Game On! Fun Activities to Level Up Your Next Event

Lift Your Event with Games That Bring People Together

Here are the top 10 fun games to play when hosting an event:

1. Camera Hot Potato - Pass a phone/camera around for quick selfies
2. Two Truths and a Lie - Share three statements, one false
3. Scavenger Hunt - Indoor or outdoor item-finding competition
4. Human Bingo - Find people matching interesting traits
5. Balloon Pop - Hide challenges in balloons for teams to complete
6. Telephone Pictionary - Combine drawing and describing for hilarious results
7. Who's Most Likely To - Vote on which person fits fun scenarios
8. Charades Relay - Team-based acting game with rotating performers
9. Murder Mystery - Immersive role-playing whodunit
10. Heads or Tails - Simple, inclusive prediction game for large groups

Fun games to play when hosting an event transform ordinary gatherings into memorable experiences where connections flourish and energy soars. Whether you're planning a corporate team-building session, fundraising gala, or casual get-together, thoughtfully selected games can break down social barriers faster than small talk ever could. Research shows that 90% of employees feel more connected to colleagues after participating in group games, while interactive activities can increase donor engagement by up to 30% at fundraising events.

I'm Meghan Calhoun, and throughout my career spanning television hosting, sales leadership, and co-founding Give River, I've witnessed how fun games to play when hosting an event create meaningful connections and transform workplace culture through interactive experiences that bring joy and purpose to any gathering.

Why Games Belong on Every Event Agenda

Let's be honest—games aren't just for kids' birthday parties. They're powerful tools that deserve prime real estate on your event agenda, whether you're planning a corporate retreat, fundraiser, or team gathering. According to Museum Hack, a whopping 87% of organizations saw improved team morale after adding fun games to play when hosting an event. That's not just a nice little bonus—it's a game-changer for meeting your event objectives.

When we play games together, we create what psychologists call "micro-moments of connection"—those little interactions that build genuine rapport between people. These moments are gold, especially in professional settings where conversations often get stuck in the shallow end.

"Playing games together creates a shared experience that builds psychological safety," explains Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play. "When we play, we're more likely to take risks, share ideas, and collaborate effectively."

The science backs this up too. Group play triggers the release of dopamine—our brain's feel-good chemical—creating positive associations with both the activity and the people we're playing with. This neurological response helps cement relationships faster than hours of standard networking ever could.

The Business Case for Play

For workplace events, the numbers tell a compelling story about why fun games to play when hosting an event are worth your time:

TeamBuilding.com reports that 90% of employees feel more connected to colleagues after participating in group games. According to Gallup research, teams with strong social connections demonstrate 21% higher productivity. Plus, workplace games provide mental breaks that reduce stress and burnout—a major win for employee retention and mental health.

The return on investment goes far beyond just having a good time. When team members build stronger bonds through play, organizations see measurable improvements in collaboration, innovation, and staff retention. In today's competitive talent market, that's not just nice to have—it's essential.

How Games Break the Ice Faster Than Small Talk

We've all suffered through awkward networking sessions with forced small talk. Real Simple notes that party games rank among the top three most effective ice-breakers at social gatherings, according to professional event planners.

Why do games work better than small talk? They provide a shared focus that takes pressure off individuals. They create natural conversation starters based on the activity itself. Games allow people to reveal their personalities through play rather than rehearsed introductions. And perhaps most importantly, they level the playing field between introverts and extroverts, giving everyone a chance to shine.

According to a BuzzFeed survey of event attendees, over 70% prefer gatherings with interactive group activities over passive entertainment. This preference crosses age groups, industries, and event types—proving that the desire for meaningful interaction is nearly universal.

The scientific research on social play confirms what we intuitively know: when we play together, we build trust and connection in ways that formal interactions simply can't match. That's why at Give River, we've seen how incorporating fun games to play when hosting an event transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable experiences where genuine connections flourish.

