Awesome Icebreakers for Work, Adults, Teens & More

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Break the ice in small or big groups using these fun games & questions
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Hosting a work meeting, after-school program, or party? Nervous about whether or not things will be awkward? Well, worry no more because we’re here to help! Icebreakers are a great way to “break the ice” and help people get to know one another. These questions and games will have everyone laughing and bonding in no time! Check out the best icebreaker exercises below to find a fun way to kickstart your next meeting or group gathering.

Section 1 of 8:

Icebreaker Games for Work

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  1. 1
    Weather Check-In This goofy icebreaker game is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to check in with all players. Ask each player to describe how they’re feeling in terms of the weather. For example, “I’m feeling like it’s mostly cloudy skies, but a chance of precipitation is possible later this week” could mean, “I’m feeling happy today, but that may be different tomorrow.”
    • Number of players: 2 or more
    • Duration: 5 minutes
  2. 2
    Let’s Celebrate! This icebreaker acknowledges your colleagues’ success and helps you grow closer as a team. Start a meeting by asking everyone to go around and highlight a work accomplishment by someone else on the team. Valuable work will be recognized, and you’ll all get a chance to celebrate each other’s victories.
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
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  3. 3
    Roll the Dice This game is perfect for teams just getting to know each other! Make a numbered list of “get to know you” questions, like “What’s your dream vacation?” or “Do you have any pets?” Then, have each player roll dice. The number they roll is the question number they must answer. [1]
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
    • Game tip: Theme the questions around the meeting’s topic to be extra productive.
  4. 4
    Common Ground Divide the team up into even small groups. Then, have the groups talk amongst themselves to discover what they have in common. These can be interests, values, or experiences. Have the groups come back together and share their findings. [2]
    • Number of players: 10 or more
    • Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
  5. 5
    Role Reversal This icebreaker works best with smaller groups and is an excellent way to increase empathy in the workplace. Assign each player a company role that’s not their own. Then, provide a scenario they must solve. Have the group work through the problem with their new roles and then discuss the outcome. [3]
    • Number of players: 2 to 6
    • Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
  6. 6
    This or That This fun but simple game is a perfect way to get colleagues talking! Split the group into even pairs. Then, have each pair alternate between asking each other “This or That” questions. After a couple of minutes, switch partners. Continue the game until everyone has talked to each other.
    • For example, you may ask questions like “Breakfast or dinner?” “Cats or dogs?” or “Apples or pears?”
    • Number of players: 6 or more
    • Duration: 10 to 15 minutes
  7. 7
    One Common Thing Try this icebreaker game before a meeting to ease tension and get your team laughing! Go around the room and ask each person to name one thing they have in common with everyone else in the group—the more absurd, the better!
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 10 minutes
  8. 8
    Bowl of Questions This game is great for coworkers just getting to know each other. Write questions on pieces of paper and place them in a bowl (make sure there are the same number of questions as players). Ask everyone to grab a piece of paper from the bowl. Then, before your meeting, have everyone answer the question they chose.
    • Number of players: 3 or more
    • Duration: 10 to 15 minutes
  9. 9
    Important Item Ask players to bring in a special or important item to a scheduled meeting. Then, before the meeting starts, have them share their item with the group—think of it like show and tell. This game is perfect for already close-knit groups hoping to learn something more about each other. [4]
    • Number of players: 3 or more
    • Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
    • Game tip: Make the game even more interesting by having players anonymously put their items on a table and having everyone guess which item belongs to who.
  10. 10
    M&M’s Not only is this game fun to break the ice with, but it also gives your employees a delicious snack! At the start of a meeting, pass around a bag of M&M’s, asking everyone to take as many as they’d like but not to eat them yet. Then, once everyone has selected their candy, tell them to share as many things about themselves as M&M’s they took. [5]
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 10 to 15 minutes
    • Game tip: Designate a specific question topic to M&M’s colors.
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Section 2 of 8:

