Find out our favorite adult party games and how to best run them. You can play these games at any size or format of the party.
Adult Party Games
Face it; adults are just big kids with more responsibilities. Parties are the perfect time to play a game.
These are party games, but not necessarily drinking games… They just go with a glass or two of wine.
While some games are suitable for children, most are aimed at adults. In our separate article, you can see our favorite kid’s games.
Karaoke
It takes a little time to set up, and it isn’t a real game, but it is still great fun! It’s a great way to get your guests involved.
All you need to set up is a microphone, a speaker, and a projection screen. You can rent equipment depending on where you are. You can also hire an entertainer to perform at your event.
Before planning an activity, ensure your guests are prepared to sing. If people are nervous, encourage them to form groups.
Pro tip: You can find the lyrics to karaoke songs on YouTube. Search for [Song Title] + Karaoke.
Duration: 30 min+
Setup: 20 minutes
Group Size: Any
Guess the Song
Everyone loves classics, even if they are not comfortable with singing. The happy medium is to play ‘Guess the Song,’ also known as the Jukebox Game. It’s easy to set up as you only need a speaker.
You can play this game in many variations, including guessing the Disney song. Have fun choosing (or creating) your favorite variation!
Ask for the album and the year, and remember a silly prize (or forfeit) for the winners.
Duration: 20 min+
Setup: 10 minutes
Group Size: Any
Blind Tasting
Blind tasting is an excellent game for food or wine lovers. Blindfolded sniff tests are also possible. You will be surprised by how often we need to be corrected.
Blind tasting of craft beers can also be a fun activity, depending on your location. Try to tell guests about the different aromas, flavors, and other things …. You get extra points if your guests can correctly guess the brand and name.
Duration: 20 min+
Setup: Ten minutes
Group Size: Any
Pass the Parcel
This game for kids is surprisingly fun and entertaining for adults, particularly if you have a seated meal.
The rules remain the same: keep passing the parcel till the music stops. Open a layer. Alternate between silly prizes and forfeits in the space between each layer. The center should have a slightly more expensive tip, but it doesn’t need to be extravagant.
Duration: 10 min
Setup: 10 minutes (depending on the number of layers).
Group Size: Any
Card Games
You can play an endless number of card games. Some games require unique cards, while others require only a standard 52-card pack (and sometimes …).).
You want to pick a game for a party that people will already be familiar with, or that is easy to play. Some of our favorites are:
Spades
Cards Against Humanity
Spoons are my personal favorite.
Pro-tip: Add a random card to your selections if you plan on playing Cards Against Humanity with a small group of players (3-4). You’ll be amazed at how frequently the random card will win.
Duration: 30min+
Setup: N/a
Group Size: From 3 to 10 players
Poker
Poker is technically a card game, but we thought it deserved its own mention because it’s so popular.
Remember that a good game of poker could last a long time. If you’re looking to play it quickly, set several rounds. (i.e., the player with the most chips at the end of 15 games will win).
Tip: Be sure that everyone is on the same page.
Duration: 30min+
Setup: N/a
Group Size : 3 to 10 Players
Yahtzee
Yahtzee can be played with only five dice and some paper. The rules and scoring differ for each person, but the basic concept is the same.
Each player rolls a specific combination of dice. Each variety is worth points. The player who has the most issues wins. This video from Triple S Games explains the game rules.
Duration: 30min+
Setup: N/a
Group Size : 3 to 10 Players
Word Tag
You can play this game all evening. This is the same as the tag but with a different word.
Write down a secret phrase on a piece of paper to play. When someone says the secret word, that person becomes “it.” In the end, the person who is “it” has to forfeit. As an example, you could help the host with the dishes.
You can also change the word by asking the person who wrote it before to write it down. Ensure that the words you choose are clear, or the game will be impossible.
Duration: Ongoing
Setup: N/a
Group Size: Any
Mystery Word
It is the opposite of a word tag. You must say your word without getting caught.
Write down random words and let each player draw one at random. Each player must say their word in a non-detectable way. You can do this by casually chatting or asking each player to share a story.
Duration: 20min+
Setup: N/a
Group Size: From 4 to 8 players
Board Games
The popularity of board games is never in doubt. It’s a good way to finish the evening. Some of our favorites are:
Dixit
Jungle Speed
Cluedo
You’ll likely want to keep playing the games that you already own. Try to pick a game that is easy to understand. You don’t need your players to give up even before they start playing.
Duration: 30 minutes or more (depending on the game).
Setup: 5-Minutes
Group Size: 4 to 8 Players
Time’s Up
Time’s Up has to be one of the most played party games. You can either purchase the official version or create one at the party.
The concept is simple. Two (or more teams) are formed. Each player in each team selects a random word, usually a name or object. Then they have to try to guess the word.
Each round becomes more complex. The players can say anything at first but then only use a single phrase. Finally, they can only mimic.
This article by Ultra Board provides a complete breakdown of all the rules.
Duration: 20 min+
Setup: 5 minutes
Group Size: From 4 to 10 players
