Easy Ice Breaker Game Ideas

Hangar Accounts
Jan 23
3 min read

A group of teens standing in a forest clearing, smiling and talking together during an outdoor icebreaker activity.

Human Knot

Everyone holds hands with two different people across from them in a circle, without letting go participants must figure out how to untangle the knot. This activity encourages creative thinking and demonstrates the importance of having effective communication skills.

Name Song Game

Pick a simple melody of a song such as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and sing everyone’s name around the circle to the tune of the song chosen. Change songs or see if individuals can sing everyone’s names in order. Encourages participants to learn one another’s names.

Three teens smiling and talking together during an outdoor icebreaker activity in a wooded camp setting.

Match Swap Game

Call out a characteristic or a fact such as: “People who have been outside of the country,” “People who have a pet,” “People who have a brother,” “If your birthday is in March,” “If your favorite food is spaghetti.” Anyone who agrees with the statement must run and switch places with someone else in the circle who also agrees with the statement. This game is a fun and active way to get to know one another.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

A group of teens gathered on a forest trail, listening and preparing for an outdoor icebreaker or team activity.

Put participants into teams and create a list of outdoor natural items that can safely be monitored and found within the camp area. Examples include different foliage, cool rocks, sticks. Offer a small prize or a silly consequence like singing a silly song for the last team to finish the hunt.

Action Name Game

Have everyone stand in a circle and combine their name with a silly voice and action. Then the next person has to repeat the previous name and voice and add their own. Go until all names and actions and silly voices have been repeated. This game helps participants learn names and get to know one another while having fun.

Group Juggling Activity

Have participants stand in a circle and start by tossing one balloon in the air. The goal is to not let the balloon touch the ground. Add more balloons or see how long groups can keep balloons in air. This activity encourages teamwork and communication. This activity requires balloons or any small balls that can be thrown in the air easily and safely.

Human Machine Game

A group of teens standing close together in a forest, laughing and working as a team during an outdoor group activity.

Give each group a card that has a different machine or item on it. Examples include a car, a blender, a toaster, bike, etc. Have each team create this item with their bodies and sound effects. The other teams can guess what their item is. This is a fun and interactive game that encourages thinking outside of the box and as a part of a team in a humorous way.

Classic Charades

Give each participant a word to act out without using words. Have the other players guess what word they are trying to act out.

Four teens sitting on a log outdoors, smiling and relaxing together between group activities.

Circle Sit

Have everyone stand in a circle with their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them. Have them try and let go of the shoulders they are holding onto, and all sit at the same time on the lap of the person behind them. This activity requires balance and group effort.

Hula Hoop Pass

Have 2 circles of people that are going at the same time against one another. Have everyone stand in a circle with a hula hoop around the arm of one participant in the circle. Without letting go of the hands next to you, everyone needs to pass the hula hoop over their bodies until it makes it back to the beginning of the circle. This game can be timed or more hula hoops can be added for an extra challenge. Doing a silent round can also be a fun twist to this classic challenge.