Icebreaker Games for Adults

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  1. 1
    Two Truths and a Lie Two Truths and a Lie is a classic icebreaker game that can be played with as little as 2 people. All you have to do is think of 3 statements about yourself, with 2 being truths and 1 being a lie. Then, the other members of the group have to guess which statement is the lie. [6]
    • Number of players: 2 or more
    • Duration: 15 to 20 minutes
    • Dating coach Laura Bilotta says this is one of the best icebreakers out there! She says it’s “always a fun way to get to know more about someone and will certainly break the ice.”
  2. 2
    Bag Introductions Have each member of the group pull out an object from their backpack, purse, briefcase, or whatever they carried with them. Then, ask them to explain what the object is and why it represents them. This is a fun and creative way to get to know others. [7]
    • Number of players: 2 or more
    • Duration: 5 to 15 minutes
    • Game tip: Try playing this with lockers if you're in a school or gym setting for team bonding.
  3. 3
    Personality Bingo This icebreaker game is perfect for large groups of people in any setting. First, create a bingo card with different traits, hobbies, and/or milestones in each box. Give each player a card. Then, have each player mingle with each other, signing at least one item on the card that applies to them. [8]
    • For example, the bingo cards may have statements like “has run a 5k,” “has a dog,” “has been on a cruise,” or “loves anime.”
    • Number of players: 10 or more
    • Duration: 20 to 30 minutes
  4. 4
    Who Am I? Write the names of well-known characters or celebrities on sticky notes and place them on the backs of each player. Then, have players mingle, asking other players questions to try and guess who they are. [9]
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 5 to 20 minutes
    • Game tip: Pick famous figures members of your team will know. For an easier version of the game, have one player be a character or celebrity at a time.
  5. 5
    The Marshmallow Challenge Divide the group into even pairs, giving each pair 20 sticks of dry spaghetti, 3 ft (0.91 m) of tape, 3 ft (0.91 m) of string, and 1 marshmallow. Each pair has 20 minutes to build the tallest structure they can with the materials. The only rule? The marshmallow must be on top. [10]
    • Number of players: 2 or more
    • Duration: 20 to 40 minutes
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Section 3 of 8:

Icebreaker Games for Teens

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  1. 1
    The Reporter Divide the group into groups of 2, assigning one player in each pair to be a reporter. Have the reporter interview the other player for a few minutes. Then, have them report their findings to the group. Have the players switch roles and repeat.
    • Number of players: 6 or more
    • Duration: 30 to 40 minutes
    • Game tip: Prepare a list of questions for each reporter to ask to keep the game more structured.
  2. 2
    Would You Rather A classic game of Would You Rather is an excellent way for smaller groups to get to know each other better. Simply take turns asking each other questions that start with “Would you rather…?” and discussing your answers. [11]
    • Try asking questions like “Would you rather be able to fly or breathe underwater?” or “Would you rather live in the past or future?”
    • Number of players: 2 or more
    • Duration: 10 to 20 minutes
  3. 3
    Guess Who Give each player a slip of paper and ask them to write something fun about themselves on it. Then, mix up the papers, choose one, and read it out loud. Now, the group has to guess which player the fun fact belongs to. Keep playing until every paper is read. [12]
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 20 to 30 minutes
  4. 4
    Jenga Questions Most people have played Jenga before, but this version has a bit of a twist. Before you build the Jenga tower, write or stick questions onto each block. Then, when you play the game, have each player answer the question of the block they pulled. [13]
    • Number of players: 2 to 6
    • Duration: 15 to 20 minutes
  5. 5
    Doodle Duel Derby Line up all players with their backs turned to a canvas. Have players go up to the canvas one at a time without the other players seeing what they’re drawing. Each player has 10 seconds to add something to the canvas. When every player has drawn, turn around and guess who drew what. [14]
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
    • Game tip: Pick a theme for your masterpiece before the first player draws.
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Section 4 of 8:

Icebreaker Games for Kids

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  1. 1
    Human Knot This hands-on icebreaker is perfect for energetic kids. Have everyone in the group stand in a cluster together and close their eyes. Then, ask them to reach out and grab someone’s hand. When they open their eyes, they have to figure out how to untangle themselves. [15]
    • Number of players: 7 to 16
    • Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
    • Warning: This game is physical, so ensure each player is comfortable being in close proximity with others before beginning.
  2. 2
    Rock Paper Scissors Tournament This icebreaker takes Rock Paper Scissors to a whole new level! Divide the group into initial groups of 2. Have the groups battle it out in Rock Paper Scissors. Then, have the winners of the first groups form another pairing and play again. Keep playing until there’s only one player left.
    • Number of players: 6 or more
    • Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
  3. 3
    Sound Ball Get kids moving and thinking with this active icebreaker game. Have the group form a circle. Then, ask them to toss a ball around the circle. The catch? The ball makes a silly noise that must be replicated with each throw. [16]
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
    • Game tip: Throw in more balls with different sound effects to make the game more challenging. For even more of a challenge, play with an imaginary ball.
  4. 4
    Invisible Show and Tell Ask players to think of an imaginary object. Then, have them “show” the invisible thing to the class. They can describe the object or use their hands to animate it. Have the player continue showing their object until another player guesses it. [17]
    • Number of players: 3 or more
    • Duration: 10 to 20 minutes
    • Game tip: Create a theme for the game, like “things you can eat” or “things you can find in the zoo.”
  5. 5
    Special Snowflakes Hand each player a paper snowflake and a writing utensil. Have players walk around the room with their snowflakes and talk to one another. Each player must write one compliment on every player’s snowflake. [18]
    • Number of players: 10 or more
    • Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
    • Game tip: Have the kids make their own paper snowflakes for added fun!
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Section 5 of 8:

