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Organizing an event for a large group of 20 or more people can be both exciting and challenging. The key to a successful gathering is ensuring that everyone is engaged and having a good time. To help you achieve that, we’ve compiled a list of 23 exhilarating games to play with large groups, designed specifically for ensuring maximum participation and enjoyment. These activities are perfect for parties, corporate events, team-building sessions, or any large gathering where fun and interaction are the goals.
1. Human bingo: A fun way to break the ice
Human Bingo is an excellent icebreaker for large groups, encouraging participants to mingle and learn more about each other. Each participant receives a Bingo card filled with various traits or interests (e.g., “Has traveled to three or more countries,” “Can speak a second language”). The goal is to find people in the room who match these traits and mark them off on your card. The first person to complete a row or column shouts “Bingo!” This game not only helps participants get acquainted but also sparks interesting conversations and connections.
2. Team scavenger hunt: Adventure and collaboration
A scavenger hunt adds a sense of adventure to any event, making it ideal for games for large groups. Create a list of items or tasks that teams must find or complete within a certain time frame. Divide the group into teams and hand out the lists. The teams then race to complete the tasks, which can involve finding specific items, taking photos of certain things, or performing fun challenges. This game promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and a bit of friendly competition, all while keeping participants active and engaged.
3. Charades relay: Laughter and creativity
Charades Relay is a lively game that combines the classic charades with a relay race format. Teams line up, and the first person acts out a word or phrase for their teammates to guess. Once the word is guessed, the next person in line continues with a new word or phrase. This game is excellent for fostering quick thinking, creativity, and team communication. It’s guaranteed to bring lots of laughter and excitement to your event.
4. Giant pictionary: Big fun with creative drawing
Giant Pictionary takes the traditional Pictionary game to a whole new level. Use a large whiteboard or even a roll of paper as your canvas. Teams take turns drawing words or phrases while their teammates guess what’s being depicted. With larger canvases and bigger drawings, the game becomes even more engaging and fun. This activity encourages teamwork and allows participants to showcase their artistic skills in a big way.
5. The floor is lava: Active and thrilling fun
In the floor is lava, participants must navigate a space where the “floor” is imagined to be lava. Safe zones are marked using mats or markers on the floor, and when the host calls out “The floor is lava!” participants must quickly move to a safe zone. This game is not only fun and energetic but also helps improve participants‘ quick reflexes and coordination.
6. Relay races: Energizing competition and teamwork
Relay Races are a fantastic way to energize large groups. Set up a relay course with various stations and challenges. Teams race through the course, completing tasks at each station before tagging the next teammate. Relay Races promote teamwork, physical activity, and a competitive spirit, making them ideal for keeping participants engaged and motivated.
7. Murder mystery game: Immersive and interactive
Murder mystery games are perfect for those who enjoy solving puzzles and engaging in role-play. Assign roles and a mystery scenario to participants, who then interact and gather clues to solve the mystery. This game fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and provides an immersive experience that can captivate a large group.
8. Trivia quiz: Testing knowledge and fostering fun
A trivia quiz is a great way to challenge participants’ knowledge across various topics. Prepare a list of trivia questions and divide the group into teams. Teams compete to answer questions correctly and earn points. This game not only sparks friendly competition but also encourages learning and team collaboration.
9. Balloon pop: Surprises and excitement
Balloon pop adds an element of surprise and fun to any event. Write different tasks, questions, or challenges on slips of paper and place them inside balloons. Participants pop the balloons and complete the task or answer the question inside. This game is versatile and can be tailored to fit various themes and settings.
10. Photo scavenger hunt: Creative exploration and interaction
Combine creativity with exploration through a photo scavenger hunt. Create a list of items or scenarios that participants need to photograph. Teams or individuals race to capture photos of the items on the list. This activity encourages creativity, teamwork, and allows participants to explore their surroundings in a fun and engaging way.
11. Human knot: A challenging team building game
The human knot is a classic team-building game that requires participants to untangle themselves from a knot of interconnected hands without letting go. This game promotes problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, and is a fun way to get everyone involved and working together.
