25 Epic Party Games for Adults That Don’t Involve Drinking
Ever been stuck at a party, juggling a snack and a soda, wondering when adult games got so boozy?
I hear you.
Let’s peruse the top party games for adults that ditch the booze but keep the laughs.
Whether you’re throwing a sober shindig or just want to skip the hangover, these games promise a night to remember—without the spirits.
Let’s get started, shall we?
1. Exquisite Corpse
Objective: As a group, put together a bizarre drawing by having players add to it section-by-section without seeing previous contributions.
Materials: Paper, drawing utensils, folding instructions
Setup: Fold paper into equal sections (e.g. head, torso, legs). Number of sections = number of players.
Gameplay: Player 1 draws just the head section and folds over. Player 2 draws torso based on neck lines, folds. Continue until complete body is drawn section-by-section. Then unfold!
Here’s a link to some instructions for how to do the foldings for Exquisite corpse.
2. Taboo
Objective: Get your team to correctly guess as many words/phrases as possible without saying the “taboo” words listed.
Materials: Taboo game cards, timer, scorepad
Setup: Split into two teams. One player per team is the “clue giver” for each round, drawing cards from the deck.
Gameplay: Clue giver describes the word on the card using phrases, synonyms, etc. – but NOT the word itself or the taboo words listed. Team tries to guess the word before the timer runs out.
Want More?
If you’re craving even more awesome party games, check out my MEGA GUIDE to party games: 101 Epic Party Game Ideas to Energize Any Gathering (Easy & Fun) You’ll find a great selection of epic games to take your next get-together to the next level.
3. Spoons
Objective: Be the fastest to grab a spoon when someone collects 4-of-a-kind in their hand.
Materials: Deck of cards, spoons (one fewer than the number of players)
Setup: Deal 4 cards to each player. Place spoons in the center, within reach of everyone.
Gameplay: Players pass one card at a time clockwise, aiming to collect 4-of-a-kind. When someone gets it, they grab a spoon. Then it’s a mad dash for everyone else to grab the remaining spoons. Whoever doesn’t get a spoon is out/scores a point.
“One time I got so excited when I grabbed a spoon that I may have accidentally flung it across the table…luckily it was plastic!” – Aquita, Fun Party Tips
4. Left Center Right Dice Game
Objective: Be the last player with any tokens/chips remaining.
Materials: 3 dice (with L/C/R or dots), tokens/chips
Setup: Give each player 3 tokens to start. Roll to determine who goes first.
Gameplay: On your turn, roll all 3 dice. Pass tokens left, right or to the center based on L/C/R rolled. If dots, nothing happens. Play continues clockwise. When center pool has at least one token from every player, it gets claimed by the roller.
If you want to learn more about how this game is played – including creative twists to make it even more fun – check out my post: The Left Center Right Dice Game = Easy, Fun Epic Game Nights
5. Charades
Objective: Guess the word or phrase being acted out by your teammates without any spoken clues.
Materials: A bowl, slips of paper with pre-written words or phrases.
Setup: Divide everyone into teams, write down words/phrases on slips of paper and toss them into a bowl.
Gameplay: Players take turns drawing a slip from the bowl and acting out the word or phrase silently, while their team guesses within a set time limit.
Variations:
- Movie Night: Act out only movie titles.
- Reverse Charades: One person guesses while the rest of the team acts.
- Prop Charades: Use random objects around the room in your acts.
- Soundtrack Charades: Hum a song related to the word instead of acting.
- Freeze Frame: The actor freezes in a pose while the team guesses.
Ever had a game night where the only thing organized was the chaos? Same.
This Facebook group is like that one drawer full of random stuff in your kitchen; it’s a bit of everything and somehow EXACTLY what you need. Dive into the treasure trove of laughs, printable games and tips for moms who wish “winging it with style” was a recognized party planning strategy.
6. Truth or Dare Jenga
Objective: Avoid collapsing the tower while performing truth or dares.
Materials: Jenga set with truths and dares written on each block.
Setup: Write truths and dares on the Jenga blocks and build the tower.
Gameplay: Players take turns removing one block from the tower and must complete the task written on it. If the tower falls during your turn, you face a penalty challenge.
Variations:
- Role Reversal: If you pull a ‘Truth,’ do a ‘Dare’ and vice versa.
- Double Trouble: Pull two blocks each turn.