Quick 5-Minute Icebreaker Games

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  1. 1
    One Word at a Time This game is fun and simple, making it perfect for a quick icebreaker before an event or meeting! Have the group sit in a circle. Then, give everyone a general topic and go around the circle saying one word. The goal is to create a random sentence one word at a time.
    • Number of players: 4 to 8
    • Duration: 5 minutes
    • Game tip: Keep the game going if you have extra time by turning the sentence into 2, 3, or more sentences to create a story. [19]
  2. 2
    Name Game This quick game is perfect for groups that don’t know each other’s names yet. Have everyone sit in a circle. Ask one player to say their name, and then the next player to say their name and the first person’s name. Continue around the circle until everyone’s able to repeat every player’s name correctly.
    • Number of players: 10 to 20
    • Duration: 5 minutes
  3. 3
    Stand Up, Sit Down This icebreaker is great for all ages. Simply prepare a list of questions following the format “Have you ever…?” Then, have all players sit down. Ask the group a question. If they have done what was asked, they stand up. If they haven’t, they stay seated. [20]
    • Your questions could be something like, “Have you ever met a celebrity?” “Have you ever been to another country?” or “Have you ever seen a play?”
    • Number of players: 10 or more
    • Duration: 5 minutes
    • Game tip: Cater your questions to your group, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
  4. 4
    Line Up This game is ideal for younger players, but it can also work with older players as well. Simply yell out a category of appearance to the group, such as height, hair color, or eye color. Then, have the group line up according to the category, working together to get the line as accurately as possible. [21]
    • For instance, you might yell out, “Shortest to tallest!”
    • Number of players: 10 or more
    • Duration: 5 minutes
    • Game tip: Make the game even harder with the rule that players can’t talk to each other.
  5. 5
    One Word Pick a word that describes your group or why you’re meeting. Then, share the word with the group and ask every player to choose another word that relates to it. Have everyone share and discuss their words. [22]
    • For example, you might choose the initial word “brainstorm” if you’re gathering for a meeting to discuss new company tactics.
    • Number of players: 5 or more
    • Duration: 5 minutes
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Section 6 of 8:

The Best Icebreaker Questions

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  1. 1
    Get to know others with funny and unique questions. Whether you’re meeting your teammates, coworkers, or classmates for the first time, these questions are sure to ease the tension and make everyone feel more comfortable! Try asking one or more of these questions to learn something new about anyone: [23]
    • Are you a lemon or lime?
    • What would be your DJ name?
    • If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
    • If you were invisible, what would you do first?
    • What’s a weird fact about you?
    • What’s your favorite joke?
    • If your pet could talk, what would they say?
    • What 3 items would you bring on a deserted island?
    • If you could sleep anywhere in the world, where would it be?
    • What’s your go-to karaoke song?
    • What animal best represents your personality?
    • If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    • If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be and why?
    • Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?
  2. 2
    Ask thought-provoking questions for a deeper conversation. Get a lively and philosophical conversation started with questions that make people think. These questions are perfect for pals you already know or soon-to-be coworkers or teammates:
    • What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
    • What day in your life would you want to relive?
    • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
    • What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?
    • What celebrity would you invite over for dinner?
    • What is your product achievement?
    • What are 5 things that make you happy?
    • What would you do if you couldn’t fail?
    • Where do you find inspiration?
    • If you could know the answer to any question, what would it be?
  3. 3
    Opt for casual or inspiring questions for adults. When trying to break the ice with an adult, stick with your gut! Ask a casual or thoughtful question that can strike up a bigger conversation. Here are some examples:
    • Where did you grow up?
    • Would you rather always be 20 minutes early or 2 hours late?
    • What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
    • What’s your favorite rainy-day activity?
    • What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
    • What’s your favorite life hack?
    • What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen lately?
    • What is something you can’t cook?
    • What skill do you think everyone should have?
  4. 4
    Keep it fun and relaxed when chatting with teens. If you want to break the ice with a teenager, center your question around something they might like. Showing an interest in their interests is a great way to help them open up.
    • What’s your favorite condiment?
    • What fictional world or place would you like to visit?
    • If you could see one movie for the first time, what would it be and why?
    • What instrument would you play in a band?
    • What TV show do you love to binge?
    • What’s the best movie you’ve ever seen?
    • What celebrity would you like to meet?
    • What’s your favorite hobby?
    • If you had a time machine, where would you go?
  5. 5
    Opt for fun and creative questions with kids. Most children have no filter—use that to your advantage! Ask them questions about their favorite things, hobbies, and aspirations, or get them thinking with a fun scenario. The more creative and silly the question, the better!
    • What do you want to be when you grow up?
    • Would you rather be a whale or a shark?
    • What’s your favorite dessert?
    • If you could invent an ice cream flavor, what would it be?
    • A genie grants you a wish. What do you wish for?
    • Do you have any brothers or sisters?
    • What’s your favorite animal?
    • What is something you love doing?
    • What is your favorite movie?
  6. 6
    Focus your question on a nearby holiday. If a holiday is just around the corner, center a question around it for a quick and casual icebreaker idea. These questions are great for adults, kids, and anyone in between! Plus, they can be used in a casual or business setting.
    • What’s your favorite season?
    • What’s your favorite holiday?
    • What’s your favorite comfort meal?
    • What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
    • What’s your favorite holiday movie?
    • What’s your favorite holiday song?
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Section 7 of 8:

