Fun Icebreaker Ideas & Activities

Author: kproch26

  • Frozen T-Shirt Race

    The Frozen T-Shirt Race is an ideal icebreaker game to be played outside on a hot summer day, and is a hit amongst younger players. It’s a true ice-breaker game, as the players will work together to literally break the ice on the t-shirt. The game’s objective is simple—you must thaw out, unfold, and wear a frozen t-shirt. Even though this game might sound easy, it’s a challenge to complete. The Frozen T-shirt Game can be played in groups or each player can receive their own shirt. Setting some restrictions on how the t-shirt can be thawed will make the game more competitive, and then you can really see players getting into it!

    Materials

    • Water
    • Freezer
    • Gallon freezer bags
    • Large t-shirts—the amount depending on the number of players
    • Cooler and ice (optional)

    Set-Up

    • Place each t-shirt in water—about two cups—and then wring it out. Too much water will prevent the t-shirt from thawing in a reasonable amount of time.
    • After the t-shirt has been wrung out, fold it neatly into a square, so that it fits inside the freezer bag. Once the shirt is folded flat, press it to squeeze out the remaining water.
    • Place the shirt in the bag, seal it, and lay the bag flatly into the freezer.
    • If you are playing the game at different location, then use a cooler filled with ice to keep them frozen.

    How to the Frozen T-shirt Game

    • Don’t reveal the game to the players’ prior, so that they will have to come up with the ideas on the spot, without getting an unfair advantage.
    • Assign the teams or individuals and pass out the frozen t-shirts. You don’t want more than 4 or 5 players on one team, as it will get too crowded.
    • The goal is for each player or team to use whatever he or she can to thaw a t-shirt enough to wear it.
    • Whoever gets their t-shirt on first wins! Their body must be completely in the t-shirt including head and arms, so that it’s worn normally.

    Variations

    Set some rules to make the game more challenging, such as:

    • All players must stay in the game area—the game area can be marked off with tape or other marking lines prior to starting.
    • No water or other liquids can be used to thaw out the t-shirt.
    • No machines such as a microwave, heater, dryer, etc. can be used to melt the ice on the t-shirt.
    • No sharp objects can be used on the t-shirt.
    • The t-shirt must remain intact and not destroyed in anyway—no holes, tears, etc.

  • Rubber Chicken Game

    The Rubber Chicken Game is an active and fast paced game that is simple to play in any scenario. All the game requires is a rubber chicken—or any other object—and players! It’s great for those who are competitive and speedy. It requires all players to be attentive and ready to move at any given moment. The Rubber Chicken Game is best played outside or in large open areas, so that players can run around safely without crashing into anything. Groups of all sizes can play, but teams are better with between 5-10 players. Larger groups can play, but the overall game will take longer. Players are also able to steal the rubber chicken back from one another, but limits should be set to prevent injuries or excessive force.

    Set-Up and Materials

    • If the game is played outside, then check for any objects or holes that could cause injuries.
    • Assign one person to be the judge and give them a rubber chicken.
    • Take your players and split them into two even groups.
    • Set the groups parallel to each other and line each of them up.
    • Each line of players should be seated on the ground.

    How to Play the Rubber Chicken Game

    • Line each team up and have all of the players seated and facing the judge.
    • The judge will throw the rubber chicken wherever they choose behind all of the players.
    • On the judge’s command or whistle, the first seated player from each team will stand up and race to the chicken.
    • The players will then run back to their lines—the player with the rubber chicken should be protecting themselves, while the other player can try and steal the chicken back.
    • The player with the chicken will reach the line and toss the rubber chicken back strategically, so the next player on their team will have the advantage.
    • The next players from each team will run down again and race to the rubber chicken.
    • Both players will run back and sit down at the end of the line.
    • The game will continue until the whole line has run to retrieve the chicken.
    • Game Variations
    • The rubber chicken can be substituted for a ball, flag, doll, or any other object.
    • To make the game more challenging, you can set up obstacles that the players have to go through to retrieve the rubber chicken or to return back to their line—you can use a dizzy bat, hoops to jump through, cones to zigzag through, or other fun commands.
    • For additional challenges, you can also have players only use one arm to pick up the rubber chicken.
    • If the players are highly competitive or more physical, then they can use light force to take the rubber chicken from their opponent.
    • Boundaries can be set with paint or cones to keep the game area organized.
    • There can be more than two groups to increase the competition or groups can pair up with one another and battle each other.

