13 Party Games We Played as Kids That Were Totally Inappropriate
Back then, we didn’t think twice about the party games we played at birthday gatherings, sleepovers, or school events. Looking back now, some of them were more than a little questionable.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Many childhood party games seemed innocent on the surface but carried surprising undertones or risky implications. Whether through physical contact, uncomfortable dares, or odd social dynamics, these activities often crossed lines we only recognize as adults. What was framed as fun or silly sometimes encouraged behavior that would be completely inappropriate today. Reflecting on these games shows how different our standards for kids’ playtime have become.
1. Spin the Bottle
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What started as a playful way to break the ice quickly introduced young kids to awkward kissing scenarios. Often played without supervision, it encouraged physical contact far beyond what was age-appropriate. Many participants felt pressured to go along even if they were uncomfortable. It set the stage for early peer pressure in romantic situations. Today, parents would likely put a stop to it instantly.
2. Truth or Dare
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The game encouraged honesty, but more often, it spiraled into dares that were humiliating or risky. Kids would be dared to kiss, remove clothing, or confess crushes in front of a crowd. While some dares were harmless, others crossed personal boundaries. It often blurred the line between fun and emotional discomfort. There was no real way to say no without social consequence.
3. Seven Minutes in Heaven
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Locking two kids in a closet and expecting them to “do something” for seven minutes was wildly inappropriate. The game was built on peer pressure, secrecy, and unclear expectations. It created anxiety for many children who didn’t want to participate. The concept turned intimacy into a public spectacle. It’s a game that should never have been part of youth parties.
4. Bloody Mary
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This so-called scary game involved chanting in front of a mirror in hopes of summoning a ghost. While it may seem harmless, it left many children genuinely frightened and unable to sleep. It introduced horror themes to young kids who were not ready for them. The emotional effect lingered long after the party ended. Parents were often unaware of how disturbing it really was.
5. Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
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This levitation game came with spooky chanting and a belief in supernatural forces. It gave many kids real fears about ghosts or spirits. Though framed as fun, it often resulted in nervousness and confusion. It flirted with occult imagery that some families found deeply inappropriate. Kids often didn’t fully understand what they were doing.
6. Hide and Seek in the Dark
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Playing this in basements or large houses seemed thrilling but was also dangerous. Children often bumped into furniture, fell, or ended up hiding in unsafe places. There was a risk of real injury or getting locked somewhere accidentally. It also created moments of fear that felt more stressful than fun. The game often ended in tears or frustration.
7. Young Person Peeking Behind Black Stage Curtain
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This game involved taking turns hitting each other’s knuckles with coins or fists until someone gave up. It was painful and promoted physical violence as a competition. Kids would walk away with bruises and cuts, thinking it proved toughness. It was more about endurance than enjoyment. No one was really having fun, just trying not to lose.
8. Sardines
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A reverse hide-and-seek where everyone packed into tight spaces once one person was found. The result was usually several kids crammed into a closet, bathroom, or under furniture. It lacked safety awareness and promoted physical crowding. Claustrophobic situations were common and uncomfortable. It encouraged secretiveness in ways that were not always harmless.
9. Strip Poker (or Truth or Dare Variants)
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Sometimes games evolved into versions where kids removed clothing as part of losing or dares. This crossed every boundary for age-appropriate play. Often played in secrecy, it reflected a misunderstanding of physical privacy. Many participants later recalled discomfort or regret. Such games reflect how early peer pressure can influence behavior.
10. Pass the Orange (or Spoon)
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This game required players to pass an object under their chin or between their knees without using their hands. It often forced kids into uncomfortable physical closeness. While presented as silly, it created moments that felt overly intimate. Shyness was often met with teasing or pressure. Not every game needs to include body contact to be fun.
11. Ghost in the Graveyard
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Played at night, this game encouraged hiding in the dark and sudden jump scares. The fear response was real and often overwhelming for younger kids. It blurred the line between fun and panic. Running in the dark also raised the chance of accidents. For sensitive children, it created more dread than excitement.
12. Pin the Tail on the Donkey (Blindfold Games)
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While seemingly innocent, these games involved blindfolding kids and spinning them until they were disoriented. There was little consideration for children who felt dizzy or vulnerable. Some versions evolved into pushing or teasing the blindfolded player. The lack of control often made it feel unsafe. What was funny to some was distressing to others.
13. Prank Calls
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Before caller ID was common, prank calls were a popular party game. Kids would call strangers or businesses and say inappropriate or annoying things. It was presented as harmless fun but taught disrespect and dishonesty. It also risked scaring or upsetting unsuspecting adults. With today’s privacy concerns, it would be completely unacceptable.