of the people who guess the lie correctly the most times or keep playing without keeping score

15. Black Stories

Who said party games had to be all about uncontrollable bursts of laughter? Black Tales gives off more of a dark, detective-like atmosphere. But that doesn’t mean it’s not fun. You’d be thrilled at how goofy and funny ideas people have when it comes to solving a mystery. So, let’s move further to the rules.

How to Play “Black Stories”

The game master sends the participants a short insight into a criminal story, and the rest of them have to discover the mystery behind it.

The participants ask questions one by one, but the master can only reply “Yes,” “No,” or “It doesn’t matter.”

You can sit in a circle to organize, asking the questions better so that you can analyze the information you’ve received. So, that’s why it’s essential to think clearly about your question, so you don’t lose the chance of solving the mystery and winning the round.

Each round is about a different story. You can choose the master of the round by yourself, or it could be a person who solved the previous mystery.

This is a really popular game for large groups because it can engage even the most bored of groups. It’s definitely worth a try—we highly recommend it!

16. Sticker Stalker

This is a sneaky and exciting party game that you can play throughout the party with friends and family. Sticker Stalker is an engaging game idea with competition elements and keeping your poker face on. So what is this game about, and how can you play it to win it? Keep reading!

How To Play “Sticker Stalker”

Everyone at the party gets some stickers. The challenge is to put them on other people without them noticing. To win, you must be crafty and use all your stickers first.

As the host, prepare stickers and give each guest ten of them. Everyone has to stick them on the other players so they don't notice them. If someone catches you, you must stick the sticker on yourself. The winner is the one who gets rid of all the stickers first.

This is a really unusual, fun game for any party! If you want to kick things up a notch, make the stickers obscene or spicy to make each other laugh during your party.

17. React and Act

This is only a game for some, as it requires a lot of commitment and stage skills. However, it's definitely something for party people who enjoy acting. The game involves each party participant coming up with a number of different events to which they could react effectively.

How To Play “React and Act”

Examples include catching your beloved cheating, meeting a celebrity at the dentist, breaking a tooth, or getting stuck in a lift with your ex.

All these stories are then written down on cards and put into a bowl, hat, or any other container. The game starts once the participants draw one of the cards from the container and imitate their reaction to the event. During this time, the other participants try to guess the event. If they succeed, the role-player gets two points, and the guesser gains one point.

This is one of the most interesting and challenging games to play in a group of creative people!

18. Newlywed Game - Friends and Family Edition

The Newlywed Game is not just a game for couples in love. You can use it just as much at your next party with a small group of friends. This game shows how well you know your game partner. This is a perfect way even to get to know you better. Check out the rules!

How To Play “Newlywed Game – Friends and Family Edition”

Firstly, break into pairs of two. This could be close friends, cousins, father and son, niece and aunt, or boyfriend and girlfriend. Then, together, find out how well you know each other by answering a series of questions about the other person in the group.

The pair who knows the most about themselves is the winner. But remember that it doesn’t have to be all about winning. Sometimes, the winner is the pair who learns the most about themselves during the game.

This is one of those fun party games for adults. It mixes things up and completely changes the atmosphere of the party.

19. Partners in Pen

Partners in Pen is a unique party game that’s fun and challenging. While the concept is straightforward, it requires a good balance of communication and drawing skills. Here’s how to play.

How to Play “Partners in Pen”

Divide participants into pairs and have them sit back-to-back. Each pair will need drawing materials (pencils and sheets of paper) and a bag filled with a variety of unusual objects (e.g., bubble gum, a figurine, a tampon, a console cable, etc.).

One person in each pair is the describer, who will have a bag of objects. The other is the artist, who will have paper and pencil.

The describer picks an object from the bag and describes it to their partner without naming it directly. The artist listens carefully and attempts to draw the object based only on the describer’s explanation.

Based on the description, the aim is to recreate the object as accurately as possible.

This game is perfect for parties or family gatherings, and it’s a fantastic way to see who’s the best at communicating and drawing in your group. Who knows? You might discover hidden talents!

