As winter rolls in here in Australia and outdoor parties become harder to pull off without freezing toes (or tiny people begging to go inside), it’s time to bring the fun indoors — and that’s where indoor party games for adults come in. If you’re like me — a mum who loves a good get-together but always has one eye on the toddler with jam-covered hands — then this list is for you.
These group games for adults are fun, interactive, and best of all, wholesome enough to keep playing even when your little ones are wandering through the snack table. Whether you're hosting dinner parties, celebrating birthdays, kid’s party (with chaperones), or just gathering the girls for a Friday night reset, these games offer laughter, connection, and a little break from the everyday juggle.
Indoor Party Games for Adults to Break the Ice and Set the Mood
Here are games you can play to get your guests talking and laughing early.
- Two Truths and a Lie. Each person shares three statements: two true, one false. Everyone tries to guess the lie. Perfect game to play when everyone is still warming up.
- Never Have I Ever (PG Edition). This fun take on the classic drinking game can be made wholesome. Just raise a hand if you’ve done the thing. Great game to get to know each other without using alcohol.
- Who Am I? Stick a post-it note with the name of a famous person on everyone’s forehead. Ask yes/no questions to figure out who you are.
- Would You Rather. Take turns posing dilemmas. “Would you rather have coffee for blood or sneeze glitter?” You’ll get even more fun answers after the first few rounds.
- This or That. Quick fire round of preferences — coffee or tea, dogs or cats, summer or winter. The rules are simple and the game is a great way for guests to get to know each other.
Classic Indoor Party Games for Adults (With a Twist)
These are familiar favourites, but with updated, adult-friendly spins.
- Charades. A classic game that never fails. Divide into two teams, act out phrases or movie titles without speaking, and let the chaos unfold.
- Pictionary. Draw clues for your team to try to guess. Use a timer and a whiteboard — or even scrap piece of paper. The game can be played with any group size.
- Pass the Story. One person starts with a sentence. The next one adds a line. First team to get the right message to the player at the end wins! Hilarious results guaranteed.
- Telephone Whisper. Sit in a circle and whisper a sentence to the next player. See how garbled it becomes by the end.
- 20 Questions. Someone thinks of something, and the rest ask up to 20 yes/no questions to guess. A great option for chilled dinner parties.
Indoor Party Games Without Materials (Because We Don’t Have Time to Prep)
These games offer fun with zero setup and can be played spontaneously.
- Freeze Dance. Put on music and dance. When the music stops, everyone freezes. Anyone who moves is out. Perfect for when kids are present too.
- The Laughing Game. One person says “ha,” the next person says “ha-ha,” and so on. If someone laughs for real, they’re out!
- Don’t Say Yes or No. Ask questions. If they say “yes” or “no,” they’re out. It’s harder than it sounds!
- Categories. Pick a category (e.g., fruits, cities). Go around the circle naming one. Repeat until someone blanks.
- Alphabet Game. Choose a theme (e.g., animals), and go through the alphabet with words in that theme.
Indoor Party Games for Adults with Slips of Paper (Write It Down, Draw It Out)
You’ll need some pens and slips of paper, but the prep is minimal.
- Fishbowl Game. Each person writes down three phrases. You play charades, Pictionary, and one word only in three rounds.
- Write Down a Secret. Each person writes something about themselves anonymously. Guess who wrote it. Great way to break the ice.
- Paper Telephone. Write a sentence, pass it along, and have the next person draw it. Then the next writes what they think the drawing is. Repeat!
- Secret Mission. Assign each person a mission (e.g., say “unicorn” 3 times in a conversation). Try to complete it without getting caught.
- Who Said That? Write quotes or phrases from friends or family members. Guess who said it!
Indoor Party Games for Adults That Get You Moving
Some energy, some silliness, all good vibes.
- Balloon Waddle. Players race with a balloon between their knees. Easy to learn, plus kids love this one too.
