20 Fun Party Activities When You Need a Break From the Bar Scene

By
Kelly Dawson
Kelly Dawson
Kelly Dawson is a writer and editor who focuses on architecture, interior design, and culture. She has been writing for MyDomaine since 2017. Her work also appears on Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Domino, Bon Appétit, McSweeney’s, Vox, Tastemade, and Thrillist.
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Updated on Apr 16, 2024
friends

 @claire_most

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 cocktails to arrive.

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

01 of 20

Have a Themed Dance-Off

70s party

 Jena Ardell/Getty Images

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."

02 of 20

Plan an At-Home Trivia Night

outdoor trivia night

College Housewife

Invite enough people for designated teams and 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.

03 of 20

Opt for Board Games

Stacie Flinner—Fun Things to Do at a Party
@stacieflinner

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

04 of 20

Turn Your Place Into a Casino

blackjack

 Randy Faris/Getty Images

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 best and to play some Sinatra while you're at it.

05 of 20

Party Activities on a Budget? Play Charades

How to Help a Stressed-Out Friend
@waityouneedthis

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.

06 of 20

Put on a Scavenger Hunt

nyc

 Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

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.

07 of 20

Throw a Pizza- or Cheeseboard-Making Party

Cheese board featuring Real California Milk

Alexandra Heston Photography 

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 a sweet and savory cheese board, or one that's spicy, fresh, and fruity.

08 of 20

Ask Everyone to Bring Their 'Signature Dish'

food

Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images

This idea is a twist on the standard potluck. Ask your friends to whip up the dish they're most comfortable making and 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.

09 of 20

Gather 'Round a Bonfire

modern chairs by fire pit
Jeremy Samuelson/Getty Images

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.

10 of 20

Plan a Picnic

Margo and Me—Fun Things to Do at a Party
@margoandme

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.

11 of 20

Set Up a DIY Bar

birthday party ideas
Half Baked Harvest

Instead of stressing about making cocktails for 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 cocktail shaker, fresh citrus, and glassware—and it's sure to stand out.

12 of 20

Throw an Ice Cream Social

Homemade Ice Cream
From the Kitchen

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.

13 of 20

Create an Outdoor Theater

backyard projector

 svetikd/Getty Images

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

14 of 20

Set Up a Backyard Carnival

carnival

 Randy Faris/Getty Images

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.

15 of 20

Organize a Clothing Swap

Hanna Stefansson—Fun Things to Do at a Party
@hannastefansson

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.

16 of 20

Host a Book Exchange

LGBTQ Books
Beige Renegade

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 impromptu book club meeting.

17 of 20

Have a Wine Tasting Party

wine in dining room

VICUSCHKA/Getty Images

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 a winery?

18 of 20

Sing Karaoke

karaoke

 Hello World/Getty Images

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.

19 of 20

Tap Into Your Inner Artists

arts

istetiana/Getty Images

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.

20 of 20

Have a Throwback Slumber Party

slumber party
ACP/Trunk Archive

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 a tarot reading, meditate, light some candles, and finally bust into those skincare samples you've been hoarding.

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