_Good luck, everybody! _

20. Freeze Dance Game

Freeze Dance Game is a fun, kid-friendly party game for the whole family. The rules are simple, and it’s a lot of fun. We highly recommend you try it out at your next family gathering or friend's party.

How to play the “Freeze Dance Game”

If you are the organizer, you need to choose catchy, well-known music and get the participants to dance to it together.

What then?

You dance until it is time for someone to shout "freeze" or pause the music. Then, everyone should freeze in their position. If you don’t make it, you are eliminated; if you are the last person on the dance floor, you win.

One of the simplest and funniest game night ideas involves some good dance moves. And it’s perfect for kids, too!

21. Five Seconds

Five Seconds is a fantastic party game perfect for hanging out with friends. While five seconds might sound like plenty of time, you’ll be surprised at how quickly it flies by during this game! It’s an exciting choice for game night.

How to Play “Five Seconds”

Your objective is to answer three questions correctly within just five seconds. Use a special spiral timer that counts down the five seconds, adding an element of urgency.

A player is given a question and must provide three correct answers before the timer runs out. As an example, you’d ask something like “Name three types of green vegetables,” and the player must answer within five seconds. It sounds simple, but under the pressure of the ticking timer, even easy questions can become a challenge!

You’ll quickly find that the time pressure makes it much harder than it seems. For an added twist, there are electronic versions of the game available online.

Think you can handle the pressure? Give it a try and find out!

22. Twenty Questions

Twenty Questions is a classic game that never gets old and is perfect for playing with friends. If you’ve been looking for timeless games, this is a must-have on your list.

How To Play “Twenty Questions”

The Basics: One player thinks of an object, and the other players have up to 20 questions to guess what it is.

To make the game easier and more organized, agree on a category or field of objects (e.g., animals, famous people, or everyday items) before starting. Players take turns asking questions, but the only allowed answers are “yes” or “no.” So, be strategic with your questions!

This game is easy to play, requires no preparation, and works well in any setting—a family gathering, a party with friends, or even a team-building session at work. Enjoy this simple yet engaging game that’s stood the test of time!

23. Charades

A game that simply couldn’t be missed from this list is Charades. Charades is a classic party game where players act out words or phrases without speaking while their teammates try to guess what they are performing.

Here’s how you play:

Split into two or more teams with equal players, and decide on a time limit (usually 1 to 2 minutes) for each round.

Each team writes down words or phrases on slips of paper for the other team to act out. These can be anything: movies, books, songs, actions, objects, or famous people.

One player from the team draws a word or phrase and silently acts it out for their teammates to guess. You cannot speak, mouth words, or point to objects in the room.

The opposing team tries to guess the word or phrase within the time limit. If they guess correctly, they score a point. Teams act and guess until all the words or phrases are used up.

There are some things to remember with Charades: the person acting out the word or phrase cannot speak. Here are some prompts to help:

1. Number of Words: Hold up your fingers to indicate how many words are in the phrase.
2. Sounds Like: Tug your earlobe to signal "sounds like."
3. Clapping Hands Together: The team correctly guessed part of the word or phrase.
4. Past Tense: Wave your hand backward over your shoulder.
5. Make a letter of the alphabet shape in the air.

Here are some other [hand gestures] Charade Clues - Signals, Signs and Gestures for Charades that might help.

The team with the most correctly guessed phrases at the end wins the game.

Enjoy the fun and laughter that comes with trying to communicate without words!

via GIPHY

24. Don't Say Yes or No Game

The "Don't Say Yes or No" game is one of the funniest question games to play with friends. You ask a party member a long series of questions that typically require them to answer 'Yes' or 'No.’

But there's a catch. The person is not allowed to say those words. They are also not allowed to nod or shake their heads.

You can ask the person, "Do you like dogs?" "Do you have a boyfriend?" "Are you a pilot?" "Do you have brothers or sisters?".