- Spoon Relay. Players race carrying a small object without using their hands. Left without a spoon? Improvise with a toy!
- Human Knot. Everyone stands in a circle and holds hands with two different people across. Untangle yourselves without letting go.
- Blindfold Obstacle Course. One person wears a blindfold and another gives directions to guide them across the room.
- The Floor is Lava. You know the rules. No stepping on the floor!
Funny and Ridiculously Fun Party Games for Adults (Cue the Giggles)
These are fun and interactive games that always bring out the silliness (if that's your party theme) to your next get together.
- Marshmallow Stuffing. See how many marshmallows you can fit in your mouth while saying a phrase. Let the fun and laughter ensue!
- Emoji Storytelling. Text your partner 5 emojis — they have to make up a funny story using them. Best played for intimate groups.
- One-Word Story. Everyone adds one word at a time to build a story.
- Accent Challenge. Say random phrases in assigned accents. A great game for mixed crowds!
- Freeze Frame. Pose in ridiculous ways and hold it as long as possible.
Indoor Party Games for Adults Played in Pairs (Perfect for Small Groups)
These games are a great option for intimate gatherings or quieter moments.
- Mirror Movement. Partners mirror each other’s moves in sync.
- Guess the Object. One person holds an item behind their back. The other guesses by asking yes/no questions.
- Drawing Back-to-Back. Sit back to back. One person describes an image, the other draws based on that.
- Compliment Tennis. Go back and forth giving compliments. First to hesitate loses!
- Secret Code. Partners agree on a secret code word before the party. Try to get the other to say it naturally.
Trivia and Word Group Indoor Games (Great for Brainy Fun)
Flex those mental muscles!
- General Trivia. Prepare trivia questions or use a mobile app. The player with the most number of correct answers wins.
- Movie Quote Match. Match quotes to movies. Bonus if someone does impressions! This game is perfect for couch potatoes!
- Word Association. Say a word, and the next person responds with the first word that comes to mind.
- Anagram Race. Give everyone a scrambled word. First to get it right gets a point.
- Spelling Bee (Adults Only!). Pick hilarious or naughty words. Keep it fun and light.
Indoor Party Games for Adults Inspired by Popular Party Hits (Mum-Appropriate Versions!)
- Kids Against Maturity. Like Cards Against Humanity, but kid-safe. Many printable versions online!
- Heads Up! Hold your phone to your head and guess the word from clues. Everyone takes turns and it’s easy to play.
- Song Lyrics Guessing. Play 5 seconds of a song. Guess the lyrics or title.
- Pop Culture Bingo. Make bingo cards using recent celebrity news or TV moments.
- TikTok Challenge IRL. Try a TikTok trend live (just not the dangerous ones).
Party Games for Adults for Bigger Groups (The More the Merrier)
Games that are more fun with a number of players!
- Mafia/Werewolf. Assign roles and play the game in rounds. The aim of the game is to find the secret killer before they eliminate you.
- Scavenger Hunt. Make a list of quirky indoor items to find. Great to involve kids too.
- What’s in the Box? Put an object in a box. Others reach in and guess by touch. Hilarity ensues.
- Musical Cushions. Like chairs, but with cushions! A fun game for all ages.
- Team Skits. Divide your guests into two teams, give a random scenario, and perform a skit after 10 minutes of prep. Bonus points for costumes. Perfect party game for family reunions!
Conclusion: The Best Indoor Party Games for Adults
Whether you’re hosting your first winter house party games night or you’re a seasoned party queen who knows how to get your guests moving, these fun party games for adults are your go-to toolkit for creating connection, laughter, and a truly perfect party. And yes, I’ve played many of these with my friends while my toddler watched from under the table, munching popcorn and calling us “silly.”
Because being a mum doesn’t mean the fun stops—it just means we get creative, find joy in the little things, and laugh a little louder with the people who get it.
So grab that post-it note, put the kettle on (or pour the bubbly), and play this game, or five.
We deserve it.
