Great Party Game Ideas

Party Games for Teens

• Teenagers are often awkward and unsure of themselves, and parties can make them nervous or stressed out. Introduce games at teen parties so they can get comfortable talking to each other and having a good time. While teens enjoy risque games, family-friendly alternatives exist. For instance, Truth or Dare is a completely safe game if the truths and dares are written on slips of paper beforehand. That way, the hormone-fueled teens won't get inappropriate. When a player chooses truth or dare, the person asking will draw a slip from the appropriate box or hat and read it to the player. Another game idea for teen parties is karaoke, because it boosts friendship, confidence and knowledge of each other's musical tastes.

Party Games for Kids

• Young children are not hard to please at parties, as long as there's something to do. It's important to have activities or tasks at all times to keep children from getting antsy or distracted. Party games for kids should be silly, fun and simple to follow. Talking games improve kids' communication skills and entertain them with language. For example, play Telephone, where kids sit in a line and take turns whispering a message to the next person. By the time the message gets to the end of the line, it's often completely different. Alternatively, a game of Simon Says or Red Light, Green Light can increase focus and give kids a sense of friendly competition.

Party Games for Adults

• If the party is strictly for adults, avoid games that are corny or patronizing. You don't want to have Pin the Tail on the Donkey at a grown-up party, unless there is a twist. One fun adult party game is Blindfold Dressing, in which players undress blindfolded and leave their clothes scattered around. Then, players compete to dress quickly and accurately. Leave undergarments on and put on extra clothes over regular clothes for a more PG-13 game. You can also have couples dress each other blindfolded.

  Drinking games can be a hit at adult parties. Remember, beer pong is for fraternity boys and college kids. Instead, play a drinking game where every time something happens, people have to drink. One other idea for adult parties is to have couples play a version of the Newlywed Game, where they are asked questions about each other.