  • Team Architect

    Team Architect is a game that requires both speed and precision. It’s a great way for players to unleash their creativity and work together towards a common goal. Team Architect is often played for team building or icebreaker purposes, but is entertaining enough to be played in any scenario. It’s best played with smaller groups, but there can be more than two groups playing at a time to increase the competition. Players of all ages will love this hands-on game.

    Team Architect simply requires each team to build something with a small amount of random materials. These materials aren’t usually useful and it’s not always clear how they can be used, which is why players have to get creative. For example, each team could be given Popsicle sticks and duct tape with the requirement to build a bridge that would hold a heavy book. Another example is giving each team string and newspaper, so they can make an egg support. The team’s creation must be able to support an egg when dropped from a specific height.

     

    Set-Up and Materials

    • Choose a designated area to play—inside or outside.
    • A timer—cell phone, egg timer, clock— is required and one person should be the designated timer to set reminders and countdowns.
    • Decide on the materials to be used in the game. They can be preselected or the players can just make use out of what objects are in the room.
    • For example, if you are playing this in an office, teams can use paper clips, tape, staplers, or any other objects found nearby.

     

    How to Play Team Architect

    • Sort out your groups—you can either have two small to medium-sized groups or multiple—three or four—small groups.
    • Assign a designated timer and the amount of time for the teams to craft their design.
    • Decide what each team will be building and what materials they can use.
      • For example, you will be building a tower out of marshmallows and toothpicks.
    • Set the timer and let the teams begin!
    • The first team who finishes or who has the better design that will be tested after the game can either determine the ending.
    • If testing the design, such as the egg drop example mentioned above, then the team who successfully protects the egg during the drop would win.
    • If there’s a tie, you can have a sudden death round where teams must add onto their creation or build a completely new object in a shorter amount of time.

     

    Game Variations

    • The overall goal can be adjusted, so teams can build a certain object—like a fort, build something functional—like a chair, or simply build the tallest building.
    • If playing outside, players can use natural objects like branches, leaves, or sand to build their creations.
    • Provide a shorter amount of time to increase competitiveness.
    • Teams could also be blindfolded during play for a real challenge while building or perhaps only use one hand each for building.
    • Teams can be in plain view of each other or hidden, so as not to copy the other team’s ideas.

  • Trust Course Game

    The Trust Course Game is perfect for individual and group bonding for new students, employees, or members of a group. It requires all players to pay attention to small details and trust each other. The Trust Course can be set up in an office space, but is easier to play outside in a safe location, preferably on grass. Since players are partnered together, groups of all sizes can play. Extra-large groups might be more difficult because the excess noise will distract players from giving or listening to commands. True to its name, this game is meant to build trust and reliance between players.

    Set-Up

    • Courses can be set-up before the game starting or players can set up their own course.
    • If the game is played outside, use trees, branches, cones, stones, and any other objects to form your course, but be sure to keep in mind that you don’t want anyone to get injured. Avoid using rope or objects easy to trip over.
    • Partner everyone up in the group.
    • Within the partners, select who will be blindfolded walking the course, and who will be giving directions. These roles can be switched, so both players get a turn.
    • Blindfold the player who will physically be doing the trust course without letting them seeing the set up prior.

    How to Play the Trust Course Game

    • Select the roles for the first round—director and blindfolded walker
    • If the course wasn’t already set up, then create the trust course. To make the game fair, one course can be used for each set of partners. If this route is chosen, then make sure the other groups can’t see the course or hear the commands, so they don’t have an unfair advantage when it’s their turn.
    • Direct the blindfolded player to walk slowly throughout the course to prevent injuries.
    • Give the blindfolded player thoughtful commands to make it through the course successfully without hitting any of the obstacles
    • The blindfolded player should listen carefully and only follow the directions given by their partner.

    Variations

    • If played in an office, classroom, or another setting, then use surrounding objects such as boxes, trashcans, brooms, pillows, erasers, and walls to create your course.
    • To make the game more challenging, limit the amount of commands players can give each other.
    • The course can be timed, so that players have to complete the course in a certain amount of time OR each partnership can be ranked based on time. After every pair has gone, those with the fastest time can earn first, second, third place, and so on.
    • Instead of walking, players can crawl through the course.
    • Set up checkpoints such as items to grab like a balloon or actions to do like hopping up and grabbing a leaf off a tree.

