Fun Icebreaker Ideas & Activities

Author: Blahman

  • Who Am I

    Who Am I? is a guessing game where you use the traits and characteristics of famous, historical, or company figures to break the ice with each other. Any sized group can play — you are only limited by your own imagination! Materials required are sticky nametags and a marker.  Self-adhesive white Avery labels work great.  This game works well for medium to extra large sized groups.

    Setup for the Who Am I Game

    Before your group arrives, prepare sticky nametags with the names of famous people (or any other people that EVERYONE in the group will know).  For example, you can write:

    SUPERMAN
    INDIANA JONES
    HARRY POTTER
    BATMAN
    PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
    BRITNEY SPEARS
    MICKEY MOUSE

    And so on.  If you like, you could also stick labels on each person’s forehead instead of their back.

    Playing Who Am I?

    Place one of the nametags on the upper back of each player.  Once everyone has a nametag on their back, explain the rules to everyone: each person must try to figure out which famous person that they are, only asking “Yes” or “No” questions to gain clues about the name that is on their back.

    For example, a player can ask questions like: “Am I an athlete?” “Am I a female?” “Am I a young person?” and so on.

    Timing: This game takes about ten minutes in a group of 50, less for smaller groups, but about the same for bigger groups. This is a great way to get people talking!

  • Great Wind Blows

    Great Wind Blows (also known as the Big Wind Blows) is a good icebreaker activity that involves a bit of movement, a bit similar to Musical Chairs.  The game can help everyone break the ice and help students get to know each other a bit better.  You’ll need several chairs (one fewer than the total number of players).

    Setup for Great Wind Blows Game

    In order to begin, first arrange all the chairs to form a circle (all chairs facing inward toward the middle).  One player starts in the middle, standing up.  He or she begins the round.

    Playing Great Wind Blows

    The game is simple to play; one person in the middle starts by saying “Great wind blows for everyone who…” and then says any characteristic that is true for that person.  For example, if the person has been to Canada before, he or she can say, “Great wind blows for everyone who has been to Canada.”  All players who have been to Canada before must stand and quickly find a new seat that is more than 2 chairs away from them.  If the player is not able to find a vacant seat, he or she is the new person who is in the middle.

    Some ideas include:

    • Great wind blows for everyone who has been to more than 3 countries before.
    • Great wind blows for everyone who hates chocolate.
    • Great wind blows for everyone who loves to wear boxers.
    • Great wind blows for everyone who has gone more than 2 days without showering.
    • Great wind blows for everyone who is addicted to video games.
    • Great wind blows for everyone who loves sushi.

    Be creative and have fun!  Teachers, youth group leaders and camp counselors love this game because it gets people moving, helping to break the ice at the beginning of class or youth group, or at the start of camp.   It’s also a fun way to get to know interesting things about each other.

  • Strange Disease Diagnosis Game

    Strange Disease Diagnosis Game

    Uh oh, for some reason the patient is is acting really strange!  We’ll need to guess what illness does he or she have?  The Strange Disease Diagnosis Game (which also goes by several other names, including the Mysterious Illness Game, Doctor Game, Psychiatrist Game, or Diagnosis Game) is a fun party game that involves some acting and guessing.  It involves some improvisation and silliness.  It works in different sized groups, although smaller groups of about 5-10 people is probably best.

    Setup for the Strange Disease Diagnosis / Doctor Game / Psychiatrist Game

    This is a relatively easy acting oriented game which may be improvised or may involve some rehearsal or preparation if you so wish.  The easiest way to play this game is to have one person playing the doctor and the other people play the patients.  The doctor is asked to leave the room and the patients decide what disease, illness or syndrome they all have.  For example, the patients comes up with a strange syndrome or disease that they all think they are chickens, that they are Sarah Palin, that they are secret agents, or so on.

    Playing the Strange Disease Diagnosis / Doctor Game / Psychiatrist Game

    The doctor must figure out what is wrong.  He or she may ask any player a question, but everyone keeps track of the number of questions.  After each question, the doctor can make a guess (diagnosis) of what he or she thinks is wrong.

