The Best Activities and Games to Get to Know People

It can be a real challenge as adults to forge new friendships. The idea of dinner and drinks may feel too much like a date, but messaging isn’t quite doing it.

Luckily for you, we’ve all been there—and honestly, sometimes, the least anxiety-inducing way to hang out is with low-stakes activities. To help, we’ve put together great games to get to know people. These games help prevent those awkward silences and are fun for any group size. Let’s dive in!

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A “Getting to Know You Game” with an Adventurous Twist

Do you want to ask someone to hang out but aren’t sure what to do? Your answer is the Adventures from Scratch: Friendship Edition book by Let’s Roam. The 50+ scratch-off challenges are designed to help you and your soon-to-be friends explore, laugh, connect, and have a great time together. You’ll get to know each other in meaningful ways as the games prompt thoughtful conversations and encourage creative problem-solving. 

Experience the fun of playing classic team-based games with an innovative twist while getting to know each other better. Ready to play? Grab a couple of friends and get scratching!

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Best Icebreaker Games for Small and Large Groups

Icebreakers are a terrific way to stimulate conversation and help groups of people get to know one another better. They work in any gathering, from classrooms to boardrooms and even staff parties.

Icebreaker activities allow participants to share their stories, feelings, and thoughts with the group, thus forging new connections and strengthening existing ones. 

Below are a few classic icebreaker games to get to know people.

1. Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is a hilarious icebreaker idea that challenges your ability to bluff. Each player takes turns sharing three statements about themselves—two of which are true and one lie.

The rest of the group then tries to guess which statement is the clever lie, often leading to surprising revelations and lots of laughs.

2. Would You Rather

Would You Rather is an entertaining and thought-provoking game that presents players with a choice between two intriguing scenarios. First, players take turns posing a “Would you rather…?” question, offering two options ranging from mildly amusing to wildly outrageous. 

The group then debates and shares their preferences, igniting laughter and lively conversation while revealing unique insights into each player’s personality.

3. Find Someone Who

Find Someone Who is a lively game that encourages mingling and discovering commonalities among participants. Each player receives a list of statements, such as “Find someone who has traveled to another continent,” or “Find someone who can play a musical instrument.” 

The objective is to find other players who match the statements, initiating conversations and forming connections while racing to complete the list first. Find Someone Who is a great option for groups that tend to be timid about coming up with conversation starters.

4. Human Bingo

Similar to Find Someone Who, Human Bingo is a great icebreaker game that gets people interacting and learning about one another in a playful way. Each player receives a bingo card with unique traits, interests, or experiences. 

The purpose is to mingle and find other players who match the descriptions on the card, marking off each square as they go. Laughter and conversation abound as players race to complete a row or column, shouting “Bingo!” once they’ve made a full row of connections with their fellow participants.

5. Name Game

In the Name Game, each player takes turns introducing themselves and then saying the name of the next person to their left, followed by everyone in the group repeating it back. 

The game continues around the circle until all participants have introduced and memorized each person’s name. The Name Game can be adapted to include hobbies, interests, or characteristics as an extra challenge.

6. Never Have I Ever

In Never Have I Ever, each player begins with five fingers up. Each player shares something they have never done, and the other players put down a finger if they have done it. The first person to run out of fingers loses.

This game can quickly slip into some PG-13 territory, so keep in mind your audience!

7. Questions Only

In Questions Only, each player takes turns posing a question to another player. That person must respond with an answer in the form of a question. They are out of the game if they respond with anything other than a question!

8. Word Association

In Word Association, a player starts by saying a random word. Then, the next player has to respond quickly with another word related to the first.

The game continues until someone hesitates or can’t think of a word. It’s interesting to see what each player comes up with—and it can spark some unique conversations.

9. The M&M game

Each participant takes a handful of M&Ms or any colored candy and shares a fact about themselves for each piece they have, based on the color’s predetermined meaning (e.g., red: hobbies, green: favorite ice cream.

10. The Toilet Paper Game

Pass around a toilet paper roll and ask participants to take as many squares as they want without explaining why. Once everyone has their squares, reveal that they must share one fact about themselves for each square they took. 