  • iSpy Wedding Hunt

    iSpy Wedding Hunt is a combination between the typical iSpy game combined with a scavenger hunt that can be played at a wedding. This game is ideal for a wedding since it incorporates large amounts of players. Each of the players photos can be given to the bride and groom at the end, so they have unique photos and angles of their special day.

    Guests are provided with a checklist of items and different types of photos to take. They will carry this list around the wedding reception and hunt for the perfect pictures. Participants use their cell phone cameras or provided disposable cameras at a wedding to capture the items on the list.

    iSpy Wedding Hunt Set-Up

    Create a printable checklist before the wedding reception assigning the different tasks and place on each table.

    Organize how you will group people based on the amount of participating guests.

    The checklist can include:

    Someone holding hands, twirling on the dance floor, different generations together, a new friend you met at the wedding, the bride laughing, your favorite guest’s outfit, something old, something new, something blue, something sparkly, a piece of cake, a selfie with the newlyweds.

    • Cameras can be assigned individually or within partners.
    • Create teams for the hunt.

    Materials Needed

    You will need the following items to play the iSpy Wedding Hunt:

    • iSpy Wedding Hunt checklist
    • Writing utensils
    • Disposable camera/cell phone

    How to Play iSpy Wedding Hunt

    1. Divide the guests accordingly—as individuals, into pairs or groups. Also, determine who will be judging.
    2. Pass out a pen, checklist, and disposable camera—if necessary—or take out your cell phone.
    3. Read over the created checklist.
    4. Take 20-30 minutes during the reception to find the items or have the hunt be continuous throughout the reception.
    5. Take pictures of each item to bring to the judges at the end of the game.
    6. Have a small prize for the winners such as an extra party favor.

    Variations

    • The checklist can be customized to the themes, colors, guests, and any other aspect of the wedding. You can have your guests finding specific objects such as a champagne glass or have them find actions and special moments to capture like the father-daughter dance.
    • The teams can be organized in pairs or larger groups.
    • At a smaller wedding, individuals can each have their own cameras and play on their own.
    • The allotted time can be shortened to 20-30 minutes or last the entirety of the reception to include photos from the whole event.

  • Ships and Sailors Game

    The Ships and Sailors game is a fun way to get a group of people working together and creating bonds. It’s ideal for medium to very large groups, and because it’s an elimination game, the amount of players in each round will shrink. The game is named Ships and Sailors because players follow instructions related to the theme of being aboard a boat or in the ocean. Since there are many different commands, it’s a good idea to practice all of the moves a couple of times through before officially starting the game. This game is best played in large open spaces such as a field or basketball court, so that players can move safely about the boundaries.

    Set-Up

    • Select one person to be the “captain.” They will be in charge of calling commands throughout the game.
    • Mark the boundaries of the area as you would a boat. For example, on a basketball court Starboard would be near one basket, while Port is located on the opposite side. The sides are either lines running perpendicular to Starboard and Port.

    Practice the commands:

    • Port-North—run in the direction of the marked Port
    • Starboard-South—run in the direction of the marked Starboard
    • Seasick—run to the sides of the boat and pretend to get sick
    • Man Overboard—(2 players) one person is on their hands and knees, while the other puts their knee/foot on that players back and pretends to look overboard.
    • Shark—(1 player) lie on your stomach with an arm up to look like a shark fin.
    • Fish out of water—(1 player) lie on your back kicking your knees like a fish out of water.
    • Jellyfish friends—(2 players) partners face each other and wiggle their arms.
    • Row, row, row your boat—(3 players) 3 players sit in a line and pretend to row a boat, while singing “row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily life is what a dream.”
    • Dinnertime—(4 players) 4 players sit as if they were at a table and pretend to eat.
    • Captain on Deck—Freeze where you are, face the captain, and hold the salute position. You can’t break this position until the Captain says, “At ease.” If you follow any other command before hearing “at ease,” then you will be kicked out of the game.
    • At Ease—The only command to release players from “Captain on Deck” position.