The Ultimate List of Fun Games to Play When Hosting an Event

Let's explore the good stuff—the games themselves! I've handpicked a collection of tried-and-true activities that consistently deliver smiles, laughter, and meaningful connections. Whether you're working with a cozy conference room or a sprawling outdoor space, there's something here for every event setting and group size.

Rapid-Fire Indoor Hits

When you need quick engagement without elaborate setups, these indoor games deliver maximum impact with minimal fuss.

Camera Hot Potato transforms a familiar childhood game into a modern memory-maker. All you need is a smartphone or camera per group. Play music as participants pass the device around—when the music stops, whoever's holding it must snap a quick selfie. The resulting photo gallery becomes both a hilarious momento and ready-made social media content for your event.

Wrong Answers Only celebrates creativity rather than knowledge, making it perfect for mixed groups with varying expertise. The facilitator asks straightforward questions like "What makes good customer service?" but participants must provide deliberately incorrect answers. For corporate settings, this game brilliantly highlights industry misconceptions while keeping everyone laughing.

Names in a Hat works wonders for groups still getting acquainted. Each person writes a famous name on a slip of paper before all are mixed in a container. Players take turns drawing names and giving clues without saying the actual name while others guess. For themed events, narrow your famous names to fit your industry or occasion.

Telephone Pictionary combines drawing and describing for consistently hilarious results. Each player starts with paper, writes a phrase at the top, then passes it. The next person draws that phrase, folds to hide the original words, and passes again. The following player writes what they think the drawing represents, and this alternating pattern continues until papers return to their original owners. The progressive misinterpretations never fail to generate laughter.

Freeze Dance gets everyone moving between more structured activities. Simply play music, have everyone dance, then suddenly stop the track—anyone who moves after the music stops is out. This quick energizer works beautifully between longer sessions when attention might be waning.

Outdoor & Active Crowd-Pleasers

Take advantage of fresh air and open spaces with these physically engaging activities.

Lemon Race proves that simple concepts often create the most joy. Teams line up relay-style, with each person carrying a lemon balanced on a spoon across a set distance before passing to their next teammate. For added challenge, create an obstacle course or require backward walking—the wobbling lemons and concentrated expressions are guaranteed to generate laughter.

Giant Pictionary scales up the classic drawing game for outdoor enjoyment. Large sheets of paper or portable whiteboards allow teams to guess words or phrases being drawn by their teammates. For corporate events, incorporate industry terms or company values as drawing prompts to reinforce key messages while having fun.

Tug of War remains a classic team competition for good reason—it instantly creates camaraderie through shared physical effort. Using a sturdy rope with a center marker, two teams pull in opposite directions, trying to pull the marker past a designated line. Create multiple short rounds with different team compositions to maximize participation and prevent physical strain.

Relay Charades adds a team dimension to the classic acting game. Divide into teams where one person acts out a word while teammates guess. Once correctly guessed, the next team member takes their turn. The first team to complete all their words wins, creating a perfect balance of individual contribution and group success.

Human Bingo transforms mingling into a purposeful activity. Create bingo cards featuring statements like "Has visited more than 10 countries" or "Can speak multiple languages." Participants must find people matching each statement to complete their card. This game neatly balances professional networking with personal connection—I've seen even the most reserved participants eagerly engaging to complete their cards.

Large-Group Show-Stoppers — Fun Games to Play When Hosting an Event

When faced with engaging dozens or even hundreds of people simultaneously, these large-scale games rise to the challenge.

Balloon Battle reveals fascinating insights about competition versus cooperation. Each participant gets a balloon tied to their ankle, and teams of 3-4 people try to protect their balloons while popping others' by stepping on them. During the debrief, point out that if no team had attacked any other team, everyone would have "won" with all balloons intact—a powerful metaphor for workplace cooperation that participants remember long after the event.