- Ultimate Risk: Add a few blocks that have major consequences or bigger dares.
- Team Play: Work in teams to decide which block to move.
- Silent Tower: No talking allowed during the game.
7. Who Am I?
Objective: Figure out the identity written on your forehead by asking yes-or-no questions.
Materials: Sticky notes or cards, a pen.
Setup: Write names of famous people, characters, or animals on sticky notes. Each player sticks one on their forehead without looking.
Gameplay: Take turns asking questions that can only be answered with “yes” or “no” to guess your identity. Keep going until you guess right or give up!
Ask broad questions to narrow down categories quickly—like “Am I alive?” Saved me from guessing I was Elvis way longer than I should have!
8. Blind Drawing
Objective: Draw an object or scenario based on a prompt while blindfolded.
Materials: Blindfolds, paper, drawing tools.
Setup: Prepare a list of prompts and get drawing materials ready.
Gameplay: Blindfold a player, give them a prompt, and let them draw while the others guess what it’s supposed to be. Swap turns after each drawing.
Variations:
- Theme Nights: Choose a theme, like underwater or space, for all the drawings.
- Chain Drawings: Each player adds to the drawing without seeing the previous contributions.
- Guess Who: Draw a celebrity or friend, and others guess.
- Pictionary Plus: Incorporate Pictionary rules but keep the blindfolds.
- Reverse Drawing: Draw on the back of the person guessing, who then has to figure out the picture.
Here’s a table with 40 drawing prompts for the game, divided into 4 categories:
If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, put your finger on the table below and swipe to the left (or right) to see the full table.
| Animals | Objects | Scenarios | Abstract |
|---|---|---|---|
| A giraffe riding a unicycle | A hot air balloon shaped like a teapot | A beach party with dancing crabs | Happiness in the form of a shape |
| A penguin sunbathing on an iceberg | A guitar with wings | A medieval castle under siege by dragons | The sound of laughter as a pattern |
| A lion wearing a top hat and monocle | A clock with legs instead of hands | A traffic jam with cars replaced by animals | The taste of your favorite food as a texture |
| An elephant playing a trumpet | A house made of candy | A circus performance in outer space | The feeling of accomplishment as a symbol |
| A monkey riding a segway | A book that opens into a portal | A farm where vegetables are the farmers | The concept of time as an image |
| A koala bear doing yoga | A chair with arms and legs | A city skyline made of musical instruments | The idea of friendship in a geometric form |
| A hippo wearing a tutu and dancing ballet | A tree with lightbulbs instead of leaves | A classroom where the students are robots | The sensation of a cool breeze on a hot day |
| A snake charming itself | A car with square wheels | A restaurant where the food eats the customers | The feeling of déjà vu in a picture |
| A platypus wearing a tuxedo | A bicycle with an umbrella instead of handlebars | A library where the books are alive | The concept of chaos as an organized image |
| A flamingo playing basketball | A shoes with teeth | A construction site run by ants | The sound of silence visualized |
9. The Bowl Game
Objective: Keep your identity secret while guessing who wrote which fun facts about themselves.
Materials: A bowl, paper strips, pens, and optional candy for scoring.
Setup: Everyone writes two unique but true facts about themselves on separate strips of paper (no names!), folds them, and puts them in the bowl.
Gameplay: Someone draws a strip, reads it aloud, and everyone else guesses who they think wrote it, going around the circle. The person whose fact it is stays quiet with a poker face. If no one guesses correctly, that person earns points. The game continues with the next person drawing a fact.
10. Mafia Party Game
Objective: Whether you’re a Mafia member, Detective, or Innocent Villager, your goal is to survive and fulfill your role. Mafia members try to secretly eliminate the villagers, detectives work to expose the mafia, and villagers need to figure out who the mafia members are before it’s too late.
Materials: A deck of cards to assign roles, and a good space where everyone can sit in a circle.
Setup: Choose one person to be the moderator who runs the game and knows everyone’s roles. Use cards to secretly assign roles: red for mafia, black for villagers, and one ace for the detective.
Gameplay: The game cycles through “night” and “day” phases. At “night”, mafia secretly choose a victim to eliminate, while the detective guesses a mafia member. During the “day”, survivors discuss and vote on who they suspect is mafia, and that person is eliminated. The game ends when all mafia are found or outnumber the villagers.
As mafia, blend in. As a villager, pay close attention to how people react during discussions. One time, I accidentally defended someone too passionately and got myself voted out.
