Tweens can be a tricky age group to entertain at parties. They’re not quite kids but not teenagers yet, making it essential to find the perfect blend of games that keep them engaged and excited. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash or just a fun get-together, we’ve compiled 43 fun-filled party games that will make your tween’s event the talk of the town!
Why Party Games are Essential for Tweens
Party games are more than just a way to pass the time—they’re essential for breaking the ice, encouraging teamwork and ensuring no one feels left out. When tweens are engaged in the right activities, it helps them relax, socialize, and, most importantly, have fun. Choosing games that appeal to their developing sense of fun and creativity will guarantee that your party stands out.
Spin and Dare: A Fun Twist
Give the classic “Spin the Bottle” game a playful, age-appropriate twist. Instead of romantic dares, have your tween guests write down fun challenges on slips of paper and place them in a bowl. When the bottle points to someone, they must pick a challenge from the bowl and complete it. This is perfect for laughter and bonding, especially with friends who might not know each other well.
How to Elevate the Game:
- Set categories for the challenges: “Act it out,” “Sing or dance,” or “Do something silly.”
- Include a timer for added pressure—if someone doesn’t complete a challenge within the time limit, they get a fun penalty like wearing a silly hat for the next round.
Scavenger Hunt with a Twist
Scavenger hunts never go out of style, but for tweens, adding a bit of tech can make it even more exciting. Divide the group into teams and give each team a list of items they need to find. Instead of just collecting physical objects, include some tasks that require them to take photos or videos on their phones. For example, they could capture a picture of something red, a video of a teammate doing a silly dance, or a selfie with something unique in the background. The team with the most creative results wins.
Pro Tip:
- Add a “surprise” bonus item that’s tricky to find or requires teamwork to complete. For instance, “Take a group photo with everyone wearing a hat!” or “Find something that wasn’t on the list and impress the judges.”
Pass the Fruit (No Hands Allowed!)
This hilarious game will have tweens laughing nonstop! Give each player a piece of fruit—like an apple or orange—and have them form a line. The goal is to pass the fruit down the line without using their hands. Tweens will need to get creative and use their elbows, chins, or any part of their body except their hands to move the fruit to the next person. The first team to get the fruit to the end of the line wins!
How to Keep the Energy High:
- For extra fun, swap out the fruit for different items after each round, like a small balloon, a sponge, or even a rubber duck!
- Add a time limit to see which team can finish the fastest.
Who Am I? (Celebrity Edition)
This classic game is always a hit and it’s perfect for getting tweens to interact and laugh together. Write the names of popular celebrities or fictional characters on sticky notes and place one on each player’s forehead or back. The goal is for each player to figure out who they are by asking yes or no questions. For example, “Am I in a movie?” or “Do I sing?” The first player to correctly guess their identity wins!
How to Spice it Up:
- Introduce a time limit to make the game more fast-paced.
- Add a themed twist, such as only using characters from popular movies or current tween idols like YouTube stars or TikTok influencers.
Minute to Win It Challenges for Tweens
If your group of tweens loves fast-paced excitement, “Minute to Win It” games are a perfect choice. These games involve simple but tricky challenges that must be completed in 60 seconds or less. You can include a range of activities like stacking cups, moving cotton balls with a spoon, or bouncing ping pong balls into cups. Not only do these games encourage competition, but they’re also easy to set up and can be played in rounds with different players.
Popular Minute to Win It Challenges:
- Stack Attack: Players must stack a specific number of plastic cups into a pyramid within 60 seconds.
- Face the Cookie: Place a cookie on each player’s forehead and see who can move it into their mouth using only their facial muscles!
- Ping Pong Toss: Players bounce ping pong balls into cups from a distance, aiming to fill all the cups before time runs out.
Catch the Candy
This fun and competitive game is a surefire hit with tweens! Place a large bowl of colorful candy (like M&Ms or Skittles) in the center of the group. Each player gets a straw and a small cup. The goal is to transfer as many pieces of candy as possible from the bowl to their cup using only the straw—no hands allowed! The player with the most candy in their cup at the end wins a prize.
How to Make It More Challenging:
- Use smaller candies, like mini M&Ms or jelly beans, to increase the difficulty.
- Add a rule where players must keep their cups balanced on their heads while playing for an extra twist.
Two Truths and a Lie
This icebreaker is perfect for getting to know one another while having some lighthearted fun. Each guest takes turns sharing three statements about themselves—two that are true and one that is a lie. The others must guess which one is the lie. This game is especially great for parties with guests who might not know each other well, as it encourages conversation and helps build connections.
Variations:
- Make it themed! For example, if the party has a summer or adventure theme, encourage guests to tailor their truths and lies around travel or exciting experiences.
- Offer small prizes for the most convincing lies or funniest truths!
Balloon Pop Mayhem
This lively game combines action with laughter, making it a favorite among tweens. Give each player a balloon and tie it to their ankle with a short piece of string. The aim is to pop the balloons of other players while keeping their own intact. The last player with their balloon still inflated is the winner. Turn on some energetic music to make it even more exciting, giving the game a dance party vibe!
Tips for Extra Fun:
- To increase the difficulty, have the players hop on one foot or move only within a designated space.
- For added suspense, use glow-in-the-dark balloons or play in low light with glow sticks!
Wrap the Mummy
In this team-based game, split the guests into groups and give each group a roll of toilet paper or crepe paper streamers. One person from each group will be the “mummy,” and the others will work together to wrap them up from head to toe. The first team to completely wrap their mummy wins. This game is perfect for a Halloween-themed party or any event where you want to get everyone laughing.
How to Make It More Competitive:
- Set a timer to see which team can wrap their mummy the fastest.
- Award bonus points for creativity, such as adding accessories or creating “mummy poses.”
Face Cookie
This hilarious challenge will have everyone in stitches. Give each player a cookie (like an Oreo) and have them place it on their forehead. The objective is to move the cookie into their mouth using only their facial muscles—no hands allowed! The first person to successfully eat the cookie wins.
Extra Fun:
- Add a rule where players who drop the cookie must start over.
- Try this game in teams and add a relay element, where one player eats the cookie and then tags the next player to start.
Conclusion
Throwing a tween party doesn’t have to be stressful when you’ve got the right games lined up. These 43 fabulous party games are designed to keep tweens entertained, laughing and interacting with each other. Whether they’re battling it out in “Balloon Pop” or cracking up during “Face Cookie,” these games will ensure your party is a hit.
Don’t forget to mix in a variety of games to cater to different personalities—some tweens love fast-paced challenges, while others prefer creative or cooperative games. With this list, your tween’s party is guaranteed to be full of fun and excitement!