11. Common Ground

Divide participants into small groups and ask them to find five things they all have in common. This activity helps people find shared interests and experiences, promoting connection and understanding.

12. The Adjective Game

Each person introduces themselves using an adjective that starts with the same letter as their first name (e.g., “Creative Caroline”). This game is a fun way to remember names while learning something unique about each person.

13. The Interview Game

Pair up the group, and have them spend a few minutes interviewing each other. Afterward, they introduce their partner to the group, sharing interesting facts they learned during the interview. 

14. Snowball Fight

Each person writes a fun fact about themselves on a piece of paper, crumples it into a ball, and participates in a “snowball fight” by throwing the paper balls around the room. 

Afterward, everyone picks up a snowball, reads the fact aloud, and tries to guess who it belongs to.

15. Question Web

Using a ball of yarn or string, one person holds the end and tosses the ball to someone else while asking a getting-to-know-you question. 

The recipient answers the question, holds the string, and tosses the ball to another person with a new question. This continues until everyone has participated, creating a web of connections.

Creative Games for Larger Groups

These creative options are awesome games to get to know people. No one can hide in a corner with these fun, interactive activities. 

Even the quietest people will be forced (in a good way!) to crack a smile or two!

1. Scenes From a Hat

Made popular by the hit late-night TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Scenes from a Hat is a delightful and leisurely game ideal for larger gatherings.

During each round, players draw random “scenes” from slips of paper in a hat and act them out together in an improvisational skit. The result is often unpredictable hilarity as the group members collectively think of creative ideas to bring the scenes to life. Scenes from a Hat encourages collaboration and participants to think outside the box. Plus, it’s just plain funny.

2. Party Quirks

Also frequently played on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Party Quirks challenges players to think on their feet.

According to the template developed by the popular show, one player plays the role of a “host.” Each “guest” takes on an unusual quirk or mannerism to act out throughout the party. The players then introduce themselves to the host while acting out their quirky behavior. The goal is for the host to guess what the assigned quirk for each of the guests is.

Folks will quickly go from awkward small talk to new friends as they take on these ridiculous personas and laugh together.

3. Team Story Telling

Teams take turns telling a story, each member adding one sentence at a time.

The team aims to weave an entertaining and humorous tale as they get to know one another better. Participants must work together and use their imaginations to create the most creative stories.

4. Charades

This classic game never gets old! Players take turns acting out a phrase, word, TV show, or movie while others try to guess what it is before time runs out. This game encourages laughter and interaction between players of all levels of comfort.

5. Heads Up

This smartphone game is a hit with any crowd and is ideal for larger groups. 

In each round, one player holds their phone to their forehead while the others give clues to help them guess the word on the screen. Players must work together to get through as many clues as possible in the allotted time. 

6. Who Am I?

In this game, one player thinks of a famous person or character, and the rest of the group must guess who it is. 

The player has to give clues in the form of yes or no questions until someone guesses correctly. This game gets everyone talking, thinking, and laughing as they try to figure out who the mystery person might be.

7. Speed Dating

Like Party Quirks, one player is chosen as the eligible bachelor or bachelorette. 

Three other players are given a hilarious persona to adopt as the bachelor/bachelorette interviews them for a potential date. At the end of the game, the bachelor/bachelorette must guess what the different contestant’s quirks are.

While there isn’t necessarily a winner, it’s a fun game to get the group to loosen up together. 

8. Animal Stampede

In Animal Stampede, each player is assigned an animal and a sound. When the game begins, players must make their sound and find all other people with the same animal. 

They then form a “stampede” by linking hands and walking around together while looking for another group of the same animal to join in the stampede.

9. Exquisite Corpse

Participants take turns drawing sections of a character or scene on a piece of paper, folding it to conceal their contribution except for a small portion to guide the next artist. 

Once everyone has contributed, unfold the paper to reveal the surprising, collaborative artwork. Hilarity will absolutely ensue!

10. DIY Craft Challenge

Provide various craft materials and challenge participants to create something that represents themselves or their interests.  Afterward, each person shares their creation and explains its significance.

