Here are some of my favorite youth group games
Here are some of my favorite youth group games free downloadable .pdf. These are easy to do and always a hit with the kids. Of course they are not my original ideas. They are just games I’ve used and had fun with. I’m also including links to sources I have used for hundreds of other youth group games.
It’s great when you plan an activity that goes with your Sunday school lesson. Some of my Sunday school lessons have suggested Bible games with them. The activity’s with a spiritual purpose can help the kids recall the lesson for a long time. Sometimes, however, they just want to have fun. Youth group games and icebreakers build group relationships.
Of course you never know the mood your kids will be in when they arrive so it’s smart to have several youth group games and activities ready to go. Select a youth group game that best suits the kids who have shown up and how they’re feeling.
Games 2 by Youth Specialties
So what’s the Ideas Library? Simply the most complete collection of practical youth ministry programming ideas on this planet. The ideas books set the pace for 20th century youth ministry. And now they’re updated for 21st century youth groups reorganized from the inside out for busy youth workers who need the perfect idea, and need it now. This volume features nearly 400 games in several categories: Baseball and Kickball Games; Swimming Pool and Lake Games; Wide Games; Golf Games; Frisbee Games; and more!
Balloon Games for Youth Group:
Always keep a good stock of balloons. You can pull these out anytime.
One of the kids favorites is the “Balloon Stuff.” See Photo →
Buy two of the biggest long underwear shirts from your local sporting goods outlet (or use the link on the left). Have the kids blow up fifty to one hundred balloons. [Use the first kids to arrive to help with this chore or make it part of the game] Separate the kids into two groups (boys against the girls is usually fun). Suggest they put the smallest kid on each team in one of the massive shirts. Give the kids a set amount of time to stuff as many balloons into the shirt as possible. Count the balloons using a thumb-tack to pop them. Takes lots of pictures.
Another easy balloon game: Blow up a balloon for each kid. Tie the balloon to their ankle with about a foot of string. Start stomping. The last kid with balloon intact wins. Give prizes to the winning team.
Watery Balloon game: On one hot summer day I arrived at class with six buckets of water balloons. The kids could each throw one at me from a preset distance. Ya, they really wanted to do that. The hitch was that they had to line up perpendicular behind me to wait their turn. I got hit a few times but the kids waiting behind me got really wet. What a racket. Tons of fun. I use this as an activity with my lesson on Baptism.
Here is a link to The Source For Youth Ministry web site. Tons of free games, lesson plans and advice. Click on the Logo to visit their website:
More free games from youthgroupgames.com
Donut Gobble:
Get some fresh glazed donuts from your local bakery or grocery store. Tie a three foot piece of string to each one. Have the kids divide up into groups of two. One kid lays on the floor. The other stands at their feet dangling the donut over the mouth of the kids on the floor. The standing kid must stay toe-to-toe with the kid laying down and swing the donut into place. The goal is for the kids on the floor to eat the donut the fastest. Play the game twice so each kid gets a chance to eat the donut. Have some wet-wipes handy to clean up sticky faces. Have a nice prize for both winners.
On the Spot: No-Prep Games for Youth Ministry
By Group Publishing
With all the demands of youth ministry, you are certain to encounter times when you need a fun game but don’t have a lot of time to prepare. With this book you will always be ready. Inside you will find 20 no prep games. Each 15-minute game is easy to use and rarely requires any special supplies. Whenever your teenagers need to have some “fun in a flash,” you’ll be ready. A must-have resource for every youth leader! I use this all the time.
Baby Food Barf:
Buy four to six tiny bottles of baby food (make sure they’re all the same size bottles). Choose fairly good flavors like Banana, except for one. Add a real gagger flavor like Tapioca/meat. Put all the jars in a paper grocery sack and set in the middle of the group. Have an assistant play music while the kids pass a hat (or another object). When the music stops the kids holding the hat has to reach in the bag (without looking) and select a jar. With a clean spoon they must take a big swallow. Play for as long as they want. Play with the kids so you’re taking the same risk they are. More food fun.
Uncommon Games & Icebreakers–Book and CD-ROM
By Gospel Light
Youth workers can turn their youth groups into dynamic, exciting events that kids will actually look forward to with the great ideas found in Uncommon Games and Icebreakers. In this practical resources, leaders will find dozens of innovative, group-tested ideas for fun games and original icebreakers. To make prep time easier, along with full instructions, each activity has margin icons that give vital information, such as number of people needed, in/outdoor activity, time required etc. These fun activities can be used in any high school and junior high setting, including church groups, retreats, special events, etc., and they complement Burns’ Uncommon high school and junior high school study resources.
Duct Tape Stickup Youth Group Game
Duct Tape Stickup Youth Group Game
Separate kids into two teams. Hand each team a roll of duct tape and have them tape a kid to a table in a set amount of time. Stand the tables up to see if the kids stay stuck. Prop the kids in a corner and pretend to start the lesson time. Oh, the whining.
I read that NASA has stolen this idea to keep the astronauts in line if they flip out in space.
Ready-to-Go Youth Group Activities:
101 Games, Puzzles Quizzes, and Ideas for Busy Leaders
Ready to Go resources provide fully developed activity & event plans. These allow the youth leader to host youth events of substance & quality, with a minimal up-front time investment.
This book features 101 ready-to-go lessons that Youth Leaders can use in a Sunday School setting, in youth meetings, or retreats. It also contains meeting ideas and lessons that can be utilized quickly and effectively when the need arises.
Ready-To-Go resources are equipped with event themes that target contemporary issues teens face in the real world. These relevant messages are delivered with impact, through coordinated devotional plans, discussion frameworks, and captivating activities.
Another water balloon game: The Water Balloon Shave
Break into teams of 3 kids, giving each team a water balloon covered in shaving cream and a single-edge safety razor. One team-member (the victim) sits in a chair. The second team member (the holder) holds the balloon above the seated team-member’s head, while the third team-member gets to be “the shaver.” The goal, of course, is to be the first team to completely shave the balloon.
This is a messy youth group game, so be prepared! When a balloon breaks, and it will, you will have water and shaving cream everywhere.
For extra fun, make sure to add a little nick to each razor’s edge before hand. It’s a guaranteed blast!
Groupbuilder Games and Activities for Youth Ministry
By Group Publishing Inc / Group Publishing
Building unity among teenagers is as easy as Ready…Set…Go with this must-have resource packed with cool youth games and activities with a purpose. Unique and loads of fun, these games and activities will help tear down walls and build community in any group of teenagers. Unlike other game books on the market, it emphasizes teamwork to build a stronger group and to shape self-confidence in teenagers.
How to play games with middle schoolers
- Play with them. You must be part of the group and share the risk.
- Make it fast paced. Set it up fast. Explain it fast. Play it fast. Add the energy.
- Dress for the Mess. Have clean up tools ready.
Every youth leader has their favorite games. These are my favorite youth group games with web links and resources for thousands more. On my “Youth Group-Group Building” page I also offer tips on picking teams and building relationships through activities like games.
The Purpose of Games:
Sometimes we get stuck thinking that an activity or game has to have a deeper meaning or illustrate the Bible lesson. But that’s not always necessary.
Games don’t always need to be clever or high energy. Uno Attack (link in right sidebar) has always been a favorite in all of my Sunday School classes. It’s easy, low energy (for sleepy mornings), and allows kids to chat about their week. You can listen closely and ask questions to see how they’re feeling and what they need to know from the Bible for next weeks lesson.