Their natural instinct would be to answer “no” or “yes.” But instead, they should come up with something more interesting. So be careful not to lose on the first question, for instance, “Are you ready to play the game?”

It is great fun! And heaps of laughs for all participants.

25. Dixit

It's time for something a little different. After some rapid and engaging games, it's time for something quieter. How about an interesting card game? Dixit is a rather quirky game based on associations.

How to Play “Dixit”

Each player is handed several cards with beautiful fairy tale illustrations. In order, the players take on the role of a storyteller. They give an association linked to the chosen picture. Then, the other players choose the card with an image they think best matches the storyteller's statement.

Next, the pictures are uncovered, and each player, in secret from the others, votes for the image that best matches the association. If everyone has chosen the fairy tale teller's picture, the teller receives no points. If no one has hit on his association, it is the same. Points are awarded to everyone whose picture received a vote.

Dixit is great fun for the whole family, and the associations can sometimes be very abstract.

Unfortunately, it's not a large group game, as up to 6 players can play, but you can always team up.

26. Dancing Chain

"Dancing Chain" is something for people who love to dance. So, if you love dance activities or games, this one's for you. How do you create such a dancing chain? Let’s check out.

How to Prepare “Dancing Chain”

Prepare an appropriate playlist with your favorite dance tunes. Every player should develop an idea for the original movement and keep it to himself; that is a secret for now.

The music starts playing, and the first player shows a movement and dances. The next player repeats the first move and adds his own, and so on. In this way, the game goes on until everyone has danced. Then, repeat the game with another player at the beginning.

It's a game where everyone wins because it's all about having fun.

27. Phone Game

Phone Game is perfect for those who can’t put their phones down! There are two ways to play: with regular cards or a dedicated app.

How to Play “Phone Game”

Each player grabs their smartphone. One person is chosen as the judge and picks a card to start the round. The remaining players have 60 seconds to respond to the card’s prompt by finding the funniest, weirdest, or most embarrassing item on their phones.

No internet use is allowed—players can only use what's already on their phones.

It’s a simple, hilarious game perfect for your next game night. Give it a try!

28. Shot Roulette

Casino gambling can be dangerous and fatal. So, instead of going to some dodgy establishments, stay home and save your hard-earned money by Shot Roulette with friends.

How To Play “Shot Roulette”

Replace the chips with glasses filled with your favorite drink, and get on with the fun. Just make sure everyone can make it to the end of the party! This is different from those child-friendly games; they are for adults at home. Recommended for experienced partygoers.

29. Hot Potato With Camera

Now that's a fun game to play. What is a camera hot potato? It's very simple, but how effective! You take one phone and set the self-timer on it.

What happens next?

Then, each player holds the camera at arm's length and points it at themselves for a very short time, as if taking a selfie. After a while, pass it on to the next person, and the next, and the one after that.

You should do this until the time on the self-timer runs out and someone is captured in the photograph.

This quick game will provide you with some funny photos and lots of laughs—highly recommended!

Playing Games Strengthen Bonds Between People

Research shows that playing games together supports communication skills and a better sense of togetherness and makes them more effective. Not to mention, it develops creativity. It also proves to help develop reasoning and reading or setting up goals, especially while playing cooperative games, aiming to come up with a solution together.

Playing games has a strong impact on children. The association with fun makes it extremely helpful to grow those skills during an enjoyable time. Incorporating them at an early stage is crucial in the child’s development. And it's fun for both children and adults. Learning through play means that you don’t feel like you’re learning new skills, even though you are.

You might like this: Team Building and Learning with a Captivating Quiz Game for Universities and Schools.

29 Fun Party Games Ideas – Wrap Up

That was a long list. But if you’re reading this, you might be interested in our fun party game ideas for family and friends.

As you can see, the games are varied and suitable for playing with different groups of people. And we believe there is something for everyone! It’s not just laughter, fun, and entertainment for a boring evening; it’s gaining or using your skills and developing your self-esteem.

Whether it’s a family game night or a house party with friends, you’ll find the game, or even a few, perfect for your gathering.

Have a great time!