How to Break the Ice

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  1. 1
    Actively listen. When you ask a question, listen to what the other person has to say. Show that you’re listening by nodding your head and asking insightful follow-up questions. Not only does this show you’re paying attention, but it can also help strike up a deeper conversation.
  2. 2
    Make time for an icebreaker. When you’re in a school or corporate setting, schedule time before an activity or meeting for people to get to know each other. This way, people won’t be rushing to ask questions, play an icebreaker game, or have a conversation. [24]
    • We suggest scheduling at least 30 minutes for an icebreaker.
  3. 3
    Choose an icebreaker that’s appropriate. Pick games or questions that match the group you’re working with for the best results. For instance, if you’re working with kids, choose a game or question that matches their interests and patience level. [25]
  4. 4
    Let everyone participate. The point of icebreakers is to get to know others, so don’t leave anyone out! Make sure the game or question you choose involves everyone in the group.
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Section 8 of 8:

Why are icebreakers important?

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  1. Icebreakers are important because they help build connections. No matter what group you’re working with, icebreakers can help people connect. Icebreakers build trust and a sense of community while cultivating a supportive environment. Along with this, they also: [26]
    • Establish familiarity.
    • Promote social engagement.
    • Encourage self-discovery.
    • Encourage honest communication.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ultimatescouts.com/8-creative-icebreaker-games-for-kids-with-easy-printable-activities/
      2. ↑ https://www.vantagecircle.com/en/blog/ice-breaker-games-for-work/
      3. ↑ https://www.vantagecircle.com/en/blog/ice-breaker-games-for-work/
      4. ↑ https://wayne.edu/learning-communities/pdf/icebreakers-teambuilders.pdf
      5. ↑ https://wayne.edu/learning-communities/pdf/icebreakers-teambuilders.pdf
      6. ↑ https://blog.heyhi.sg/fun-and-engaging-icebreaker-game-for-kids/
      7. ↑ https://wayne.edu/learning-communities/pdf/icebreakers-teambuilders.pdf
      8. ↑ https://teambuilding.com/blog/icebreaker-games
      9. ↑ https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/8-interesting-icebreaker-games-for-kids/
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      2. ↑ https://teambuilding.com/blog/icebreaker-games
      3. ↑ https://teambuilding.com/blog/icebreaker-games
      4. ↑ https://teambuilding.com/blog/icebreaker-games
      5. ↑ https://teambuilding.com/blog/icebreaker-games
      6. ↑ https://wayne.edu/learning-communities/pdf/icebreakers-teambuilders.pdf
      7. ↑ https://wayne.edu/learning-communities/pdf/icebreakers-teambuilders.pdf
      8. ↑ https://teambuilding.com/blog/icebreaker-games
      9. ↑ https://teambuilding.com/blog/icebreaker-games
      10. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a45303767/icebreaker-games-family-friends/
      11. ↑ https://www.weareteachers.com/active-icebreakers/
      12. ↑ https://www.makevenues.co.uk/news/all-venue-news/15-icebreaker-games-for-small-groups
      13. ↑ https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/icebreaker-games-for-work
      14. ↑ https://www.mtu.edu/student-leadership/student-orgs/rso-resources/virtual-resources/fun-icebreaking-questions.pdf
      15. ↑ https://drexel.edu/graduatecollege/professional-development/blog/2018/July/The-3-benefits-of-ising-ice-breakers/
      16. ↑ https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/8-interesting-icebreaker-games-for-kids/
      17. ↑ https://www.goucher.edu/experience/getting-involved/leadership/documents/Team-Building.pdf

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