Sporcle Trivia adapts beautifully to any knowledge level or group size. Divide into teams and present questions by category, mixing company history, industry knowledge, and pop culture. The combination of team collaboration and friendly competition creates an electric atmosphere, especially when you include some unexpected categories that level the playing field between different departments or experience levels.

Desk Chair Races bring out childlike joy in professional settings. Simply set up a course and have participants race in office chairs, either individually or in relay teams. I've seen C-level executives laughing uncontrollably during this activity—just ensure you prioritize safety with a clear path and stable chairs.

Murder Mystery creates an immersive experience that unfolds throughout your event. Assign character roles to participants at the beginning, then let them collect clues and interact in character throughout the gathering. For corporate events, customize the scenario with industry references for added relevance and engagement.

Speed Networking provides structure to ensure everyone meets everyone. Arrange participants in two facing lines or concentric circles, with each person speaking to the person opposite them for 2-3 minutes before rotating to the next conversation partner. The time constraint and movement keep energy high while ensuring valuable connections are made.

Virtual & Hybrid Game-Changers

Distance shouldn't diminish engagement. These games work beautifully for remote or hybrid events.

Digital Scavenger Hunt gets participants moving, even from home. Create a list of everyday items people might have nearby, then call them out one by one as participants race to find and display each item on camera. Include creative prompts like "something that makes you happy" or "something older than you" to spark conversation about personal items.

Who's Most Likely To reveals surprising insights about team dynamics. Read scenarios like "Who's most likely to become a CEO?" or "Who's most likely to sleep through their alarm?" as participants vote on who fits each description. For virtual play, use polling features or have everyone point at their screens simultaneously to maintain the spontaneity that makes this game special.

Virtual Escape Room builds teamwork through collaborative problem-solving. Teams work together to solve a series of puzzles within a time limit, either through a professional platform or custom-designed challenges. For larger groups, create breakout rooms with 4-6 people per team to ensure everyone can meaningfully contribute.

This or That sparks conversation through simple choices. Present two options (like "Early bird or night owl?" or "Coffee or tea?") as participants indicate their preference. These seemingly simple choices often reveal surprising commonalities and differences that become conversation starters for the remainder of your event.

Guess the Tune transcends physical boundaries through the universal language of music. Play the first few seconds of recognizable songs, then pause for participants to guess the title and artist. Create themed playlists relevant to your event, company history, or generation-specific hits to maximize engagement across diverse groups.

Fundraising & CSR-Friendly Challenges

These games not only entertain but also support charitable goals, making them perfect for corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Heads or Tails works brilliantly for large fundraising events with minimal setup. Participants pay to play and stand with hands either on their heads (predicting heads) or their rears (predicting tails). A coin is flipped, and those who guessed incorrectly sit down. Continue until only one winner remains. The beauty lies in its simplicity—anyone can participate regardless of physical ability or knowledge level.

Wine Pull guarantees winners while raising significant funds. Collect wine donations ranging from everyday to premium bottles, wrap each so the value is concealed, then let participants pay a fixed price to pull a cork with a number corresponding to a bottle. For virtual events, sell tickets online and ship bottles afterward—I've seen this raise thousands while creating genuine excitement.

Mystery Box leverages the excitement of the unknown. Participants purchase the opportunity to select a wrapped box containing a prize worth at least the purchase price, with some boxes holding much more valuable items. Secure donated items from local businesses to maximize both fundraising potential and community engagement.

Cornhole Tournament offers accessible competition for all skill levels. Organize a bracket-style tournament with teams of two, with participants paying an entry fee that goes to charity. Create corporate sponsorship opportunities for the boards or tournament prizes to multiply your fundraising impact.

Giving Tree provides a visual representation of generosity in action. Create a tree-shaped display with removable "leaves" listing needed items or donation amounts. Participants select leaves representing contributions they wish to make, from small items to larger donations. For corporate events, consider matching employee contributions to amplify impact and demonstrate organizational commitment.

