Let's Make Memories! Fun Icebreaker Activities Recommended for High School Farewell Parties
Fun farewell party activities to enjoy with your class or grade before graduation.
Since it’s to commemorate graduation, you’ll want to try something a little different—activities that will make lasting memories.
In this article, we’ll introduce perfect, memory-making recreation ideas for a high school graduation farewell party that will get everyone excited.
It’s the last time, so let’s go big and have fun!
We’ve gathered ideas that you might not usually think of, moving activities with surprises, and games everyone can enjoy.
Use these as inspiration and have a wonderful time!
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[Create Memories!] Fun and Exciting Activities Recommended for High School Farewell Parties (11–20)
Paper Cup Tower
Here’s a game that gets both participants and spectators excited: the Paper Cup Tower.
Haven’t you played it at least once? The rules are very simple—stack paper cups into a tower, and if you knock it over, it’s game over.
The tricky part is placing each cup carefully so it doesn’t fall, while keeping up the pace to smoothly pass the turn to the next person.
It keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and makes them want to cheer.
If you get not only the participants but also the audience involved and have more people take part, it’ll get even more exciting!
Arm Wrestling Tournament
How about arm wrestling as an idea that requires no preparation or practice and is guaranteed to get everyone excited? Everyone knows arm wrestling: two people face each other, rest one elbow on the table, clasp hands, and start.
The winner is the one who pushes the opponent’s arm down.
It’s so simple and universally known that it’s bound to be a hit! You could make it a team competition where the next challenger steps in each time someone loses.
You could also split men and women into separate brackets, or if you mix genders, introduce handicaps to even things out.
theater
Putting on a play for a high school farewell party will make for a wonderful memory.
When you stage the play, decide on a theme and content in advance.
Themes like gratitude, memorable moments from school life, or looking toward the future are recommended.
Once you know the number of participants, assign roles, rehearse, and discuss improvements and highlights together as you refine the performance.
It’s best to secure dates when everyone can gather and proceed with a plan ahead of time.
On the day of the performance, I’m sure you’ll present a lovely play that strengthens your bonds with your friends.
Memory game
The memory game is similar to a memory-based shiritori.
Participants take turns naming one sheet of construction paper from those set on the table, each a different color.
However, when responding, they must recite all previously named colors starting from the first one.
In other words, if the first player names “blue,” the second player points to the blue sheet before naming another color.
As the game progresses, the list of colors grows, putting everyone’s memory to the test.
Anyone who gets the order wrong is out, and the person who continues without making a mistake until the end wins.
You can enjoy this game with items other than construction paper as well—try using mementos or photos of the participants.
Gift exchange
Let’s liven up the farewell party that caps off your high school life with a gift exchange.
The trick is for everyone to prepare a small budget and select items that will leave a lasting impression.
Think of items that express your thoughtfulness, such as keychains that connect photos or stylish, easy-to-use stationery.
If you include a bingo game, the anticipation of who will receive which gift will double the fun.
The gifts exchanged will become irreplaceable mementos and remain in your heart as warm memories later on.
Joyful moments are born from everyone’s consideration.
Through the gift exchange, you’ll feel friendships deepen.
By remembering to respect one another, you can share a time full of smiles.
Giant fukuwarai with the teacher’s face
When it comes to classic New Year traditions, “Fukuwarai” comes to mind.
We’ve grown so used to digital games that it feels like an old-fashioned pastime now, but how about making a Fukuwarai using your teacher’s face and having everyone join in? Just snap a photo of the teacher, enlarge it to the max on a copier, cut out the eyes and nose, and you’re done.
Then all that’s left is to have fun together! Take photos of the funny faces after you play, and write messages of thanks in the margins to turn it into a wonderful keepsake.
Be sure to make versions featuring the principal and the club advisors too!
[Let’s Make Memories!] Fun Activities Recommended for High School Farewell Parties (21–30)
Pedometer Game
It’s a game where you attach a pedometer somewhere on your body and move around, and the person with the highest count within the time limit wins.
Pedometers normally count the number of steps you take, but since you can’t actually walk in the game, you’ll need to march in place or move your body to rack up more counts.
How you move will change depending on where you attach the pedometer, so if everyone places it in different spots, each person’s movements will have their own flair—and that should make it more entertaining for the spectators, too.