More Youth Group Icebreaker Games
6. Find Someone Who…
This youth group game is a fun twist on Bingo. Kids search for others who match certain criteria.
How to Play:
- Prepare sheets with prompts. Examples include “Find someone who has a pet.” “Find someone who can speak two languages.” “Find someone who has traveled outside the country.”
- Give each teen a sheet and a pen. Then have them circulate, finding someone who matches each description, writing the person’s name by the prompt.
- The first person to fill out their sheet wins.
Why It Works: This activity encourages mingling and small talk. Kids discover fun facts that might not come up in normal conversation. Teens enjoy the challenge of trying to complete their sheets quickly.
7. Name Bingo
Another Bingo variation, this helps group members learn people’s names.
How to Play:
- Create Bingo cards with each square containing a personal trait. For example, “Has a birthday in the same month as you.” Or “Plays a musical instrument.”
- Have teens find others who match the traits, writing their names in the squares.
- The first person to get five in a row wins.
Why It Works: Kids learn names and engage in fun conversations.
8. Alphabet Game
Next, this is perfect for a group that enjoys fast-paced challenges.
How to Play:
- Form teams of 4-5 people.
- Give each team a large sheet of paper and a marker.
- Teams must brainstorm a word or phrase that fits each letter of the alphabet and relates to a specific category (e.g., foods, movies, Bible stories, etc.).
- The team that completes their list first wins.
Why It Works: This game promotes creativity and quick thinking. It also encourages teamwork as players pool their knowledge. Teens love the competitive element too.
9. Paper Plane Contest
For an icebreaker that involves creativity and competition, try this!
How to Play:
- Give each person a sheet of paper and a pencil. Ask them to write a fun fact about themselves on it. Then have them fold it into a paper airplane.
- On your signal, everyone throws their airplane across the room.
- Each person picks up someone else’s airplane, reads the fun fact, and tries to guess whose airplane it is.
Why It Works: This is a great blend of physical activity and getting to know others. Plus, the activity appeals to teens and preteens alike.
10. Emoji Charades
Finally, here’s a tech-friendly twist on a classic. It resonates with today’s digital generation.
How to Play:
- On slips of paper, write down actions, movie titles, or Bible stories. But instead of using words, use only emojis to describe them.
- Form two teams.
- Have kids take turns drawing a slip and acting out the emojis while their team tries to guess the phrase.
Why It Works: Teens are well-versed in emoji language, and this taps into that familiarity. The activity also provides a hilarious challenge, as kids try to interpret emojis!
Youth icebreakers play a crucial role in creating a welcoming environment. Whether you’re leading a small or large group, these activities turn gatherings into memorable experiences that kids look forward to each week.
With youth group icebreaker games, you encourage deeper, lasting friendships. After all, conversation starters aren’t just games. They’re the foundation for building community within a youth group.
What youth group icebreaker games do you recommend? Share them with ministry colleagues in the comments below!
