Hobbies And Interests
I've Never
"I've Never" is common icebreaker game played at parties. Have the teens sit in a circle and give each child a dozen marshmallows (chocolate kisses or mini lollipops also work.) Select one child to go first and instruct them to begin by saying "I've never" followed by a declaration of something she has never done. For instance, "I've never ridden on a Ferris wheel" or "I've never sang in public" or "I've never had anything pierced." Each of the teens who HAS done what the girl claims to not have, gives her one marshmallow. The teen to the left goes next with his "I've never" declaration. This game can generate a lot of laughs as the teens try to outplay each other with outrageous things they have never done. The goal is to be the child with the most marshmallows at the end. Consider giving teens privacy as they play so that they can be candid.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Divide the teens into several mixed teams of boys and girls. Present them with a disposable digital camera, a scavenger hunt list containing specific objects for them to search for as well as the points value for each item. They should also be given a list of rules including boundaries for the scavenger hunt, the time limit and a designated meeting point for when the time has ended. Consider the scavenger hunt location when compiling a list of things for them to take photos of. For instance, in a shopping mall you might ask for photos of the team members wearing silly hats or a store clerk wearing a purple shirt. For a neighborhood scavenger hunt, canvas the neighborhood ahead of time to find items that are different or interesting such as a novelty-shaped mailbox, a water fountain, a specific house number or an unusual lawn decoration. A neighborhood scavenger hunt list should also have common items such as a brown dog, a bicycle or an open garage door. Points should be awarded for all items on the hunt list, with more difficult to find items being worth more points. At the end of the allotted time, teams meet to compare pictures, stories and tally points.
Murder Mystery
Arrange for the teenagers to play a mystery game by purchasing an appropriate mystery party kit, which are available for purchase in stores or online, or creating your own. When invitations are being issued, assign characters to the guests and advise them of their character so that they can dress in costume if they wish. For instance, some mystery games have themes such as a Hawaiian or Western. Decorate the space to match the theme of the mystery and set up the scene with needed clues and props for the mystery the kids will be solving. Allow guest to mingle while waiting for everyone to arrive before starting to solve the mystery.
Trading Objects
Divide the teenagers into several small groups of four or five -- teams can be boys versus girls or mixed. Give each team a common household item such as a pen, a hanger or a plastic spoon. Each team must start with the same item. Have teams go door-to-door in the neighborhood "trading" their object for something better. For instance, they can trade the hanger for a can of soup. They must leave the traded item behind and continue on with the new item and make another trade. For example, they can now trade the can of soup for a post card from a faraway place. The teenagers continue trading for a predetermined time limit and then meet back to see who ended up with the best item. This game can also be played with teams starting off with a paperclip and rather than trading for a "better" item, they trade for a larger item. The team that brings back the largest item wins.