11. Soundtrack of Your Life

Ask participants to choose a song representing a specific moment or aspect of their lives, then take turns sharing the music and its meaning.

This activity encourages self-reflection, storytelling, and bonding through shared experiences and emotions. However, they can be as serious or silly as the group’s vibe.

12. One-Word Story

Participants stand in a circle and create a story one word at a time, going around the circle until the narrative reaches a natural conclusion. If you want to keep track of the story, have someone jot down what everyone says on some sheets of paper.

Hold on tight—it could get really crazy, real quick!

13. Alphabet Photography Challenge

Divide participants into smaller groups and assign each team a letter of the alphabet. Teams must then create a photograph representing their assigned letter, using their bodies, props, or surrounding objects. 

14. Draw My Life

Participants take turns drawing a timeline of their lives on a large sheet of paper or whiteboard, highlighting significant events and experiences. 

Afterward, they share their drawings with the group, offering insights into their journeys and fostering connection through storytelling.

15. Chopped-Style Cook-Off

Divide the group into teams and provide each with a random assortment of ingredients. Teams must work together to create a dish using all the provided ingredients, then present their creation to the group, explaining their thought process and teamwork behind it. 

Active Group Games

Whether you’re looking for something that promotes friendly competition or just some fun physical activities, these active games can bring people together in an engaging and entertaining way.

1. Trust Walk

The Trust Walk may sound like one of the more unusual games to get to know people. However, it’s an activity that fosters communication, reliance, and camaraderie among participants. 

Players pair up, with one person blindfolded while the other acts as their guide. The sighted partner must navigate their blindfolded teammate through various obstacles using only verbal instructions. As trust and cooperation grow, laughter and bonding are sure to follow this little adventure.

2. Blindfolded Obstacle Course

In a blindfolded obstacle course, two or more teams must work together to complete a pre-determined course while blindfolded. 

Amidst the chaos and confusion, players must rely on each other’s voices and directions as they attempt to navigate through the obstacle without bumping into obstacles or falling over.

3. Pool Noodle Jousting

A classic battle for the ages, pool noodle jousting, gets everyone laughing and bonding. Players must face each other in pairs and use pool noodles as lances to knock their opponents off balance. 

It’s a hilarious way to have some friendly competition while getting to know one another.

4. Human Sculpture

Participants take turns forming a person-sized sculpture from the other players’ bodies.

The sculptures can be as crazy or as creative as you’d like! It’s a great way to get people laughing, communicating, and thinking outside the box as they get to know each other through out-of-the-box means.

5. Laser Tag

Who says you have to stay home? Head out to your local laser tag arena! Players can compete as individuals or teams in a “last man standing” game. It’s a great way to have some fun while bonding and forming camaraderie among team members.

 Laser tag encourages participants to think strategically, use teamwork, and develop quick reactions as they attempt to outwit their opponents. Plus, it’s a great way to get the heart pumping!

6. Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is a larger-than-life version of the classic game that uses oversized wooden blocks. As each block is removed, the tower teeters, and players must carefully balance it to keep it from falling over.

This game quickly gets people laughing and talking as they strategize their moves. Plus, when the tower finally falls, everyone’s sure to have a good laugh.

7. Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is a classic outdoor game. The goal of this game is for each team to capture their opponent’s flag while protecting their own. As players use strategy and teamwork to try and outwit the other team, they get to know each other better in an exciting and energetic setting. 

8. Zip Zap Zop

Known by theatre kids around the country, participants stand in a circle and pass an imaginary energy ball to each other. Then, you’ll use the words “Zip,” “Zap,” or “Zop” to “send” the energy to the next player.

This fast-paced game requires focus, coordination, and teamwork, promoting group connection and energy. Theatre folks have used this game before shows for years—there’s a reason their bond is so intense!

9. Tug of War

Tug of war has stood the test of time for a reason. Divide participants into two teams and have them compete in a classic tug-of-war contest. 

10. Balloon Relay

In this game, teams must race to pass a balloon down a line of participants using only their knees or elbows (no hands allowed). This fun team-building activity is sure to be a hit.

