20 Fun Adult Party Activities (That Aren't the Same Old Bar Routine) (2024)

20 Fun Adult Party Activities (That Aren't the Same Old Bar Routine) (1)

When it comes to adults-only socializing, bars are the culturally ingrained setting (think Cheers and How I Met Your Mother). But a social life that revolves around the standard nightlife scene can get a bit boring. Looking to shake things up? Instead of meeting your friends for drinks, consider planning a themed party or other fun activities.

Before you let out an audible gasp, think about how amusing it would be to have your friends show up in '90s gear for a dance party featuring hits from the decade, or to have guests scattered around your neighborhood looking for clues during a scavenger hunt. Not only will these get-togethers be memorable, but you'll likely learn more about your group's dynamics than you would waiting for the next round of overpriced co*cktails to arrive.

Here's our list of 20 fun party activities to spark your creativity:

01of 20

Have a Themed Dance-Off

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Choose a decade, whether it's the '60s or the '90s, and create a playlist of hit songs from the era. Tell your friends to show up dressed in clothes from that time period, and have a dance party using historically accurate moves. For instance, if you choose the '60s, make sure everyone does "The Twist."

02of 20

Plan an At-Home Trivia Night

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Invite enough people for designated teamsand then have someone MC the trivia. If you're a close group of friends, mix in questions that are inside jokes. For example, "What's Stephanie's biggest fear?" Keep your standard bar food in the mix, like pizza, for a fun night.

03of 20

Opt for Board Games

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If you like nostalgic party activities, invite a small group of friends over to play classic board games likeSorry!andLife. Make sure the competition stays light and keep an eye out for any cheaters!

04of 20

Turn Your Place Into a Casino

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Bring the fun of blackjack or roulette to your living room by hiring a service that sets up the games—and the professional dealers—to your home. It's also fun to ask guests to show up in their snazzy Las Vegas bestand to play some Sinatra while you're at it.

05of 20

Party Activities on a Budget? Play Charades

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There's something endlessly entertaining about watching loved ones silently act out famous people, movies, and books during a fun game of charades. Make sure to choose examples that everyone knows.

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Put on a Scavenger Hunt

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While it's easy to set up clues for things in your home, it would be even more memorable if you created a scavenger hunt that covers a neighborhood. Break off into pairs and see who collects all of the items first.

07of 20

Throw a Pizza- or Cheeseboard-Making Party

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Buy enough ready-made pizza dough for each guest, and set out a range of traditional toppings—and unexpected toppings like peaches or fennel—for an interactive party activity. Or have each guest make a cheeseboard, laying out an assortment of cheeses, meat, fruits and veggies to choose from. The person who creates the tastiest pizza or charcuterie board earns bragging rights.

The folks at Real California Milk recommend creating a cheeseboard to share: Opt for asweet and savorycheese board, or one that'sspicy, fresh, and fruity.

08of 20

Ask Everyone to Bring Their 'Signature Dish'

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This idea is a twist on the standard potluck. Ask your friends to whip up the dish they're most comfortable makingand have them bring it to the party for a feast of favorites. Be sure to get a list ahead of time so you can fill in any gaps, too.

09of 20

Gather 'Round a Bonfire

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If you have an outdoor space, set up a bonfire for friends to lounge around during a low-key, cozy party. Bring blankets and s'mores outside for the occasion, too.

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Plan a Picnic

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Alfresco party activities are perfect for a weekend afternoon. Ask friends to bring an assortment of brunch items for a fresh-air twist on your typical brunch order. Just don't forget the sunscreen for your outdoor party guests.

11of 20

Set Up a DIY Bar

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Instead of stressing about makingco*cktailsfor all of your guests, set up a bar that allows them to mix their own drinks. Make sure the bar has everything a mixologist would need—a co*cktail shaker, fresh citrus, and glassware—and it's sure to stand out.

12of 20

Throw an Ice Cream Social

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If you'd rather throw a booze-free party, coordinate a classic ice cream social instead. Ask everyone to bring a pint of ice cream, and set up a table of different toppings. Don't forget root beer, either, in case someone is in the mood for a root beer float.

13of 20

Create an Outdoor Theater

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Set up a projection screen in your backyard, which may just be the side of your house, and showcase aclassic movie. Bonus points if you have a popcorn bar with sweet and salty mix-ins, too.

14of 20

Set Up a Backyard Carnival

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Yes, we know this is an ambitious party activity, but it also isn't impossible. A pyramid of decorated empty cans and a tennis ball is suddenly the classic milk bottle game, just as a few hooks and plastic rings can stand in for a ring toss. Get creative with your options—you can even give away tickets—and you'll create a memorable night.

15of 20

Organize a Clothing Swap

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Instead of meeting your friends for a regular shopping trip, ask them to bring pieces of clothing from their closets that they've grown tired of wearing. The clothes should all be clean and in good condition, and once they're laid out, everyone can take turns swapping pieces. It's an easy way to update your closet for free, especially if you envy your friends' styles.

16of 20

Host a Book Exchange

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If you have a collection of titles you know you'll never read again, offer to trade them for the books your friends are finished with, too. This may even lead to an impromptubook club meeting.

17of 20

Have a Wine Tasting Party

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Do a little research to discover some under-the-radar wine labels to try, and have your friends share their thoughts on their favorites. Who says you need to go to awinery?

18of 20

Sing Karaoke

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Rent a karaoke machine to sing songs in the comfort of your own home instead of heading to another bar. After all, it's easier to belt out Taylor Swift when strangers aren't watching. If you're feeling ambitious, give awards at the end of the night, a la Grammys for "Best Pop Solo" and the like.

19of 20

Tap Into Your Inner Artists

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This party activity will set free your inner Van Gogh. Offer your guests small canvases, paint, and a subject in your living room, and have them illustrate what they see. The subject can be as simple as a bowl of fruit, a more elaborate collection of items, or even a living thing—like a well-behaved dog.

20of 20

Have a Throwback Slumber Party

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Invite friends over to relive all the fun parts about going to a sleepover, with none of the awkwardness. Go all-in on self-care: Host atarot reading,meditate, light somecandles, and finally bust into those skincare samples you've been hoarding.

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FAQs

What is the DIY adult party game without equipment indoors? ›

Another DIY adult party game is "Balloon Pop." Players have to pop balloons by sitting on them, and the person who pops the most balloons wins. "Pictionary" is another DIY adult party game that can be played without any materials. Players take turns drawing a picture, and others have to guess what it is.

How do you really have fun at a party? ›

Step outside of your comfort zone. Trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence and help you learn to relax even in difficult situations. Use the party as an opportunity to try doing low-risk things that you would not normally do: sing karaoke, talk to someone you don't know, or lead a party game.

How to make house parties fun? ›

You can add fun to your house party by having party games for your guests to play. Lawn games like cornhole, croquet, and volleyball are great games to have available for party guests to play. Having a ping pong, foosball, or pool table are also great additions to a house party.

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