25+ Icebreaker Games for Children & Teens (Game Collection)

This collection of games brings together icebreaker games for children and young people – ideal for newly formed classes as well as youth camps. The group can switch places in a circle of chairs at lightning speed or line up silently in order of their birthdays. They can shout each other's names out loud or guess who is behind three facts after a paper-ball fight. The games are designed to lighten the atmosphere, learn names, and build group cohesion.

What is included in the material

• Game descriptions with duration, required materials, and instructions, including variants for many games
• Table of contents with color-coding showing for each game whether materials are required, whether it is primarily for getting to know each other better or as an icebreaker, and whether it is more suitable for children, young people, or both
• Possible game sequence as a suggested order with the goal of each game
• Templates for individual games: icebreaker bingo sheet, wanted poster, sheet for speed interviewing, question cards for random introductions, and picture cards for the fast food game

Tips for using the material

• As a game sequence: The sorting game, "Everyone who...", "I am the only person who...", the keyring game, and group guessing can be played one after another – from the initial exchange about similarities and special qualities to group dynamics. The sequence is suitable for various age groups.
• In the sports hall: During the atom game, everyone can bounce or dribble a ball; during the sorting game, wooden benches can be set up for the group to arrange themselves on without touching the floor.
• Additional tasks: In several games, anyone who is too slow or makes a mistake can perform a small task such as squats.
• Start quietly: During the shouting game, the name round can start with whispering and get louder round by round until everyone feels comfortable.
• Introduction rounds with children: Random introductions are ideal here, where each person draws and answers questions from a box instead of repeating what was said before.
• Time limit: For large groups, an "elevator pitch" is ideal for speed interviewing, where each person has at most one minute to introduce themselves.
• Once the names are memorized: In a double circle, pairs can talk about topics such as hobbies, place of residence, or favorite food.

These skills are promoted

• Remembering names in games such as packing a suitcase, the spiderweb, or the shouting game, in which the names of others are repeatedly mentioned
• Starting conversations through partner interviews, conversation stands, and questions about oneself
• Nonverbal communication during the sorting game, in which the group arranges themselves silently by age, birthday, or height
• Quick reactions during the quick change of places in "Everyone who..." and the anteater game

Organizational notes

Many games require no materials; otherwise, chairs, pens and paper, a music system, or a ball of yarn are usually needed. The keyring game is more suitable for smaller groups.

To complement this: the icebreaker bingo as a separate template set, the wanted icebreaker game with profile templates, and "Everyone who..." as an icebreaker for the start of school.