Hobbies And Interests
Ice Breakers
The chief purpose of an ice breaker game is to get the participants engaged in conversation, often by requiring each player to reveal information about him or herself. Ice breakers have simple rules and often require no equipment or serious time commitment, making them ideal for large gatherings where some or all of the guests are unacquainted. One popular ice breaker is "Two Truths and a Lie," in which each player must tell three facts about him or herself: two true, one false. The other players must try to guess the false statement. While many ice breakers are suitable for participants of all ages, a few are intended strictly for adults (particularly those that encourage players to divulge more risqué personal information).
Board and Card Games
Games that involve equipment, complex rules and a time commitment of longer than a few minutes---which include most board and card games---can also make effective party games, provided that they still require players to socialize. Many such games feature cooperative as well as competitive play, and may involve an aspect of performance. Popular titles include Cranium, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, Scattergories and Twister. Smaller gatherings suit board and card games best.
Kids' Games
Group games are as much a staple of the traditional children's birthday party as cake and presents. Games aimed at younger players are also common group activities at school functions, family reunions, summer camps and club meetings. Many emphasize physical activity and critical thinking (usually simultaneously) and offer a reward to the winner or all of the participants. Popular examples are scavenger hunts, variations on "Tag" (such as "Ghost in the Graveyard" and "Capture the Flag") and piñatas.
Theme Party Games
A party itself can be organized around playing a single game. One example is the traditional "murder mystery" dinner, which combines aspects of a themed party, interactive dinner theater and the board game Clue. Guests may have to perform the role of a predetermined character, such as a gangster's moll in a Prohibition era-themed party. Over the course of the evening, the host and the participants (which may include paid actors in more elaborate events) act out a series of scenes that provide clues to the fictional killer's identity. The guest who solves the case first may also receive a prize.