Keep the Party Moving & Connecting
games that spark teamwork, excitement and big laughs
whether you’re running a youth retreat, school event, family reunion, or company picnic, the secret to unforgettable fun is games that build connection and energy. here’s a list of 12 group favorites — from outdoor crowd-pleasers to quick icebreakers — that get people moving, laughing and working together.
9 Square in the Air – this high-energy outdoor game is one of our best sellers, combining teamwork and movement in a simple but addictive format. teams score points by bouncing a ball into squares without letting it hit the ground — perfect for camps, block parties, or PE classes.
4 Square in the Air – a variation on the classic playground fave with a bigger group twist. this game gets everyone on their feet rotating through positions and cheering each other on. great for groups of all ages.
Disc It — combines frisbee-style throws with team strategy. it’s fast, accessible and works for all ages — ideal for warming up a crowd or adding a competitive edge to your event.
YOU.FO – whether it’s catch, relay races or cooperative drills, YOU.FO packs bring playful movement and team spirit to any outdoor setting.
kickball with twists – classic kickball never gets old. add rule twists like “reverse kick” or “queen/king of the base” to keep even veteran players guessing. this simple setup makes it perfect for large mixed-age groups.
human tic-tac-toe relay – split into two teams, race to place “players” in a giant tic-tac-toe grid (use cones or tape) as fast as possible. fastest to three in a row wins. works great as a transition activity between longer games.
zip & bong — verbal circle challenge – a silly, fast-paced speaking game where players pass the words “zip” and “bong” around the circle. it’s a proven way to break awkwardness and get the whole group laughing.
team tic-tac-toe obstacle run – set up an obstacle on one side, a giant tic-tac-toe grid on the other. each player runs through their obstacle before placing a marker. first team to three wins. this brings strategic thinking and motion together.
chair scramble with trivia – put numbered chairs in a circle, call out a fun trivia fact then cue players to rush for the correct answer’s chair number. keeps minds sharp and bodies moving.
giant twister tag – combine classic twister moves with simple tag rules. players must follow twister directions but can’t stay still when the leader calls “tag!” — fun chaos guaranteed.
relay story build-a-sentence sprint – players race in teams to add a word to a shared story, then run back and tag the next teammate. encourages creativity, movement and perfect for mixed-age crowds.
light squad noodle challenge – hand each player a Tagg Time Noodle Light Saber and set up a series of targets or zones. players must move through stations tapping targets with their noodle in a timed challenge.
why these games work
- they mix movement with connection — no one’s stuck sitting for long
- minimal setup means you can jump in fast
- suitable for wide age ranges, from kids to adults
want printable scorecards, event pacing templates or game scripts for leaders? visit thebestgroupgames.com and level up your next gathering.
why these games work
- they mix movement with connection — no one’s stuck sitting for long
- minimal setup means you can jump in fast
- suitable for wide age ranges, from kids to adults
want printable scorecards, event pacing templates or game scripts for leaders? visit thebestgroupgames.com and level up your next gathering.