    Of course the patient cannot just say what their condition is; they need to give clues in their performance. A person who thinks they are a chicken will suddenly cluck without reason. If they think they’re a famous politician they might try to get them to vote for them. If they think they are being spied on they may look under the table, and so on. A doctor needs to ask questions, but need to do so in the role of a doctor.

    When the doctor has correctly guessed the name of the condition (or close enough) or alternatively has given up and the patient has revealed it the patient and the doctor should change places and it’s the other person’s turn to guess.

    If you want to play it in teams of two, one team could be doctor and patient while the other team could try to guess the syndrome. Then the teams switch places.

  • Ultimate Ninja Game

    Ultimate Ninja Game

    Ultimate Ninja is one of the fastest, most hilarious party games out there.  The primary goal to be the quickest ninja warrior by hitting another player’s hand — while dodging other player’s ninja attacks!  This activity works best with about ten people in a group.  If you have a very large group, subdivide into groups of ten.  Ensure you have plenty of space to play this game.

    Materials required:  None — just a large enough space to play!

    Setup for Ultimate Ninja

    Have all players stand in a circle, facing each other, in the middle of a room.   To begin, have everyone say together, “Ultimate Ninja!”  And then everyone can freeze in a ninja pose.  At the beginning of the game, everyone must remember their turn order.  Turns go clockwise; thus a person should remember who was before and after them.

    Playing the Game

    The goal of the Ultimate Ninja game is to be the last ninja standing.  To stay in the game, you must not let anyone hit your hand.  If someone hits your hand, you are “out” and must leave the game.  Each player takes turns.  On a player’s turn, he or she is allowed one motion: one smooth motion to attack another player, or one smooth motion to move somewhere (to jump or take a large step in any direction).

    Attacking another player

    When you attack another player, you try to hit their hand with one smooth motion.  When you attack, another player is allowed one smooth motion to try to dodge your attack, even if it is not their turn.  That is, he or she can react by moving their arm or hand away; however, he or she must hold this new pose.  If you have a successful attack (i.e., if you hit their hand successfully), that person must leave the game.

    As soon as a player takes his or her turn, the next person in order may immediately take their turn.  He or she does not have to wait.

    The last person remaining wins.  Have fun — may the best ninja survive!

  • Games to Play Online with Friends While Social Distancing

    Games to Play Online with Friends While Social Distancing

    Dear Icebreakers Family,

    This has been a challenging time for everyone. We hope you and your family are doing well — staying safe and healthy. 

    Do you need activities to play while you are isolated at home? Games can be one of the best ways to connect with friends as a social experience and to enjoy quality time with family and others who you might not be able to see face-to-face.

    During such a difficult time, we wanted to provide a collection of some of the best FREE activities that are fun, social and engaging.  We recommend using a videoconference tool like Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.) while playing the game so that you can more easily talk and see faces.

    In no particular order, here is our list:

    1. Drawception (drawing game similar to Telestrations) https://drawception.com/
    2. Charades online (Act out clues – http://www.playcharades.net/ 
    3. Codenames: https://www.horsepaste.com/
    4. Codenames Duet : https://www.codenamesgreen.com/
    5. Secret Hitler (Deduction game)  https://secrethitler.io?
    6. Werewolf Online: https://werewolf-online.fandom.com/wiki/Werewolf_Online
    7. Spyfall: https://spyfall.adrianocola.com/
    8. Sporcle (custom quiz game to challenge friends), for example:
      Name That Tune Game
      https://www.sporcle.com/games/AuroraIllumina/do-not-press-pause
    9. Jigsaw Puzzles online: https://jigsawpuzzles.io/
    10. Risk: Global Domination https://store.steampowered.com/app/1128810/RISK_Global_Domination/
    11. FreeCiv (Free Civilization 2 game) : https://fcw.movingborders.es/
    12. GeoGuessr (Guess where you are in the world based on a series of 360 images) : https://www.geoguessr.com/
    13. Board Game Arena – You can play board games together with friends or strangers online. https://boardgamearena.com/gameinprogress?game=1025&all

    Special thanks to our friends at Learning Theories for providing this guide.

  • Late Arrivals Game

    The Late Arrivals Game is an entertaining word/talking game.  It is a parlor game that was featured on Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue in the United Kingdom.  Each player takes a turn as the toastmaster of a fancy ball, introducing the guests of the ball.

