Here is our list of fun virtual icebreakers for large groups.
Virtual icebreakers for large groups are simple activities intended to welcome members of a new group and help them get to know one another via online meeting platforms like Zoom. Examples of virtual icebreakers include trivia, Zoom background challenges, Simon says, and people bingo. These activities are used to help group members connect and build relationships, boost team morale, and create a sense of openness and familiarity across a large group. These exercises can be paid or free and may also be called “online icebreaker activities for large groups.”
These activities are an online version of traditional in-person icebreakers and large group icebreakers. These activities are similar to virtual games for large groups and virtual team building activities for large groups.
This list includes:
- Virtual icebreaker ideas for large groups
- Free virtual icebreakers for large groups
- Virtual team building activities for large groups.
- Fun icebreaker ideas for large groups
- Icebreakers in a virtual setting
Let’s get into it!
List of Fun Virtual Icebreakers for Large Groups
From Simon says to zoo line-up, here are some of the best virtual team icebreaker exercises for large groups.
1. Simon Says
Most people are familiar with the game Simon Says as it is a popular activity among school-aged children. However, you might not have played this game as an adult in a virtual setting. Luckily, the game is just as easy as you remember it being when you were a kid, and it can be tons of fun with the right group.
Before you start your virtual meeting, let your group know they will need to be in an area where they can stand up in front of their cameras. This instruction will increase participation, which can sometimes be low in a large group, as participants will be less likely to work in a public space like a cafe on this day.
Once everyone logs on, take a few moments to remind the group how to play. All participants have to do is follow the orders given but only after the leader says “Simon Says.” If the leader does not say this essential phrase, then participants should not perform the action. If particpiants fail to perform the action properly after “Simon Says” has been called, then they are out of the game. It can be helpful to elect one or two judges to keep an eye on which participants should be eliminated in each round.
Feel free to make the actions as simple or complex as you like. For example, directions may include things like “rub your tummy and pat your head at the same time” or “balance a pen on your nose.” You can even add in work or school related actions if you would like.
Consider letting people take turns being “Simon” for more inclusion and participation.
2. Two Truths and One Lie
This activity is another popular one you may or may not be familiar with. Two truths and a lie gives your group the opportunity to get to know one another on a more personal level, while also adding elements of mystery, competition, and secrecy.
As the name implies, the group will take turns sharing two truths and one lie about themselves without revealing which ones are which. Then, the group will try to guess which one is the lie. For example, one team member might say, “I have two cats. I live in Chicago. And I eat ice cream for breakfast everyday.” The lie would be eating ice cream for breakfast everyday. You will be shocked at some of the facts that sound like lies but are actually truths. This activity truly allows people to share some of their most interesting attributes and features.
In larger groups, it can be fun to have people vote on their pick rather than allowing each individual to share their own guess. Certain virtual conference apps, such as Zoom, now have hand raising features which can be used to quickly and easily tally votes.
3. Virtual Team Trivia
Trivia is a fun activity for almost any group. The game allows players to test their knowledge, collaborate with other players, and compete against other teams. Although typically played in person, this activity can easily be converted to a virtual setting.
There are tons of online apps and team building vendors which will host a more elaborate version of virtual trivia. However, you can also easily DIY this activity with your organization’s preferred virtual conference software.
Create a list of questions to ask, and send out your meeting invitation. Once your group has joined the meeting, you will want to divide them into separate teams. Then, you can have the teams compete one of two ways: speed response or deliberation time. The first method, speed response, is the easiest. Players will simply shout out their answer, and whomever is first gets a point for their team. You can also allow deliberation time and give every team an opportunity to submit their answer for a more traditional trivia set up; however, you will need to use a breakout feature within the app.
Regardless, your group will have a blast showing off their brain power amongst their peers. Plus, you can make it even more competitive by offering prizes to the winning team.
Learn more about virtual trivia for large groups.
4. People Bingo
People bingo is a great activity to do for an especially large group with limited time. The activity allows your team to make connections with one another almost instantaneously without requiring each person to share their thoughts on a Zoom call.
