Games guide
How to choose the right game for any situation
Do you need an ice breaker?
The most popular category of games on the website is easily ice breakers. These fun, often quick, games are great ways to start a youth group meeting or small group session. Their intention is to help people feel comfortable with one another so the next activity will flow smoothly. They might simply be a light-hearted game to loosen people up, or maybe something with a bit more structure to get people talking to one another.
Active or relaxed?
This is a great question to start with that will help narrow down the list of games you're looking at. Are you looking for a game with lots of running and physical activity? Or are you looking for a game which doesn't require much movement at all?
Take a moment to think about the group of people that will be playing the game(s). Will an energy-burning game help them relax? Or would a calming circle game suit them more?
Indoor or outdoor?
Another very obvious clarifying question - are you looking for a game that is suited to be played inside a building (maybe a hall, gym or court) or does it need to be played outdoors? It's always worth checking the weather to make sure the cold or rain won't stop your outdoor game from going ahead.
Time for prep?
If you're running short on time then we've got a healthy collection of games which require minimal preparation in advance. Maybe the event you're planning games for is happening in ten minutes time? Then this is the perfect collection of games for you.
What's your aim?
Asking the bigger question - what's the purpose of running these games and activities - at the event you're part of is a really important step. Take a look at the following example scenarios to help figure out your approach:
Scenario: I'm trying to help students learn something
Christian youth and youth ministry will benefit greatly from these youth bible games and youth activities that help kids in youth programs learn about God and the Bible. If you run a youth program then these youth ideas and youth group games are an excellent weekly youth ministry resource.
Scenario: I'm running a wide game for a large group of kids at a youth camp
These wide group games are good for youth camps, church camps, school camps and youth retreats. Camp wide games like capture the flag and storm the lantern can be found amoung the many youth camp ideas listed on this site.
Scenario: I'm hoping to help my team build better working relationships with one anotehr
Need some new ideas to help build a team environment? Try out some of these effective team building youth ideas and team activities. Perfect for your youth program - allow the kids an opportunity to develop stronger relationships with those around them with a good team building activity. These effective team building ideas, team building ice breakers and team building exercises provide ways to maximise the bonding opportunity whether in a corporate, youth or social group situation.
Scenario: It's rainy weather and I'll need extra games to keep the kids active indoors
Perfect for a times when the weather is too rainy, too cold or too windy! These active indoor youth group games and inside activities will warm everyone up.
Browse our collections
Our collections of games are always a great place to start when looking for games to choose for your next youth group session, small group meeting or party.
Pick a random game!
If you really don't know where to start or what game to pick then try taking a chance by using the "Game Randomiser" link in the top menu. We'll pick a random youth group activity, game or idea for you out of our extensive collection... and if you don't like it, then just click it again.
