16 Icebreakers Every Kid Was Forced to Do
Icebreakers were the unskippable start of every school year, summer camp, or youth activity.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read

Some icebreakers were harmless games that got kids talking, while others were awkward exercises that everyone just wanted to get over with. They created funny, cringeworthy, and sometimes surprisingly memorable moments. These are the icebreakers every kid remembers being forced to do at least once.
1. The Name Game
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Everyone had to say their name along with a word that started with the same letter, like “Sammy Sandwich.” It was fun for some but stressful for shy kids who froze under pressure. Teachers loved it because it broke the silence instantly.
2. Two Truths and a Lie
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Kids had to share two facts about themselves and one lie, and everyone else had to guess the fake one. It always revealed who had the wildest imagination. For some, it was the only time they admitted funny secrets in school.
3. Human Knot
Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts on Wikimedia Commons
Everyone stood in a circle, grabbed random hands, and tried to untangle without letting go. It sounded fun but usually ended with kids tripping and giggling on the floor. It was the ultimate teamwork test that rarely succeeded.
4. “Find Someone Who” Bingo
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Students had to go around asking classmates if they fit silly categories like “has a pet cat” or “can whistle.” It turned into a mini scavenger hunt for personality traits. Most kids just filled the boxes with their best friend’s name.
5. The Beach Ball Toss
Tony Alter from Newport News, USA on Wikimedia Commons
A giant ball with written questions was tossed around, and whoever caught it had to answer the one under their thumb. Questions ranged from favorite food to dream vacation. It was fun until someone got “most embarrassing moment.”
6. Guess Who?
Unknown on Wikimedia Commons
A teacher taped names of celebrities or characters to kids’ backs, and they had to ask yes-or-no questions to figure out who they were. It often dragged on forever if you got stuck as someone like Abraham Lincoln. Still, it kept kids laughing.
7. Show and Tell
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Kids brought in an object that meant something to them and had to explain it. It could be anything from a stuffed animal to a sports medal. For some, it was a proud moment, and for others, it was pure stage fright.
8. All About Me Posters
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Every kid filled a poster with drawings, facts, and favorite things about themselves. Teachers lined the walls with them for weeks. Some went all out, while others scribbled just enough to be done.
9. Trust Falls
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Kids paired up and had to fall backward, trusting their partner to catch them. It worked great for friends but felt terrifying if paired with someone you barely knew. Teachers swore it built confidence, but not everyone agreed.
10. Silent Line-Up
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The class was told to line up in order of birthdays, height, or shoe size without talking. It quickly became a chaotic mix of hand signals and confused faces. Somehow, it always ended in laughter.
11. Would You Rather?
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The classic “Would you rather have wings or be invisible?” game was always used to spark conversations. Answers often turned into heated debates. It was an easy way for kids to bond over silly scenarios.
12. The Compliment Circle
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Everyone had to give a compliment to the person on their right. It sounded sweet, but kids often ran out of ideas and said things like “I like your shoes.” Still, it made the room a little brighter.
13. The Interview Game
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Kids were paired up and told to “interview” each other, then introduce their partner to the group. It was supposed to encourage listening, but many just made up answers to be funny. It was equal parts awkward and entertaining.
14. Circle of Fun Facts
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Each student shared one unique thing about themselves. Some kids amazed the class with talents like juggling, while others admitted they could burp the alphabet. It was a mix of impressive and downright silly.
15. The Skit Challenge
Lance Cpl. Cedric Haller on Wikimedia Commons
Small groups had to create a short skit on the spot and perform it. It was chaotic, funny, and usually made no sense. Teachers loved the creativity, but kids just wanted it to end quickly.
16. The “One Word” Story
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Sitting in a circle, each kid added one word at a time to build a story. The result was always hilarious nonsense that spiraled out of control. It was the one icebreaker that kids actually looked forward to.