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18 Fun Party Themes, Games and Activities

Planning a party and not sure how to entertain your guests? Keep the good times rolling with these crowd-pleasing ideas for adults and kids alike.

Photo Booth Snapshot of Five Men With Props

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Capture the Fun With a Photo Booth

Take snapping party pics to a new level by setting up your own photo booth — no rental required. Our easy-to-follow instructions cover how to create a colorful backdrop, how to properly light the area and even includes fun (free!) printable props that are sure to get the party started.

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A Crafting Kid = a Happy Kid

Keep your littlest party guests happily occupied by setting up a kids' crafts area. Cover a table with a disposable tablecloth or brown Kraft paper, then set out big stacks of paper along with an assortment of crayons or colored pencils. Fill small containers with beads and twine for making jewelry and place juice boxes, milk cartons and bottled waters in an ice-filled container nearby so little artists can stay hydrated. Kids will love the recycled crayons shown here, learn how to make them.

Group of young people gathered in kitchen, holding wine glasses

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Photo: Christopher Robbins

Make Food Prep Part of the Party

The kitchen is inevitably the hub of the party so plan a menu that encourages guests' involvement. Meals that require several steps but aren't too time consuming, like homemade pizza, are your best bet. Pre-chop veggies, grate cheese and slice meat toppings before guests arrive then they can help shape the dough and build the pies to suit their taste when they arrive. For a healthier option, have a salad party or ask guests to help prepare items for the grill such as vegetable skewers. Don't worry about asking your friends to assist; most will appreciate helping and will have fun while they do it.

Guests enjoy the yard in the fire pit area during a party at the home of Ken and Rachel Coleman which underwent a makeover that took their large, neglected and overgrown back yard that made the yard disfunctional, unuseable and unattractive and turned it into a wonderfully functional space where this busy family can enjoy time together in the dining area, the firepit area or in the sports areas, or time alone, on the lawn or near the koi pond. Inspired by a clean, traditional appeal, this new space is low maintenance and offers this busy family an easy place to entertain friends, family and all the neighborhood kids as well as to offer them a safe place to grow up in.

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Photo: Jamie Rector

Build a Bonfire

Who doesn't love sitting around a fire, relaxing with a drink, making s'mores and sharing stories and songs? Bonfires are great because they provide light and warmth in cold weather as well as another place for people to gather. Plus, the mood around the fire can range from mellow and contemplative to loud and boisterous.