Through our work at Give River, we've seen these fun games to play when hosting an event transform ordinary gatherings into memorable experiences that strengthen teams and build genuine connections. The right game at the right moment can change the entire energy of your event—creating not just entertainment, but meaningful engagement that lasts long after the gathering ends.

Choosing the Right Game for Your Audience & Space

Matching the perfect game to your event isn't just about picking something fun—it's about creating an experience that resonates with your specific audience and environment. When I'm planning events at Give River, I always consider these essential factors before finalizing our game selections:

The size of your group dramatically impacts which games will work. Some intimate games create magic with 5-10 people but fall flat with larger crowds. Meanwhile, games like Human Bingo or Heads or Tails can energize hundreds of participants simultaneously.

Your physical space sets natural boundaries for what's possible. That exciting relay race might be perfect for your outdoor venue but impossible in your downtown conference room. Always measure your play area before committing to movement-based activities.

Time constraints matter too. While a full Murder Mystery might deliver incredible team insights over 90 minutes, a quick round of Camera Hot Potato can inject energy in just five minutes between presentations.

Matching Game Types to Event Goals

The most successful event games align perfectly with your primary objectives:

When networking tops your priority list, choose games that naturally encourage conversation and partner rotation. Human Bingo sends participants mingling through the room collecting signatures, while Speed Networking ensures everyone connects with everyone else through structured rotations.

For serious team building, look for collaborative challenges that require genuine cooperation. Escape Rooms reveal natural leaders and creative problem-solvers, while Relay Races highlight how teams handle pressure and coordination.

If you're focused on fundraising, implement games with purchase-to-play mechanics. Heads or Tails creates an inclusive experience where everyone can participate with a small donation, while a Wine Pull offers guaranteed winners at every price point.

For pure celebration, high-energy activities like Freeze Dance or Camera Hot Potato create shared moments of joy and laughter that transcend workplace hierarchies.

When learning objectives drive your event, choose games that naturally reinforce key concepts. A customized Trivia game can test industry knowledge while making education entertaining.

Adapting Classics for Corporate or Themed Events

Standard games become exponentially more engaging when custom to your specific context. At Give River, we've seen how these customizations transform familiar activities into memorable experiences:

Rather than playing generic Charades, create a themed version using terms related to your industry, company values, or event theme. When healthcare professionals act out medical procedures or sales teams mime customer scenarios, laughter and learning combine beautifully.

Branded Pictionary lifts a familiar drawing game by incorporating your company's products, services, or milestones as prompts. This subtle reinforcement of organizational knowledge happens naturally through play.

Develop Custom Trivia questions about your organization's history, achievements, or industry trends. I've seen teams cheer wildly when correctly identifying the year their company launched a groundbreaking product—creating pride while testing knowledge.

Personalized Bingo cards featuring traits specific to your team ("Has worked here over 10 years," "Speaks three languages") transform a simple game into a powerful networking tool that reveals hidden connections.

Design Custom Scavenger Hunts that incorporate company artifacts, office locations, or event-specific items. These hunts create memorable shared experiences while reinforcing organizational knowledge.

Ensuring Everyone Can Play

The most successful event games create inclusion by design. Consider these essential elements when planning your activities:

For physical accessibility, always offer seated variations of standing games. A relay race can include wheelchair participants, and many movement games can be adapted for those with mobility limitations.

Cognitive accessibility requires clear, simple instructions with concrete examples. Before starting, demonstrate a sample round so everyone understands expectations.

Be mindful of sensory considerations by managing noise levels and visual requirements. Some participants may be sensitive to loud music or struggle to see small details from a distance.

To overcome language barriers, choose games that don't rely heavily on language fluency. Pictionary, for example, transcends verbal communication challenges.

Practice cultural sensitivity by avoiding games that might make certain groups uncomfortable. Some cultures may be less comfortable with physical contact or public performance.

