A game night is a great opportunity to build relationships and create memories across all age groups — from energetic kids and teens to adults and seniors. But planning a game night that appeals to everyone can be a bit of a challenge.
In this article, we’ll walk you through planning a church game night that’s inclusive, well-organized, and full of joy.
Set Clear Goals for the Game Night
A clear goal will help guide your planning decisions, from the type of games you select to how you promote the event. First, ask yourself:
- Are you hosting this to encourage fellowship and build community?
- Is it part of a larger outreach effort to welcome new families or neighbors?
- Are you raising funds for a mission trip, youth group, or church project?
- Do you want to celebrate an anniversary, holiday, or end of a program year?
Tailor the Event to Fit the Goal
Fellowship-focused nights can be relaxed and informal, with a variety of game stations and plenty of space for conversation. Outreach events might benefit from icebreaker-style games and a short welcome message to introduce your church to visitors. Fundraising game nights could include entry fees, raffles, or friendly competitions with small prizes.
Choose Games that Work for All Ages
The key here is to focus on games that are easy to learn, encourage interaction, and can be played at varying energy levels.
Tabletop and Card Games
These games are great for small groups or mixed ages:
- Uno: simple, colorful, and fun for kids and adults alike
- Apples to Apples: encourages creative thinking and laughter
- Dominoes: easy to learn and loved by many older adults
- Go Fish or Old Maid: classic, low-pressure games
- Rummikub: combines numbers and strategy and is accessible to most age groups
- Skip-Bo or Phase 10: good for teams or family pairings
Group Games
These work well for larger groups or icebreakers:
- Charades: great fun with no age barrier
- Pictionary: drawing-based game that’s always a crowd-pleaser
- Bingo: classic game with no learning curve (can include fun prizes)
- Bible trivia or general trivia: this can be team-based and tailored to various knowledge levels
- Heads Up: a fast-paced guessing game played with a phone or cards
Active Games
These games are ideal if you have a gym or an outdoor space:
- Cornhole: easy to play at any age and doesn’t require much movement
- Giant Jenga: fun and engaging, especially when using oversized blocks
- Balloon volleyball: low-impact and fun
Stage or Spotlight Games
Stage games are great for entertainment or friendly competition:
- Minute to Win It challenges: quick games using household items
- Talent show or lip sync battle: light-hearted and great for outgoing participants
- Bible verse memory challenge: add a spiritual twist and encourage learning through fun
Team-Based or Cooperative Games
These games encourage cross-generational interaction:
- Scavenger hunt: can be themed around the church building or biblical clues
- Puzzle stations: work together on a jigsaw puzzle or brain teasers
- Family Feud (church edition): a survey-style game using questions tailored to your congregation
Plan Your Space and Seating
Thoughtful space planning ensures that everyone — from young children to older adults — can easily participate, move around, and enjoy the church game night.
Start by dividing your space into clearly defined zones. You might set up an active games area in a gym or multipurpose room. Nearby, create a tabletop game zone with folding chairs and tables. A dedicated kids’ corner with age-appropriate toys or games can help keep little ones engaged and safe. It’s also a good idea to have a quiet zone with puzzles, coloring pages, or simple crafts for guests who prefer low-energy activities. Playing soft background music can help create a relaxed atmosphere.
To make the space feel warm and inviting, consider using tablecloths, signage, or themed decorations to visually separate the different zones. Label each game station clearly, so guests can easily find a game and join in.
When it comes to seating, provide a mix of options to accommodate different needs. Sturdy, comfortable stackable chairs are ideal for older adults, and it’s helpful to have a few arm chairs available if possible.
Make sure aisles and walkways are wide enough for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Place chairs near the action, so people can watch or cheer on others even if they’re not playing.
Offer Snacks and Refreshments
Whether you choose to provide all the food or ask guests to bring a dish potluck-style, having refreshments available helps keep energy up and encourages people to stay, mingle, and enjoy the evening together.
Choose finger foods and refreshments that are easy to serve and eat without disrupting the flow of the games. Popular options include popcorn, cookies, pretzels, fruit trays, and mini sandwiches. Be sure to offer allergy-friendly choices, such as nut-free or gluten-free options, and clearly label them to help guests make informed choices.
If your event takes place around dinner time, you might consider something heartier, like pizza or crockpot-friendly soups and stews. For drinks, offer water, juice boxes for kids, and coffee or tea for adults. You could even add a fun element, like a hot cocoa bar or a DIY snack mix station.
Promote the Event Well
Use simple, welcoming language like “Fun for all ages!” or “Bring the whole family!” to emphasize that everyone is invited. To ensure a great turnout, it’s important to promote your church game night clearly and consistently across multiple channels, like:
- Announcements during church services
- Bulletins
- Newsletters
- Weekly emails
- Flyers (hung in common areas around the church and nearby community bulletin boards)
- Social media (post engaging visuals or short videos to build excitement and encourage members to share the event)
If your church has small groups, youth programs, or senior ministries, ask leaders to help spread the word within their circles.
We hope that these tips help you plan a successful game night that all ages can enjoy, creating lasting memories among your congregation.
If you need any folding tables or chairs to help make your event a success, reach out to ChurchPlaza — we’re happy to help you find the right solutions.
