[For Seniors] Liven Up with Multiplayer Games! Ideas That Work for Groups of Around 30
Are you looking for games that a large group of around 30 people can enjoy? When organizing recreation for many participants, you want to choose activities that everyone can join and that really liven things up.
From seated volleyball and balloon basketball to relays that test the cooperation of the entire team, there’s no shortage of ideas.
This time, we’ve put together suggestions you can start easily using familiar items like newspapers and handheld fans.
The conversations, smiles, and sense of accomplishment that arise through these games will add color to everyday life.
Be sure to incorporate them into your daily recreational activities!
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[For Seniors] Liven up with group games! Ideas that can be enjoyed with around 30 people (1–10)
Block rotation
It’s a game where you thread rods through the holes of a Styrofoam block and pass it to the next person without dropping the block.
You need to adjust the height of the rods on the left and right to keep the block stable, so it really tests your ability to focus with both arms.
From here, it’s recommended to level up by placing a paper cup on the block, challenging players to further improve its stability.
You can vary the distance when receiving, increase the number of items placed on top, and explore many different variations of the game.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Ball Passing Game
Here’s a team-vs-team, high-energy Rock-Paper-Scissors Ball Relay game.
First, divide into teams.
Arrange chairs in a single row for each team, facing each other, and have everyone sit.
Next, the two players at the front each hold a ball and play rock-paper-scissors.
The winner passes their ball to the next teammate, and this repeats down the line.
The team that gets their ball back to the front first wins.
It’s exciting because you can clearly see which side is in the lead, and it’s great for engaging both the mind and body at the same time.
playing rock-paper-scissors after seeing the opponent’s move (i.e., acting with hindsight/cheating)
Aft-hand rock-paper-scissors is a recreation where you throw your hand in response to the already-shown hand according to the instruction “win,” “lose,” or “tie.” Because it’s an arrangement of a game everyone knows, it’s simple enough for anyone to join, yet it also serves as brain training that requires split-second judgment and quick hand movements.
You can also add various rules like “win with your right hand” or “lose with your left hand,” so you can keep it interesting without getting bored.
It can be played anywhere, so it’s highly recommended.
[For Seniors] Liven Up with Group Games! Ideas for Enjoying with Around 30 People (11–20)
Balloon basket
Let’s have some fun with balloons by trying volleyball and basketball.
Since these sports often come up on TV and in newspapers, many older adults may already be familiar with them.
Have everyone sit on chairs arranged in a circle, and try to get the balloon into a hoop suspended in the center.
You can also split into left and right sides for team play.
This activity combines elements of balloon volleyball—where you pick up falling balloons and keep the play going—with basketball, where you aim for the goal.
You can enjoy both at the same time.
Some older adults may have played volleyball or basketball in the past, which could bring back memories and make the activity even more exciting.
Flag-raising game
Listen carefully to the commands and try the flag-raising challenge! Here are some ideas for a flag-raising game.
In this game, you hold red and white flags and follow commands like “Raise red, lower white,” raising and lowering the flags accordingly.
It’s a simple yet classic game with unique rules that test your concentration and has been loved for generations.
Just tape cut construction paper onto straws or chopsticks to make the flags, and you’re ready to go! Even if you get tripped up, it’s great to keep the mood light and enjoy the challenge.
Newspaper-ball rolling relay
Isn’t it part of the real fun of a cooperative game to think about strategies for how to win? This is a game where two people each hold one end of a newspaper and carry a ball to the goal without dropping it.
It tests the teamwork between the people holding the newspaper and the person who first rolls the ball onto it.
The team that gets more balls into the basket at the goal wins.
Even if you’re slow, you might make a comeback if your opponents drop their balls.
Once you get used to it, try increasing the difficulty—like by making holes in the newspaper and still carrying the ball without dropping it.
The harder it is, the more you have to think, which gives your brain an extra workout.
String-threading relay
Here’s an introduction to a “threading relay” using a vinyl cord.
For the batons you thread onto the cord, you can use recycled materials like toilet paper rolls or the cores from packing tape or colored tape.
Sit in a row side by side, run a single cord through, and pass the batons along to the person next to you.
Compete to see who can place the incoming batons into a basket the fastest.
You can also adapt it—for example, make it a game to see how many you can get into the basket within a set time.
Games like this can provide a sense of achievement and fulfillment that’s hard to find in everyday life, and they can be a great spark for a more active, vibrant daily routine.