11. Minute to Win It Games
Objective: Complete quirky, fast-paced challenges in under a minute to win points or prizes.
Materials: Household items like pennies, cups, feathers, candies, cookies, and a timer.
Setup: Set up stations for each challenge with all necessary materials and instructions.
Gameplay: Players attempt to complete each challenge within one minute. Challenges range from stacking items to moving objects with precision. Score points based on success or time taken to complete tasks.
12. Twister
Objective: Place your hands and feet on the correct colored circles as directed by the spinner, while maintaining your balance and avoiding falling.
Materials: Twister mat, Twister spinner, 2-4 players
Setup: Lay out the Twister mat on a flat surface and place the spinner nearby.
Gameplay:
- Players take turns spinning the spinner and following its instructions.
- Each player must place their hand or foot on the corresponding colored circle.
- As the game progresses, players become increasingly tangled, making it harder to maintain balance.
Want More?
If you want to try another really fun game that’s part Taboo, part Charades, and part Password, give the Fishbowl Game a try.
13. Blind Balloon Game
Objective: Be the player who collects the most balloons while blindfolded within the time limit.
Materials: Blindfold, balloons, large sack/basket
Setup: Have everyone stand in a circle with the blindfolded player in the center. Place the sack nearby.
Gameplay: Once the blindfolded player starts spinning, everyone throws their balloons into the circle. The blindfolded player has to find and collect as many balloons as possible into the sack within the time limit. The other players can shout directions to guide them.
Variations:
- Use different sized balloons for an added challenge
- Have multiple blindfolded players competing at once
- Let players throw soft toys instead of balloons
- Play music and have the blindfolded player follow the sound
- Make it a team game with players taking turns being blindfolded
14. Stealth Stickers
Objective: Secretly stick as many of your stickers on other players as possible without getting caught.
Materials: Unique sticker pages for each player, poster board
Setup: Give each player their sticker page and have them place one sticker on the poster board next to their name.
Gameplay: Players try to sneak up and stick their stickers on others without being noticed. If caught, the sticker goes back on the board. Any unstuck stickers on players get tallied at the end.
If you want to give people a break from focusing on not getting stuck with stickers, designate a “safe zone” or two where people can’t be stuck.
15. Tenzi
Objective: Be the first player to get all 10 of your dice showing the same number.
Materials: 10 dice per player, all in different colors
Setup: Give each player their set of 10 same-colored dice.
Gameplay: All players roll their dice simultaneously. Keep rolling the dice that don’t match the number you’re going for, trying to get all 10 to land on the same number as quickly as possible.
The first player to get all 10 matching shouts “Tenzi!” and wins that round. If you want to learn more, check out my in-depth article on all things Tenzi right here.
16. Two Truths and a Lie
Objective: Stump the other players by mixing two truthful statements about yourself with one lie. Correctly identify others’ lies.
Materials: None needed!
Setup: Have all players sit in a circle or group.
Gameplay: On your turn, state two truths and one lie about yourself. The other players then discuss and vote on which statement they think is the lie. After votes are in, reveal which one was the lie. If players guess correctly, you’re out. If not, the game continues with the next player stating their truths and lie.
16. Two Truths and a Lie
Objective: Stump the other players by mixing two truthful statements about yourself with one lie. Correctly identify others’ lies.
Materials: None needed!
Setup: Have all players sit in a circle or group.
Gameplay: On your turn, state two truths and one lie about yourself. The other players then discuss and vote on which statement they think is the lie. After votes are in, reveal which one was the lie. If players guess correctly, you’re out. If not, the game continues with the next player stating their truths and lie.
18. Booze-less Beer Pong (a.k.a. Soda Pong)
Objective: Be the first team to eliminate all of your opponent’s cups by landing ping pong balls in them.
Materials: Plastic cups, ping pong balls, table, non-alcoholic beverages to fill cups
Setup: Arrange cups in a triangle formation at each end of the table. Fill cups with water or another beverage.
Gameplay: Teams take turns throwing ping pong balls, attempting to land them in their opponents’ cups. Any cup that gets a ball lands in it is removed from the table. First team to clear the other side’s cups wins.
If you want to make this harder, add obstacles or defenses around cups, like cereal boxes or stuffed animals. Get creative! You could always require boucnhing balls off the table to score, too.