    This game can serve as an icebreaker or party game.  It can be silly and works best with people 16 and up.  The game works best with groups of about 6-8 people.  The game involves some creativity, so you may form pairs or groups of three as well.

    Setup for Late Arrivals Game

    First, the facilitator (host) of the game must decide what the late arrivals have in common — in other words, what the theme of the ball is.

    Ideas for a round could include:

    • Late Arrivals at the Builders’ Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Cake Eaters’ Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Churchgoers’ Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Policeman’s Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Animal Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Gardeners’ Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Undertakers’ Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Cheesemongers’ Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Dog Lovers’ Ball.
    • Late Arrivals at the Foodie’s Ball.

    Each player takes it in turn to be toastmaster announcing fictional people to the ball, all of which need to have something to do with the theme of the ball and hopefully be amusing.

    Typically, each person will follow the model: “I’d like to introduce Mr. and Mrs. X and their son/daughter…[clever name]”

    An example could be from the Animal Ball, “Mr and Mrs Raffe and their daughter Jay!”  (sounds like Giraffe).

    “Mr and Mrs Debeest and their son Will!” (Wildebeest)

    “Mr and Mrs Raree and their daughter Saffy” (Safari)

    and so on.

    At the hairdresser’s ball, clever names might include something like the “The artist formerly known as Rinse.”

    There is not really any right or wrong answer for this game — allow players to be funny and creative as they wish.

    Because of the difficulty of coming up with answers off the cuff, it is probably better to have prior warning of this game, and maybe play in teams of about three or so. This should mean that at least you come with some ideas. Each team could have a different theme or ball.

    Keep playing and take turns coming up with additional names until each group cannot come up any more.

    The winner may be the one who continues when the other players/teams have given up or when the host or all players determine who was the funniest.

     

     

  • Extremes Game: Where Do You Stand?

    The Extremes Game: Where Do You Stand? is a useful classroom icebreaker that helps people get to know each other’s opinions and stances a bit better.  It can be played with medium to extra large sized groups and is a good way to get everyone moving around a little bit.  The game can vary in time depending on how many questions you use; in general allow for 5-15 minutes as a good range.

    Materials required: None!

    Setup for Extremes Game: Where Do You Stand?

    In the front of the room, create an imaginary line.  All the way on the left side is one extreme, and all the way on the right side is the other extreme.  Make sure there is enough space for people to stand anywhere along this imaginary line.

    To play this game, you will ask everyone several questions.  Everyone will then respond by standing somewhere along the imaginary line according to how strong of an opinion they have on that item.  For example, if you ask people “coffee? or tea?” people will stand far along the left hand side if they strongly prefer coffee, and they will stand on the far end of the right hand side if they strongly prefer tea.  If they are neutral, they will stand in the middle.

    You can ask many kinds of questions.  For example,

    • winter or summer?
    • sweet or salty?
    • Hawaii or New York City?
    • boxers or briefs?
    • rock music or classical?
    • chocolate or strawberry?
    • Morning person or Night person?
    • would you rather be short or tall?
    • would you rather be rich or beautiful?

    Many of these questions can be very funny.  You can also ask many deep questions as well — use your imagination and have fun!

    If you don’t want to come up with your own questions, a good board game version with many questions provided is: Would You Rather? Boardgame – Classic Version, now available from Amazon.  Enjoy and have fun!

  • The Best Icebreaker Games for Date Night! Part One

    The Best Icebreaker Games for Date Night! Part One

    couple-date-night

    So, it’s date night.  Afraid that your date will be snoozevilles, or that you won’t know what to say?  Never fear.  Icebreakers.Ws will be your guide for the best date night conversation icebreakers.  This series will help you with some hilarious or memorable dates that can help you stand out from most of the other (boring!) people. Perhaps you’re having a cup of coffee or are sharing a nice meal together.  We’ll start with some great icebreaker questions that are guaranteed to get you and your date talking.  Start with these five:

