Remember when all you had was yourself and the folks you were with? There were no distractions or gadgets, just a room full of people mingling and conversing. That was the good old days.
Well, I wanted to bring that feeling back in this post by giving you some ideas for games to play with family that don’t require any equipment (no game boards or equipment needed). These games to play without anything are entertaining small games that you may play at home or anyplace with your family or friends. These games do not necessitate the use of a board or any other items.
On top of that, you can also enjoy diverse free games online if you’re looking for something a bit different but still fun and accessible. Whether it’s classic games or new favorites, there’s something for everyone.
Games to Play Without Anything
Here is our list of the best games to play with family without anything. No physical materials are required! Check them out below…
1. 20 Questions
This classic game of 20 questions is great for any group and requires no materials whatsoever. One person will simply think of something (either a person, place, or thing). The rest of the group will take turns asking yes or no questions in order to try to guess what that person is thinking.
If the players can not guess what the person has thought of within a total of 20 questions, then they lose and the person who thought of the initial phrase wins!
Remember, the questions can only be answered as “yes” and “no” and you should keep track of how many questions have been asked so that you do not go over 20! This game can be played solely verbally without any type of board game to guide you.
2. Charades
Charades is a classic game that probably most of you have played before. Who doesn’t love this game?
Charades consist of one (or more) players acting out a phrase without speaking while the other members of your team try to guess what the phrase is. The objective is for your team to guess the phrase as quickly as possible before time runs out. So maybe we lied a little, you will probably want to use some pen and paper, as well as a timer on your phone. You should split your family or party into two different teams and each team will individually write phrases on their piece of paper. This paper gets put into a jar for the other team to pick when it is their turn to act out.
3. “I’m Having a Picnic…”
Basically, you start off by saying “I’m having a picnic and I’m bringing…” and then you say an item that starts with the first letter of your first name. Since my name is Hillary, I would say something like, “I’m having a picnic and I’m bringing hamburgers.” Then I would go on to say “What are you bringing?” to everyone else in the room.
Now they must say an item that begins with the first letter of THEIR name. If they say something that does not qualify, then you say “Sorry, you can’t come!” If they say something that DOES start with the first letter of their first name, then you say “Great, you can come to the picnic!”
Once everyone says his or her item and you tell them that they either can’t come or that they can come, then you begin another round by stating another item that YOU are bringing. Then ask everyone again what they are bringing.
Sounds silly, but it’s actually a lot of fun! You keep this going until people eventually catch on that they must say an item with the first letter of their first name. Watch as your friends get frustrated and keep saying the wrong thing until they eventually catch on (or don’t). It’s hilarious!
4. The Floor is Lava
This is a fun one. You can play The Floor is Lava game at home without anything. All you have to do is yell “The Floor is Lava” and everyone has 5 seconds to get both feet off of the ground in any way possible (such as standing on a chair or climbing on a table). If they do not succeed within 5 seconds, then they lose and succumb to the boiling hot lava, that is the floor.
This game can just be a spontaneous, one-time game, or you can play multiple rounds by manipulating the objects in your room. For example, putting a pillow cushion in a certain spot of the room or flipping a table at a weird angle. Place items far apart and add in an aspect that once everyone gets off the ground, they need to escape and exit the room through a specific doorway. This game is great for kids, just be careful when they climb on things, we don’t want anyone getting hurt!
5. Two Truths & A Lie
Now, this is a simple, fun little game that you can play anywhere and without anything except your voice. The gist of the game is that one person comes up with three things about themself. Two of the things are true, and one is a lie. The other players must guess which one is the lie!
This game is a great way to get to know someone better and can be played over and over again. If you don’t want to do truths or lies about yourself, then make things up about things you know.
This was a fun little post I wanted to put together for people looking to play games without anything, no board or materials required. I know that a lot of these are mostly “kids” games, but you will find that they are actually fun to play as an adult if you have kids in the family.
Whip out these games at your next family get together or hang out with your friends. You will be sure to share some nice laughs and have a ton of fun. The best part is that you don’t have to come prepared, just make sure you know the rules of each game and you are good to go!
5. Spades
The objective of the popular card game Spades is for players or teams to accurately predict the number of tricks they will win in each round, a process known as bidding, and then to successfully win that number of tricks through strategic card play.
It’s an excellent game for group play, combining teamwork, strategic thinking, and social interaction, making it a popular choice for gatherings.
If you don’t have a deck of cards or are unable to meet in person, you can play on an online Spades platform. This online version replicates the excitement and competitive spirit of the game, allowing you to connect with friends or other players around the world, ensuring the game’s accessibility and enjoyment anytime, anywhere.