Variations:
- Flip Cup – Chug cup after landing ball, then flip cup
- Battleship – Assign grid coordinates to cup locations
- Dizzy Pong – Spin around before each throw
- Tic-Tac-Toe Pong – Arrange cups in a grid, get 3 in a row
- Around the World – Set up cups in an oval pattern
19. Bunco
Objective: Roll certain dice combinations to score points and win the round/game.
Materials: 3 dice per group, scoresheets, tables/chairs
Setup: Split into groups of 4 seated at tables. Each group has their own dice and scoresheet.
Gameplay: Each round has a target number that players try to roll a certain number of times on their 3 dice. Points are scored based on the number of “matches” rolled. Play continues through multiple rounds, keeping a running total.
20. Cards Against Humanity
Objective: Create the funniest/most outrageous response using the prompt card and answer cards.
Materials: Cards Against Humanity game deck
Setup: Divide white answer cards among players, leave black prompt cards in the middle.
Gameplay: One player reads the prompt card, others choose answers from their hand to create the funniest response. The prompt reader picks their favorite answer, that player scores a point. Rotate prompt reader each round.
Variations:
- Acted Responses – Act out your answer instead of reading it
- Rhyming Responses – Answers must rhyme with the prompt
- Timed Rounds – Everyone answers simultaneously under time pressure
- Betting Answers – Wager cards or points on who you think will win
- Write Your Own – Create your own prompts and answers
21. Printable Escape Room
Objective: Solve a series of puzzles and riddles to “escape” from a themed scenario within a set time limit.
Materials: Printed escape room kit with puzzles, clues, locks, etc.
Setup: Print out all the materials from the escape room file. Set up the room by hiding clues and locking certain items per the instructions.
Gameplay: Split into teams and start the countdown timer. Teams must work together, following the narrative clues to solve each puzzle in sequence. Cracking codes and using solved items will unlock new areas and bring you closer to “escaping.”
22. Ghosts in the Graveyard
Objective: Avoid being spotted and caught by the “ghost” player using only a flashlight.
Materials: Flashlight, dark playing area
Setup: Designate one player as the “ghost” holding the flashlight. Have all other players spread out and hide.
Gameplay: The ghost shines the flashlight around, trying to spot and tag the hiding players. Any hiders seen by the flashlight beam are out. Last player uncaught wins and becomes the new ghost.
Variations:
- Freeze Ghost – Hiders can freeze in place to go unseen
- Multi-Ghost – Allow multiple ghosts to coordinate
- Zombie Ghost – Ghost can only “unfreeze” by tagging hiders
- Hider Rotations – Hiders switch spots periodically
- Daytime Ghosts – Play in bright, open areas for added challenge
23. Scavenger Hunt
Objective: Be the first team to complete all the challenges or find the most items on the scavenger hunt list within the given time.
Materials: Pen/paper for lists, props/clues (depending on variation), timer
Setup: Create teams and provide each with a list of items to find, photos to take, challenges to complete, etc. Set clear boundaries and a time limit.
Gameplay: Teams race to check off as many items/challenges as possible by searching the area, taking photos, or completing tasks. Regroup after time is up to tally points.
Variations:
- Photo Scavenger Hunt – All challenges require taking themed photos
- Grocery Scavenger Hunt – Find weird/punny food items in a store
- Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt – Explore your community, talk to locals
- Virtual Scavenger Hunt – Search online for random items/facts
- Road Trip Scavenger Hunt –
Ever had a game night where the only thing organized was the chaos? Same.
This Facebook group is like that one drawer full of random stuff in your kitchen; it’s a bit of everything and somehow EXACTLY what you need. Dive into the treasure trove of laughs, printable games and tips for moms who wish “winging it with style” was a recognized party planning strategy.
24. Pictionary with a Twist
Objective: To draw phrases while your teammates try to guess them correctly, all while holding back laughter.
Materials: Paper and pencils/markers, a bowl or hat to draw words from
Setup: Create a deck of cards with prompts and phrases. You can use the table below or make up your own. Split into teams and decide on a point system.
Gameplay: Teams take turns drawing words/phrases from the bowl. The artist has a time limit to draw their clue on paper while teammates guess away. No words, letters, or gestures allowed – just pure artistic talent (or lack thereof)! Correct guesses score points.
