Kidulting 101: 6 party game ideas to reconnect with your inner child 

When you are the “cool, mysterious” aunt or uncle without kids, it can feel like the family assumes you have endless free time. Suddenly, you are the one asked to pull together granny’s birthday barbecue or organise the next family get-together, even though you have plenty on your own plate. But here’s the good news: having a few fun party games for adults up your sleeve takes the stress off, guarantees laughs, and proves that “kidulting” (embracing childhood fun as an adult) can be the highlight of the night. 

So, if you are tasked with keeping spirits high while everyone else wrangles little ones, here are some easy games to play at parties that bring out everyone’s inner child without piling on extra stress. 

1. Pictionary with a plot twist 

Good old-fashioned Pictionary never gets old, but to turn it into a party game for adults, it’s time to switch the prompts. Instead of “cat” or “tree,” try things like “your boss on holiday,” or the worst fashion trend you secretly loved. 

This turns a family favourite into one of the best group party games for reminiscing over inside jokes, laughing at questionable drawings, and guaranteed good times. For effortless games to play for parties, this one’s a classic. 

2. Pass the parcel (but better) 

We all loved children's party games like “Pass the Parcel.” Now? Swap the sweets for mini dares hidden under each layer. Think: “Do your best celebrity impression” or “tell the group your most dramatic holiday mishap.” 

It’s the perfect way to keep that nostalgic buzz alive – while making sure no one leaves without at least one memorable moment. It’s also much more affordable than buying a gift for each parcel layer! Among all the party games for adults, this one blends childhood memories with a cheeky twist. 

3. Truth or Dare 2.0 

We’re all familiar with the playground version of “Truth or Dare,” but for adult party games ideas, why not refresh it? The truths can be themed around the daily struggles of adulting 101– “what’s the worst excuse you’ve given to avoid a meeting?” – while the dares can involve doing your best dramatic soap-opera death scene, balancing a crisp on your nose for 30 seconds, or texting a random emoji to the last person in your contacts. 

It’s silly, nostalgic, and the kind of fun group game that keeps conversations flowing long after the round ends. Among the most flexible group games to play, it works with any group size. 

4. Twister (a classic reborn) 

Is it really a list of fun party games for adults without Twister? This one barely needs upgrading – it’s chaotic, it’s physical, and it’s hilarious. For a twist (pun intended), play in teams and let spectators call out the colours. 

It’s one of those group games to play that brings out everyone’s competitive streak, while also guaranteeing at least one very dramatic fall onto the mat. For light-hearted party games for adults, this is unbeatable. Just remember to limber up – you’ve got dodgy knees now. 

5. Scavenger hunt showdown 

Scavenger hunts aren’t just for kids’ birthdays. With the right tweaks, they become one of the most engaging group party games. Create quirky challenges like “find something that sums up your week,” or “bring back the weirdest item from the kitchen.” 

Scavenger hunts are brilliant games to play for parties where you’ve got a mix of personalities – everyone gets involved, and the results are often laugh-out-loud funny. They’re also perfect when you need adult party games ideas that don’t require much prep. 

6. Charades  

Charades is timeless, but for adult party games ideas, spice it up with themes like “Netflix guilty pleasures,” or “office jargon nobody understands.” Or, to make it even more difficult, have the performer act the charade from under a sheet! Trust us, it’s worth the extra laundry. 

It’s an easy, zero-prep option that keeps guests entertained and is guaranteed to inspire ridiculous performances. Of all the group party games, this one always gets the crowd on their feet. That’s why it’s a staple among fun group games everywhere. 

The best part about these party game ideas? They don’t just belong at parties. Try them on a rainy afternoon with housemates, during a family reunion, or even on a weekend away. After all, children's party games were never just about the prizes – they were about connection. And let’s face it, as adults, we could all use a little more silliness in our lives. 

Loved these group party games? Keep rediscovering joy with our guides on how to relax at home or tips for switching to a soft life.