The ultimate goal of any event game is connection and fun. If your chosen activity excludes certain participants, it undermines the very purpose of bringing people together. The best games create an environment where everyone can participate, contribute, and feel valued—regardless of their individual circumstances.

Pro Tips for Facilitating Seamless Gameplay

Let's face it—even the most brilliant game can fall flat without thoughtful facilitation. I've seen beautifully designed activities fizzle due to confusing instructions or poor pacing, while simple games soar when expertly guided. The difference lies in preparation and delivery.

Before your event, test the game with a small group to catch any potential hiccups. Nothing builds confidence like a dry run! Also, gather all materials well in advance—searching for supplies mid-game is the fastest way to kill momentum and lose your audience's attention.

When it's game time, explain rules clearly and concisely, demonstrating whenever possible. People absorb information differently, so showing and telling covers all bases. Keep a visible timer to maintain energy and pace—there's something about a countdown that naturally boosts engagement. And always, always have a backup plan ready. Even the most carefully planned games sometimes don't connect with a particular group, and being able to pivot gracefully keeps the experience positive.

Explaining Rules Like a Pro — Fun Games to Play When Hosting an Event

The moment of rule explanation can make or break your fun games to play when hosting an event. I've found this five-step approach consistently delivers results:

First, share the objective so everyone understands what "winning" looks like. Then explain the basic mechanics—how players take action within the game. Cover any key rules or limitations that shape gameplay, and proactively address common questions you anticipate might arise. Finally, demonstrate a sample round whenever possible—showing is infinitely more effective than explaining.

Keep your instructions under two minutes whenever possible. For more complex games, consider providing visual guides or written instructions that participants can reference. Confusion leads to disengagement, while clarity creates confidence.

Keeping Energy High & Handling Hiccups

Even perfectly planned games encounter challenges. When energy starts to lag, try introducing time pressure with countdown clocks—nothing revives participation like a ticking clock! Adding background music creates atmosphere and fills awkward silences. Small incentives for participation can also boost involvement, and remember that your own enthusiasm is contagious—if you're excited, participants will follow your lead.

For those inevitable challenges: When dominant personalities take over, implement clear turn-taking rules. For shy participants, start with pair activities before moving to full-group games, creating a gradual comfort ramp. Always have low-tech backup options ready for when technology fails (and it will). And for space constraints, be ready to modify games to fit your environment—the best facilitators adapt on the fly.

Gamify Rewards Without Breaking the Bank

Meaningful prizes don't require a massive budget. In fact, some of the most motivating rewards cost next to nothing:

Recognition-based rewards like public acknowledgment or certificates tap into our deep need for appreciation. Experience rewards such as first choice of lunch options or coffee with the CEO create memorable moments. Token prizes like company swag or small gift cards provide tangible takeaways, while charitable options where winners direct small donations connect play to purpose.

At Give River, we've finded that tying rewards to meaning amplifies their impact tremendously. When winners can direct donations to causes they care about through our platform, the experience transforms from simple fun to meaningful connection. Even a small $5 donation choice creates both enjoyment and purpose, perfectly aligning with our Team Building Exercises Workplace philosophy of connecting recognition to larger purpose.

Sometimes simple bragging rights with a traveling trophy or championship belt that moves between winners creates ongoing engagement and friendly competition that lasts far beyond your event.

Frequently Asked Questions about Event Games

What if my venue has very limited space?

Don't let a cozy venue limit your fun! When space is tight, pivot to games that don't require much movement. Seated activities like "Who's Most Likely To" create laughter without requiring participants to leave their chairs. Verbal games such as "Two Truths and a Lie" need zero floor space while still building meaningful connections.

For larger groups in smaller venues, consider creating rotating game stations where small clusters of participants cycle through different activities. This approach maximizes your space while ensuring everyone gets to participate in the full range of experiences.

How do I motivate shy participants to join in?