12. Icebreaker questions: Sparking conversations and connections
Icebreaker questions are a simple yet effective way to encourage conversations and help participants get to know each other. Prepare a list of intriguing and thought-provoking questions (e.g., “What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?” “If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?”). Participants take turns answering the questions or discussing them in small groups.
13. Giant jenga: Balancing fun and strategy
Giant Jenga is a larger-than-life version of the classic game. Use a giant Jenga set and have participants take turns removing blocks from the tower and placing them on top. The game continues until the tower falls. Giant Jenga is a great way to add excitement and suspense to your event while encouraging patience and strategic thinking.
14. The great egg drop: Creative engineering challenge
The Great Egg Drop is an engaging activity that challenges participants to design and build a contraption to protect an egg from a high drop. Provide materials such as straws, tape, and cardboard for teams to use in their designs. Test the contraptions by dropping the eggs and see which ones survive the fall. This game fosters creativity, engineering skills, and teamwork.
15. Simon says: A fun test of attention
Simon Says is a classic game that tests participants’ listening skills and quick responses. One person gives commands (e.g., “Simon says touch your toes”), and participants must follow the commands only if prefaced with “Simon says.” This game is easy to set up and adds a fun, interactive element to your event.
16. Group karaoke: Singing and bonding
Group Karaoke is a fun way to encourage participants to let loose and enjoy themselves. Set up a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app and have participants sing their favorite songs either solo or in groups. This activity fosters a supportive and entertaining atmosphere, perfect for breaking down barriers and building camaraderie.
17. Group storytelling: Collaborative creativity
Group Storytelling is a creative activity where participants build a story together, one sentence at a time. Participants sit in a circle and take turns adding to the story. This game enhances creativity, teamwork, and provides a shared experience that everyone can enjoy.
18. Relay charades: Combining fun with physical activity
Relay Charades combines the excitement of charades with the energy of a relay race. Teams line up, and the first person acts out a word or phrase for their teammates to guess. Once guessed, the next person in line continues with a new word or phrase. This game is engaging and encourages quick thinking and teamwork.
19. Speed networking: Efficient and effective introductions
Speed Networking is an efficient way to help participants make connections and introductions. Set up pairs of participants and have them chat for a few minutes before rotating to a new partner. This activity is useful for networking events and helps participants meet many people quickly.
20. Tug of war: Classic team competition
Tug of War is a traditional game that brings out the competitive spirit in participants. Divide the group into two teams and have them pull on opposite ends of a rope. The team that pulls the rope past a designated point wins. This game promotes teamwork and provides a fun physical challenge.
21. Large-scale twister: Interactive physical fun
Large-scale twister takes the classic game to a new level with a larger mat or custom-painted area. Participants follow commands to place their hands and feet on different colors, creating a physically engaging and interactive experience. This game enhances coordination and flexibility while providing lots of laughs.
22. Icebreaker bingo: Interactive fun and engagement
Icebreaker bingo is a great way to get participants talking and interacting. Create bingo cards with various icebreaker prompts (e.g., “Find someone who has a pet,” “Find someone who loves spicy food”). Participants mingle to find people who match the prompts and mark their cards. This game encourages mingling and meaningful conversations.
23. Group drawing challenge: Creative collaboration
The group drawing Challenge is a fun activity that promotes teamwork and creativity. Provide large sheets of paper and markers, and have teams work together to create a drawing based on a given theme or prompt. This game allows participants to express their creativity and collaborate on a shared project.
Creating memorable games for large group
Organizing activities for large groups doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right games and activities, you can create an environment where everyone is actively involved, having fun, and building connections.
Incorporating these games into your event not only ensures that your gathering will be memorable but also helps in fostering teamwork, communication, and camaraderie among participants. Whether you’re hosting a corporate team-building event, a family reunion, or a large-scale party, these activities provide a perfect blend of fun and engagement.
Remember, the key to a successful large group event is to ensure that everyone feels included and entertained. By planning a mix of interactive, creative, and physical activities, you can keep the energy high and the mood positive. So, choose the activities that best fit your group and watch as your event transforms into a dynamic and enjoyable experience for all.
Organizing a team building is a pretty big challenge. As an award-winning team retreat company, we know how to source and organize some fun local activities for you and your team. If you need our help or know-how, do not hesitate to book a free call with us.