If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, put your finger on the table below and swipe to the left (or right) to see the full table.
| Category: Unlikely Superheroes | Category: Awkward Inventions | Category: Bizarre Holidays | Category: Strange Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Captain Underpants | 1. Solar-powered flashlight | 1. National Lost Sock Memorial Day | 1. Underwater Basket Weaving |
| 2. The Incredible Sulk | 2. Inflatable dartboard | 2. World Juggling Day | 2. Extreme Ironing |
| 3. Elastic Waistband Warrior | 3. Battery-powered battery charger | 3. International Talk Like a Pirate Day | 3. Cheese Rolling |
| 4. Mister Invisible (who can’t hide) | 4. Waterproof sponge | 4. Answer The Phone Like Buddy The Elf Day | 4. Toe Wrestling |
| 5. Super Salad Man | 5. Ejector seat for helicopters | 5. Festivus | 5. Octopus Wrestling |
| 6. The Human Whisper | 6. Pet Rock | 6. National Nothing Day | 6. Lawn Mower Racing |
| 7. Napkin Man | 7. Left-handed screwdriver | 7. World Sleep Day | 7. Competitive Spooning |
| 8. Squirrel Girl and Chipmunk Boy | 8. Fireproof matches | 8. International Caps Lock Day | 8. Mud Olympics |
| 9. Disco Ninja | 9. Glow-in-the-dark sunglasses | 9. Global Belly Laugh Day | 9. Blindfolded Chess Boxing |
| 10. The Amazing Fork Thrower | 10. Bluetooth-enabled candle | 10. Yell “Fudge” at the Cobras Day | 10. Unicycle Hockey |
25. Telephone
Objective: To pass a phrase around the circle by whispering it person-to-person and see how hilariously garbled it becomes.
Materials: Just yourselves!
Setup: Get in a circle or line formation. Decide who starts with the first phrase.
Gameplay: The first player whispers a phrase or sentence into the next person’s ear. That person then whispers what they heard to the next, and so on around the circle. The last person says the phrase out loud to compare it to the original. Cue the laughter!
Here’s some phrases you can use:
- Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear, fuzzy wuzzy had no hair
- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream
- She sells seashells by the seashore
- How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
- I’m a little teapot short and stout
- Denise sees the fleece, Denise sees the fleas
- Red leather, yellow leather
- I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen
- Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?
- I like Spike better than Mike
- I have a photographic memory but I lost the negatives
- Hold the newsreader’s nose squarely, wag the bright topknot
- I’m not a pheasant plucker, I’m a pheasant plucker’s mate
- Imagine an imaginary menagerie manager managing an imaginary menagerie
- I thought I thought of thinking thoughts, but the thoughts I thought weren’t the thoughts I thought I thought
- Freshly fried fresh flesh of fickle frilled fresh fish
- I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wicked wish I wish, I won’t wish the wish you wish to wish
- I slit the sheet, the sheet I slit, and on the slitted sheet I sit
- How many yokes could a yoke bloke joke if a yoke bloke could joke yokes?
Tips for Hosting Parties…and Game Nights
Planning a non-drinking game night or party that’s both fun and relaxed doesn’t have to be a challenge.
Follow these to turn your living space into the ultimate venue for a night of alcohol-free games. Check it out.
- Space: Before the party starts, make some room! Move any big furniture that might get in the way. You want everyone to move easily, especially around the snack area. Set up different spots for each type of game – one for quiet games like cards, another for active games that need more space.
- Lighting: Keep the lights bright enough so nobody trips over, but not so bright that it feels like daytime. Soft, warm lighting is perfect to help everyone feel relaxed and cozy.
- Variety of Games: Mix it up with different kinds of games to keep things interesting. Throw in some active games like Twister, some thinking games like Mafia, and some quick, fun ones like Pictionary. This way, there’s something for everyone, no matter what mood they’re in.
- Flexibility: Have a plan for which games to play, but don’t stick to it too strictly. Maybe everyone is really enjoying a particular game, or maybe a planned game isn’t hitting the mark. Be ready to change things up based on how everyone is feeling.
- Snacks: Go for simple snacks that aren’t messy. Finger foods are great because they’re easy to grab without stopping the fun. Think chips, cut veggies, small sandwiches, and other easy-to-handle foods.
- Essentials: Play some upbeat music to keep the energy up, have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks on hand to keep everyone refreshed, and don’t forget your camera to capture the fun moments!
Setting up like this can help make sure your game night is a hit, with everyone having a great time.