    How to Play the Ships and Sailors Game

    • Select a captain who will call out the commands during the game.
    • Review the commands listed above.
    • At any point in the game, if someone if the last to perform the command or does the wrong command, then they will be out on the sidelines.
    • Those players who are out can help the captain spot other players to eliminate.
    • The captain will call out the commands for the players to follow.
    • Players will need to listen and react to the commands accordingly. If the command involves a partner, 3 players, or 4 players, then groups will need to form quickly to avoid being eliminated.
    • There are no set partners or groups.
    • At least one person will be eliminated in each round—sometimes more depending on the command.
    • The game is played until the last player is standing.

    Variations

    • This game can be played with smaller groups if needed.
    • The commands can be adjusted to follow a different theme or response.
    • If physical activity needs to be limited then adjust moves like shark or fish out of water to avoid lying on the ground.
    • The captain can call out commands as quickly or slowly as he or she wants. Command times can be adjusted to increase the competitiveness.

    Like this activity? Please check out our other great 100+ icebreakers!

  • Mad Words Game

    Mad Words Game

    Mad Words is a game where you fill in the blanks of a provided story. Players randomly select words, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns to create a crazy story. Mad Words is a creative game that helps develop thinking and imagination, while also being fun. Create a wacky story that will be sure to get your players laughing.

    Materials

    • A book, poem, song, or any type of unified text.
    • A highlighter or pen to mark the different parts of speech.
    • A sense of humor

    Mad Words Set-Up

    • Mad Words is best played with a small to medium group of people—around 10 players.
    • In larger groups, players can be paired up to work together
    • Find a used book at a secondhand shop or take one from home—it’s easier to use a children’s book, but any story will work.
    • Read through the text highlighting different nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns (optional).
    • Create four or five different lists—depending on if you use pronouns—of frequently used nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns.

    Remember:

    • Nouns name a person, place, or thing. (dog, father, stick)
    • Verbs are action words. (jump, sing, run)
    • Adjectives are describing words. (hot, dark, funny)
    • Adverbs tell how an action is done. (angrily, softly, calmly)

    How to Play Mad Words

    • Assign one person to mark the words and read the story out loud.
    • This person can also choose to reveal the name or genre of the story.
    • Be careful not to reveal too much of the story or the new words might match with the text and not be as crazy to read.
    • Players choose from the lists of words to fill in the blanks accordingly.
    • One person will fill in the story with the selected words throughout the game, making sure not to reveal the story.
    • For example, a noun fills in a blank marked ‘noun.’
      • Ol’ McDonald had a ___________.
      • Ol’ Mc Donald had a teapot.
    • Read the whole story out loud.

    Variation

    • Instead of using premade writing, each player must create his or her sentence to contribute to the game using nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns.
      • Players will select a card marked with the words above.
      • They will receive four points for every sentence created.
      • If a player uses their words to link to another player’s sentence, then they receive double the points—eight points.
      • The first player to earn more than 50 points is the winner.
    • Choose a poem, song, or excerpt instead of a story. Use the selected text and find words to replace.

  • Wedding Shoe Game

    The Wedding Shoe Game is a great way to create laughs and memories after the ceremony. The shoe game is ideal for a wedding because it allows the whole audience to participate, while still focusing on the newlyweds. There is no limit to the amount of players that can participate. Guests can get to know the bride and groom more through their comical shoe responses and inevitable disagreements.

    Set-Up

    Ask the tables or individuals to submit ‘who’ questions before the wedding to use.

    • The questions should focus on the couple and be easy enough to answer with a raised shoe.  For example: Who is the better dancer? Who is more likely to do the dishes? Who is more likely to make the dishes? Who said I love you first? Who is more likely to get sunburnt? Who wears the pants in the relationship?
    • Seat the newly married couple in front of or in the middle of the room, dance floor, etc.
    • Have all the guests seated around the couple, so that everyone can see/hear them.
    • The teams will be set up based on the table seating. Each table of guests will be one group that can contribute a question to ask.
    • Select one individual such as the DJ or someone from the wedding party to ask the questions.
    • The bride and groom should each take one of their shoes off to use for the game.

    How to Play the Wedding Shoe Game

    • Seat the bride and groom in the front or middle of the room.
    • Have the bride and groom seated back to back, so they can’t see each other’s responses.
    • Select someone to read off the ‘who’ questions from the guests.
    • Whenever the question applies to the person, they will raise their shoe in the air.  For example: “Who is a morning person?”   The bride might raise her shoe and not the groom.
    • There can be some disagreements when asking questions like, who is funnier? Both the bride and groom might raise their shoe in the air.

    Variations

    • This game can be played at any point during the wedding, but it is most commonly played during the reception before food is served.
    • Instead of using one person to read the questions, the bride and groom can read them off to each other.
    • Family members and friends can also ask the questions.
    • Give each table five minutes to come up with one question together during the wedding.
    • The couple can raise any object in the air—their hands, a wand, a balloon.
    • The couple can switch shoes—the bride holds a dress shoe, while the groom holds a heel.

  • Sparkle Game

    Sparkle is a great group game that can be done as a warm up to get the brain thinking. Traditionally, it is played as a spelling game, but you can also do it with math problems, a memory verse, or focus on a specific subject instead. It’s a fun way to study previously learned or new information. The game is fast paced — with players constantly listening and ready to speak at any moment!

    Sparkle Set-Up

    This game is ideal for medium to extra large groups of people, and there is not a limit on the number of players.  It can be played in both indoor and outdoor settings.  The setup is fairly easy:

    • Create a circle or line standing up.
    • Assign one person to provide the words throughout the game.
    • That person can either create a pre-made list of words or think of the words during the game.

    How to Play the Sparkle Game

    1. Explain a memory verse, name a word, or a math problem—depending on which type of game selected.
    2. Arrange everyone in a circle or line, standing up, and facing the same direction.
    3. Choose one person to start the spelling.  For example, if the word is ‘LEADERSHIP’, the first player would say the letter ‘L,’ the second player would say ‘E,’ the third player would say ‘A,’ and this pattern would continue until the word ‘LEADERSHIP’ is fully spelled.
    4. After the word has been spelled, the next person must say ‘Sparkle.’
    5. The player next to the person who said Sparkle must sit down.
    6. If at any point in the game someone says the wrong letter, then they must sit down. The person next to them will continue the spelling.
    7. If you are sitting, then that means you are out of the game.
    8. After a word is finished, a new one will be selected to spell.
    9. This pattern continues–spelling and sitting– until one person is left standing, who is the winner!

    Variation

    • Instead of spelling words, players can use math problems or memory verses.
    • For a memory verse or song, teach the material first, and then assign different stanzas that players will have to memorize.

    For a song example,

    1. ‘Twinkle twinkle little star”
    2. “How I wonder where you are”

    Each player would sing one stanza until the song is complete.

    • Follow a theme when selecting words — for example, leadership, accountability, marketing, brand, and feedback. All of these words relate to the topic of business.
    • In a classroom setting, Sparkle can be played for students to memorize new vocabulary words in any subject.  For example, if students are studying history, Sparkle can be combined with quiz questions, such as:
      • Who was the first president of the United States?
      • The students would have to know whom the president was and how to spell his name.
      • G, E, O, R, G, E   W, A, S, H, I, N, G, T, O, N

  • Personal Artifact Game

    The Personal Artifact Game is the perfect icebreaker for those who want to stay away from the usual “who, what, where” questions that are typically asked in these sorts of activities. It requires participants to dig a little deeper than just their favorite color and bring something personal to the table!  Players are more likely to remember each other’s names from the stories behind each artifact. It encourages players to get to know each other personally and also provides future topics to discuss. Whether it’s the first day of class, camp, or on the job, the personal artifact icebreaker is sure to get discussions flowing and give each player a memorable moment associated with them.

    Set-Up

    • Note that this game requires people to plan a little bit in advance — ask each player to bring in a personal artifact from home.
    • A personal artifact can be anything that is special or who represents the individual. For example, players can bring in a stuffed teddy bear from childhood, an x-ray of a broken bone, a picture, or a locket.
    • Pair up with partners or set up seating into a half circle.

    How to Play the Personal Artifact Game

    1. Assign each a number or go alphabetically to select the order.
    2. If using a half circle, then have each person stand in front of the group. If using partners, then pair up people.
    3. Going one at a time, each person will briefly present their personal artifact to the group, including what it is and why they chose it.
    4. Depending on the amount of time, the audience can ask 2-3 questions about the artifact.

    Variations

    • Instead of having the player bring in a personal object, they can use anything they have on them. Players can pull something out of their purse, wallet, or even use their current clothing and tell about its origin.
    • Players can pass around their artifacts if they feel comfortable.
    • To make the game more interesting, you can take the items and mix them up on a table, then have players guess who each of the items belongs to and explain why.