We've all been that person hesitant to jump into group activities. The key is creating a low-pressure entry point. Start with team-based games where shy individuals can contribute without feeling spotlighted. Pair activities work wonderfully as they create an instant ally and shared responsibility.

I've found that gradually escalating participation works wonders—begin with optional involvement before moving to full-group activities. When facilitating, acknowledge that different people have different comfort levels with public participation, and create multiple ways to engage that honor these differences.

Can these games support hybrid audiences in real time?

Absolutely! The hybrid workplace is here to stay, and your games can adapt beautifully with thoughtful planning. The secret lies in creating an equitable experience for both in-person and remote participants:

• Ensure virtual participants have clear visibility and audio of all game elements
• Leverage digital tools like polls and chat features for seamless participation
• Create intentional pairings between in-person and remote team members
• Assign physical "buddies" who can represent remote players for tactile games
• Select activities that don't give an unfair advantage to either group

With proper planning, hybrid games can actually strengthen the bonds between remote and in-office teams rather than highlighting their separation.

How long should each game last?

Finding the perfect duration keeps energy high and prevents activity fatigue. As a general guide:- Icebreakers: 5-10 minutes (quick, energizing)- Main activities: 15-30 minutes (substantial but not exhausting)- Tournament-style games: Up to 60 minutes with strategic breaks

The golden rule? Always end while people are still having fun. It's better to leave participants wanting more than to watch enthusiasm dwindle as an activity drags on too long. Watch the room's energy and be prepared to transition when you sense engagement starting to peak.

What's the ideal group size for most games?

Different games shine with different group sizes. Understanding these sweet spots helps you select the perfect activity:

Small group games (5-15 people) create intimate connections through activities like Two Truths and a Lie or Telephone Pictionary. Medium group games (15-30 people) like Camera Hot Potato or Relay Charades balance personal interaction with collective energy. Large group games (30+ participants) such as Human Bingo, Heads or Tails, and Speed Networking scale beautifully without losing impact.

For truly large events, consider tournament structures or simultaneous small group competitions that later feed into a larger finale. This approach maintains the personal connection of small groups while using the collective energy of the full gathering.

Conclusion

When you incorporate fun games to play when hosting an event, you're not just filling time—you're strategically creating meaningful connections that transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. The laughter, shared challenges, and collaborative moments these activities generate build bridges between participants in ways that formal networking or presentations simply cannot.

Throughout my years at Give River, I've witnessed how the right games can completely shift an event's energy. Whether you're strengthening team bonds, raising funds for a worthy cause, or simply creating memorable experiences, thoughtfully selected activities serve as powerful catalysts for achieving your core objectives.

The magic of event games lies in their ability to break down barriers quickly. When colleagues who normally exchange only brief hallway greetings find themselves strategizing together during a Balloon Battle or laughing over their Telephone Pictionary creations, something fundamental shifts in their relationship. These shared experiences create reference points for future conversations and collaboration that extend far beyond the event itself.

Our 5G Method at Give River applies these same principles to everyday workplace culture—integrating recognition, guidance, wellness, gamification, and community impact to foster engagement that lasts. The elements that make games compelling at events mirror what drives lasting workplace engagement: meaningful connection, healthy competition, shared experiences, and purposeful interaction.

As you plan your next gathering, the most effective games aren't necessarily the most elaborate ones. The best choices align thoughtfully with your specific audience, available space, and ultimate goals. Start with clear objectives, select appropriate activities, facilitate with genuine enthusiasm, and remain flexible enough to adapt when needed.

By thoughtfully incorporating fun games to play when hosting an event, you're creating an environment where meaningful connections can flourish naturally. And in today's increasingly digital world, these authentic human connections are what people truly crave—and remember long after your event concludes.

Ready to extend the power of engagement beyond single events? Find how Give River's comprehensive approach can help you build a sustained culture of recognition, wellness, and purpose that energizes your team every day.