    1. Animals.  You can ask a question with some symbolism, such as:  “If you had to be an animal, what animal would it be?”  Lions
    2. Books.  “Do you enjoy reading?  What do you like to read?”  Sometimes you can tell a lot about a person from what they are reading — even if it’s just comics and magazines!  The kinds of books or literary input will reflect their personality… and hopefully you will find some places where you both match!
    3. Dreams.  If money were no object, and you could choose any kind of work, which job would you choose?  This is your Dream Job!  Or if you could have any dream come true, what would it be?  Getting to this deeper level is a way to connect with your date beyond the typical surface level boring topics.
    4. Heroes.  Who was your childhood hero?  Why was he or she so inspiring?  Childhood memories can be a great way to connect.
    5. Quirks.  What makes you weird?  Are you a morning person or a night person?  Why or why not?

    Then, after your high quality date night conversation, keep the humor going with a date night game that continues to break the ice.  Our favorite game for getting to know each other might be the Ungame, a great Question-and-Answer activity.  Or more awkward laughs (and some physical contact), try the classic game of Twister to break the ice!  You can buy it now at our online store. Check out our other date night games at our online store, on sale this week.  Also, check out Part Two of the Best Icebreakers for Date Night!

  • Shoe Pile Mingle Game

    A great way to break the ice is the Shoe Pile Meet-and-Greet Mingle Game.  This icebreaker game is especially useful for corporations and training situations where you want to break the ice and build up team chemistry.

    Setup for Shoe Pile Mingle

    Ask everyone to take off one of their shoes (only one of their shoes).  Have everyone throw their shoe into a big pile in the center of the room.

    Playing Shoe Pile Mingle Game

    Explain the rules of the game.  Once everyone takes off one shoe and throws it into a big shoe pile, have everyone randomly grab a shoe. The goal is to mingle and go around the room, introducing yourself and talking to many people and trying to find the person whose shoe you are holding.

    Warning! This game may be a bit smelly.  But that’s okay — all in the name of teambuilding and breaking the ice, right?

  • Virtual icebreakers for Zoom – 2021 pandemic edition

    Unfortunately, this year has been a challenging time during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Many classes have been moved to online, with videoconferencing software like Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams being used for teaching and learning sessions.

    zoom virtual icebreakers

    While the virus keeps everyone home and people are “social distancing,” there is a growing need for more virtual icebreakers to help people socialize and games that can be played while people are online. We’ve collected (and will keep updating!) our list of online activities and games that are well suited during this difficult time.

    A good virtual icebreaker should be playable online, free or cheap, and should involve participation from everyone.

    Many of our 100+ icebreaker games can be adapted for online play, especially our “Get to Know You” type games, but not all of them — like the ones where people need to run around. But some virtual icebreakers take advantage of the affordances of videoconferencing, like the ability to change your background image or to use breakout rooms in creative ways.

    So let’s say you want to use an activity or fun experience to help break the ice or entertain folks. What are some recommendations?

    Online Icebreaker Games to try over Zoom videoconference

    Elipsis (Dot dot dot) Game — is a simple guessing game similar to Loaded Questions that can be played over Zoom. All players change their screen name to “…” and one takes turns asking questions like “What is your dream?” or “What did you eat this morning for breakfast?” Everyone connected in Zoom types in their answer in the Chat window. Each person takes turns guessing who typed in what. It’s fun!

    Skribbl.io is a fun online multiplayer drawing game similar to Pictionary. Draw a clue and earn points if others can correctly guess it quickly.

    GeoGuessr.com is a Google Maps-based guessing game in which you are placed within a 360 degree image of somewhere in the world and get more points if you can correctly guess where you are. Custom maps and educational modes are also available, making it a pretty fun activity.

    Zoom Jam featured a competition in which many brainstormed several game ideas that work great at a distance. For instance, 24 Hours in Atlantis is a clever story-based game involving challenges that a group must tackle in order to find the lost treasure room of Atlantic.

    Board and tabletop games

    Board Game Arena and Tabletopia are two excellent services that allow people to play tabletop games. Games include digitized versions of famous board games like Settlers of Catan, Colt Express, Seven Wonders, 8 Nimmt and many other tabletop games, ranging from simple to complex.

    Know of other games that you recommend during these challenging times? We’re constantly updating this guide. Share it with your friends!