First, prepare a list of fun facts which are short, simple, and relatable. For example, one of the facts could be “I’m bilingual” and another could be “I like cats more than dogs.” Then, create a few different bingo cards and include one of your facts in each square. There are templates available online for this game as well. Finally, send each member of your group a bingo card. Participants must fill in each square with a person’s name in the group who meets the criteria. Whoever gets five squares in a row first will win the game.
People bingo is unique in that it can be done across many different platforms, and it does not require the use of a virtual conference software, such as Zoom or Teams. Encourage your group to think outside of the box and network with one another through alternate platforms.
Here is a People Bingo generator.
5. Good Old Times
This game is sure to be a hit, especially with a large group of middle-aged people who are moderately close in age. Good old times gives everyone an opportunity to relive their younger years in the most nostalgic way possible.
The activity itself is very easy to create and coordinate. Simply create a list of questions related to being a child or a teenager. For example, questions could include “What was your favorite Christmas present as a child?” or “What was your first childhood pet?”. Once you ask the question, allow everyone a moment to think, then open the forum for comments and contributions. You will be surprised how easily the conversation will progress naturally and carry itself as the group chats openly about their earlier years in life.
By talking about childhood, you are allowing your group to connect with one another on a much deeper level than the typical icebreaker activity. This one is sure to be a hit with the adult crowds.
6. Zoom Background Challenge
A Zoom background challenge is a fun way to allow your group to goof off with one another, showcase their creativity, and be a little competitive. Plus, it is incredibly easy for anyone to participate and can be done in less than five minutes.
Before your next Zoom meeting, ask participants to choose a virtual background image based on the theme you provide. Be sure to include instructions for how to change your background on the Zoom platform to increase participation and avoid any confusion. Once everyone is logged in, ask everyone to turn their cameras on with their chosen Zoom background applied. Then, have the group vote on their favorite Zoom background.
This simple yet effective activity will encourage casual conversation and laughs, allowing your team to cut loose for a moment and enjoy the simple things in life. Participants will get to know each other by observing how similar or different their background interpretation was from the rest of the group.
Here are other fun Zoom games for large groups.
7. Zoo Line-up
This idea is a little more outside-of-the-box than some of the others on the list, but it is almost guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Once the entire group has joined the meeting, you will ask everyone to mute their microphones as they think through what zoo animal they like the most or would want to be. Then, each participant will take turns, when prompted by the leader, unmuting their microphone and imitating their chosen animal’s sound. Participants can also use gestures if they are unfamiliar with their chosen animal’s sounds. Either way, words are not allowed – only sounds and gestures. Once the participant gives their hint, the rest of the group is asked to submit their guess as to which animal they are. Whoever answers correctly first wins a point. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.
While some players may be less inclined to put themselves out there to the group, it can be incredibly beneficial to their confidence levels when their noise or gesture is well-received. Plus, everyone will look, sound, or feel kind of silly when it is their turn which encourages bonding and mingling amongst the group.
8. Deserted Island
Deserted island is another fun game which has been played for generations. It is simple and direct, but it reveals a lot about an individual’s wants, needs, and wishes.
You can have your group participate as individuals or in separate teams, depending on your allotted time and group size. Ask participants to think of five items they would want to have with them if they were stranded on a deserted island for an unknown period of time. The items can be anything they can think of. In a team setting, the entire group will need to agree on all of their chosen items. Then, have each individual or group share their items and allow time for discussion. It is truly fascinating to hear the wide range of responses given in any group setting.
You will be surprised at how much your group can debate about what items are necessary in a situation like this. Some will focus more on survival, while others will focus more on comfort, wishes, and whims.
Final Thoughts
Virtual icebreakers for large groups are an awesome way to help your team get to know one another, feel connected to their peers, and have some enjoyment during their day. All of these ideas are great for large groups in a virtual setting, but many of them could also be applicable for smaller groups or in an in-person setting.
Next, check out these fun large group energizers, these group activities for adults, and these connection games for work.
Grace He