11. Group Plank Challenge

Have participants form a circle and assume a plank position, placing their feet on the shoulders of the person behind them. The goal is to hold the plank for as long as possible—great for teamwork, endurance, and determination.

12. Hula Hoop Pass

Participants stand in a circle holding hands, with a hula hoop hanging from one person’s arm. The objective is to pass the hula hoop around the circle without breaking the handhold, requiring communication, flexibility, and cooperation.

13. Potato Sack Races

Divide the group into teams and have participants race in potato sacks, cheering each other on and working together to reach the finish line. 

14. Pass the Ball

Participants stand in a circle and pass a ball, beanbag, or other small object while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the object shares a fun fact about themselves. 

Team-Building Activities

Team-building games are an important part of any group activity or corporate event. They help create a sense of collaboration and camaraderie among staff while providing an enjoyable experience and team bonding for everyone involved.

Try out some of these games to get to know people to start improving your team today.

1. An Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Let’s Roam offers an outdoor team-building activity that is both fun and educational! With over 450 cities worldwide, your team can explore their local area and make lasting, memorable connections.

Whether you choose a bar hunt, a ghost tour, or a street art walk, your team will be guided through the city by an app-led scavenger hunt.

It’s an exciting way to get your team members on their feet and out of the office for a unique activity fostering collaboration and building relationships.

2. Blindfolded Drawing

In this game, participants split into pairs. One person is blindfolded and given a pen and paper, while the other describes an object or scene that the blindfolded person must draw without seeing. This activity increases communication and active listening skills.

3. Marshmallow Challenge

Teams compete to build the tallest free-standing structure using only dry spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow. Working together to create these wonky structures promotes collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving among team members.

4. Escape Room Puzzles

Groups work together to solve a series of riddles and challenges within a set time limit to “escape” the room. Completing these unique challenges can encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Not an in-person team? Try a Virtual Escape Room.

5. Minefield

A designated area is filled with various obstacles, and teams must guide their blindfolded partners through the minefield using only verbal instructions. This activity builds trust, communication, and cooperation, like the Trust Walk.

6. The Human Knot

Participants stand in a circle, reach across to grab hands with two different people, and then work together to untangle themselves without letting go. The Human Knot can foster teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Plus, it gets you up close and personal with your coworkers right from the start. 

7. Group Juggling

Participants stand in a circle and toss a ball or object between them, gradually adding more items to the mix. The goal is to keep all objects in the air without dropping them, promoting teamwork, coordination, and communication.

8. Egg Drop Challenge

Divide participants into small teams and provide them with materials (i.e., straws, tape, newspaper, index cards) to create a protective structure for an egg. Teams must design and build a contraption to prevent the egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height. 

9. Helium Stick

Teams must work together to lower a lightweight rod (i.e., a tent pole or wooden dowel) to the ground using only their index fingers. The catch is that everyone’s fingers must always remain in contact with the stick! 

10. Silent Line-Up

Participants must line up in a specific order (for example, by birthday or height) without speaking or making noise. This game fosters non-verbal communication, observation, and cooperation.

11. Cross the River

Using limited materials like paper plates or cardboard squares as “stepping stones,” teams must work together to cross a designated area (the “river”) without touching the ground. 

12. Puzzle Race

Divide the group into teams and give each team a puzzle of equal difficulty. Teams race to complete their puzzles, fostering collaboration, friendly competition, and teamwork.

13. Reverse Hide-and-Seek/Sardines

One person hides while the rest of the group searches for them. When someone finds the hidden person, they join them in hiding until the last person standing finds the group.

14. Chain Reaction

Teams are tasked with creating a chain reaction using everyday objects like dominoes, marbles, and toy cars. The goal is to create the longest and most elaborate chain reaction possible.

15. Lego Building Challenge

Divide participants into small teams and provide each team with an identical set of Lego bricks. Teams must recreate a specific structure or object within a given time frame or create their own unique design based on a theme. 

