Fun Group Games That Work & Never Fail to Trigger Laughter

7 Fun Group Games That Always Work:
Perfect for Any Setting

Too much fun is never enough.

Whether you’re leading a training session, facilitating a team-building workshop, or organizing a classroom activity, having a few fun group games in your back pocket can be a game-changer.

But finding the right games that truly work—ones that connect people, build energy, and deliver consistent results—can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with so much content floating around online.

That’s why I’m here – to share my top picks for the best group games that have never failed me, and they’re perfect for almost any setting.

Click play below to get started, or continue reading to dive in…

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Why the right group games matter

Final thoughts

Why the Right Group Games Matter

When choosing activities for your group, you want to be confident that the game will not only be fun but also serve a purpose—whether it’s breaking the ice, building relationships, or energizing the room.

These group games that work have been tested in classrooms, training rooms, and conferences around the world. I’ve run them 100s of times and can confidently say they’ll help your group connect, communicate, and have a great time together.

Each game below is linked to free, step-by-step instructions on playmeo, so you can run them like a pro.

And many include videos, so you can see exactly how they look and feel in action.

Ready? Let’s explore…

1. Air Names

This is a quick and fun group game that came out of my experience engaging people virtually during the pandemic. It’s simple, effective, and best of all, no props are needed. Here’s how it works:

Ask participants to “write” their names in the air using just their finger.
Once everyone has practised, switch it up: use your elbow, your foot, or even your nose!

This game is a great way to break the ice and get people laughing right away. It takes only a couple of minutes and helps your group loosen up before diving into more substantive activities.

Why It Works

Air Names is versatile and energizing, making it one of the best group games for virtual or in-person settings. Participants often find themselves smiling and connecting over the silliness, which sets a positive tone for the rest of your program.

2. Sticky Beak

If you’re looking for a game that will have everyone laughing and on their toes, Sticky Beak is it! Here’s how you play:

Give each participant a small loop of masking tape (about 15-20 cm or 6-8 inches long) and have them place it on the tip of their nose.
The goal is to find another person and touch tape loops until one person’s tape is “taken” by the other.

The game continues until one person ends up with all the bits of tape on their nose. It’s hilarious to watch the final showdown, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved.

Why It Works

Sticky Beak is highly interactive and competitive in a fun way, making it a fantastic option for building energy and excitement in any group setting.

3. Crosstown Connections

This awesome interactive exercise is one of my go-to games for building community and relationships. It’s perfect for larger groups and can be adapted to fit any context. Here’s a quick overview:

Start by pairing everyone up and creating a unique physical greeting (e.g., high five, fist bump).
After each greeting, ask participants to share a quick personal detail, such as their favourite holiday destination.
Continue pairing and re-pairing, introducing new greetings and questions each time.

The magic happens when you invite everyone to go through the entire sequence of greetings simultaneously. The room fills with energy and excitement as people move quickly from partner to partner.

Why It Works

Crosstown Connections is dynamic and fast-paced, helping participants form multiple connections in a short period. It’s one of my best group games that work for all ages and settings.

4. Name Swap

Name Swap is a great way to test memory, build relationships, and keep everyone engaged. Here’s how it goes:

Give each participant a name card.
Have them introduce themselves to a partner and swap cards.
When meeting the next person, they must introduce themselves using the name on the new card.

Continue swapping until everyone has met several new people and is holding a name card that doesn’t belong to them. At the end, participants introduce the person whose card they’re holding, sharing the information they learned.

Why It Works

Name Swap encourages active listening and helps participants get to know each other on a deeper level. Plus, it’s a fun memory challenge!

5. Ubuntu Cards

These cards are one of the most versatile tools I use in my programs. The cards feature multiple images on one side and a single object on the other. The goal is to find a common object between two cards – a concept inspired by the game “Spot It.”

Example Game: Spot the Connection

Distribute one card to each participant.
Ask them to find a partner and identify the matching object on their cards.
Share something about the object (e.g., “This reminds me of…”).

Why It Works

Ubuntu Cards create instant connections and foster a sense of community. They’re a fantastic tool for both fun and deeper conversations, making them one of the best group games in my collection.

6. Categories Twist

If you’re looking for a game that gets people thinking creatively and collaborating, Categories Twist is perfect. Here’s how to play:

Divide the group into small teams.
Ask each team to come up with a list of things they all have in common (e.g., everyone has a brother, loves pizza, etc.).
Share lists with the larger group—but here’s the catch: if another team has the same item on their list, both teams must cross it out!

The goal is to come up with unique categories that only your team has in common.

Why It Works

Categories Twist encourages conversation and creative thinking. Plus, it’s competitive in a friendly way, making it one of the most fun group games for small or large groups.

7. Connectiles

Connectiles is a collaborative problem-solving game that challenges your group to work together to solve a large puzzle. It is by far one of the most popular team-building activities we share on our platform.

Each tile has unique clues, and the goal is to arrange them into a complete 5×5 matrix.

Why It Works

This game is fantastic for teams looking to develop communication and problem-solving skills. It’s engaging, mentally stimulating, and always leaves participants feeling accomplished.

Final Thoughts:
Finding the Best Group Games for Your Needs

Every game in this list has been tested and proven in countless group settings.

Whether you need a quick icebreaker, an energizing activity, or a deep team-building challenge, these fun group games will not let you down.

Explore the links to playmeo’s activity database for detailed instructions and videos, and don’t forget to share your favourite group games in the comments below!

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Original post November 2024, last updated October 2024.

By Mark Collard - Experiential Trainer, Author & Speaker

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Fun Group Games that Work & Always Trigger Laughter