16. The Shrinking Island

Using a tarp, blanket, or designated area as the “island,” participants must work together to stay on the island as it “shrinks” (gets folded or reduced in size) at regular intervals. The goal is to find creative ways to keep everyone on the island without touching the ground outside of it.

17. Paper Plane Competition

Yes, a paper plane competition is straight out of “that one scene” from The Office. Divide the group into teams and provide each team with paper and instructions for folding different types of paper airplanes. 

Teams must work together to create the most effective and efficient plane designs, then compete in various challenges, such as distance, accuracy, or flight time. 

Online Activities and Games

Whether you’re hosting a virtual get-together with an established friend group or looking for ways to get to know new people, these fun and interactive activities can help bring your group together.

Here are some great online games that can help foster relationships and spark conversations.

1. Virtual Escape Rooms

Participants collaborate in real-time to solve puzzles and riddles, working together to “escape” the virtual room. For coworkers, Let’s Roam offers a specialized team-building escape room.

2. Online Quiz Nights

Organize a virtual trivia night where participants join teams to answer questions on various topics. This game offers friendly competition, interaction, and learning about each other’s interests and knowledge.

3. Multiplayer Video Games

Online games like Among Us, JackBox, or Dungeons & Dragons provide a platform for players to interact, strategize, and bond over shared gaming experiences.

4. Remote Charades

Participants act out words or phrases using video conferencing tools like Zoom while others guess what they’re portraying. This activity guarantees laughter and conversation while breaking down barriers.

5. Virtual Book or Movie Clubs

Create a group to discuss books or movies, allowing members to share their thoughts, opinions, and insights. This activity fosters meaningful connections through shared interests and engaging conversations.

6. Online Board Game Nights 

Platforms like Tabletopia and Board Game Arena offer classic and modern board games that can be played virtually with friends and colleagues, facilitating bonding and interaction.

7. Online Murder Mystery Party

Host a virtual murder mystery party where participants take on roles and work together to solve a fictional crime. It’s a great option to get together and engage in conversation without leaving the comforts of home. 

8. Virtual Cook-Along

Organize a group video call where everyone cooks the same meal or dessert together, sharing tips, techniques, and conversation along the way. You and your pals will enjoy connecting through a shared experience.

9. Digital Vision Board Party

Invite participants to create digital vision boards using platforms like Pinterest or Canva, sharing their goals, dreams, and aspirations with the group. It’ll promote self-reflection, inspiration, and bonding over shared ambitions.

10. Online Card Games

Platforms like PlayingCards.io or Trickster Cards allow participants to virtually play classic card games like poker, euchre, or bridge. Hop on a call via headset so poker night can feel like you’re all together. 

11. Virtual Watch Party

Organize a movie or TV show screening using platforms like Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party), allowing participants to chat and discuss the content in real time.

12. Online Workout Challenge

Schedule regular virtual workout sessions where participants can join and exercise together, fostering motivation, accountability, and camaraderie through shared physical challenges.

13. Virtual Costume Party

Organize an online costume party where participants dress up according to a chosen theme, such as favorite movie characters or decades. Attendees take turns explaining their costume choices, encouraging conversation, creativity, and bonding over shared interests.

14. Debate Night

Organize a friendly online debate event where participants are divided into teams and assigned interesting, light-hearted topics to argue for or against. Try and avoid politics and other potentially controversial topics.

15. Mad Libs

Take turns filling in the blanks of a Mad Libs story with their own creative words and phrases using Zoom or a chat platform. Once completed, the group reads the resulting hilarious story aloud, sparking laughter and showcasing each person’s sense of humor and creativity.

16. Virtual “This or That” Game

Present two options, like “beach vacation or mountain getaway,” to the group and have everyone share their preference. This activity helps people get to know each other’s likes and dislikes, leading to engaging conversations and potential connections over shared interests.

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Get out there and play!

Making friends as an adult can be tricky after high school—turning acquaintances into friends can take some doing. However, with these epic games to get to know people, you’ll form meaningful relationships and new best friends in no time. From getting to know your coworkers to bonding with new friend groups, these activities can help bridge the gap and build a stronger connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions