Best Virtual Birthday Party Games for Adults: Top Picks and Tips

Party Ideas

By Bruno Crnik

In today’s digital world, virtual gatherings have become increasingly popular, especially when it comes to celebrating special occasions such as birthdays.

Traditional face-to-face parties may not always be possible or convenient, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy these milestones with our friends and loved ones. To make your next online celebration a blast, we’ve curated a list of the best virtual birthday party games specifically designed for adults.

From warm-up activities to interactive and themed games, this comprehensive mix ensures that everyone will have a great time and can participate from the comfort of their own homes.

Whether you prefer team-building challenges, classic party games adapted for the virtual space, or popular selections from the Jackbox Party series, our recommendations cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

With a little preparation and some creativity, you’re sure to host a memorable virtual birthday party that the guest of honor and attendees will cherish.


Key Takeaways

  • A variety of virtual games are available to make adult birthday parties entertaining and engaging.
  • It’s important to consider the preferences of your guests while selecting games, from team-building activities to themed parties.
  • Include elements like the Jackbox Party games and make sure to prepare in advance for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Understanding Virtual Birthday Parties for Adults

In recent years, we’ve observed a growing trend towards virtual birthday parties for adults. With busy lives and loved ones spread across the globe, virtual celebrations offer a convenient and accessible way to come together and celebrate these special occasions. We’ve put together a guide on the best virtual party games to ensure your adult virtual birthday party is a hit.

Before we dive into the games, let’s better understand the components of a successful virtual birthday party. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Platform: Choose a user-friendly platform that allows seamless video and audio communication. Examples include Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet.
  • Invitations: Just like a traditional party, make sure you send out invitations well in advance. These can be digital invites or even personalized videos. Don’t forget to include instructions on how to join the virtual gathering.
  • Theme: Add some fun to your virtual event by incorporating a theme. This could include a dress code, color scheme, or coordinating decorations in participants’ backgrounds.
  • Schedule: To keep your virtual party engaging, create a schedule that includes various games, activities, and breaks.

Here is a selection of games that cater to different tastes and preferences for your adult virtual birthday party:

  1. Trivia: Customize your trivia questions to focus on the birthday person’s interests or throw in some challenging general knowledge questions.
  2. Two Truths and a Lie: Participants take turns sharing three statements about themselves – two true and one false – while others try to guess the lie.
  3. Virtual Escape Room: Book a virtual escape room experience that caters to various group sizes and difficulty levels.
  4. Pictionary: Use a virtual whiteboard and have participants guess the word or phrase being drawn.
  5. Bingo: Use free online bingo card generators to create and distribute custom bingo cards that can be played virtually.
GameMaterials NeededGroup Size
TriviaPrepared questions, pen and paperSmall to Large
Two Truths and a LieNoneSmall to Medium
Virtual Escape RoomReservation, device with internet accessSmall to Medium
PictionaryVirtual whiteboard, drawing toolSmall to Large
BingoCustom bingo cards, random number generatorSmall to Large

In conclusion, the key to a successful virtual birthday party for adults lies in the preparation and selection of engaging games that cater to participants’ interests. By following our guide and tailoring the experience to your guest of honor, you’re sure to create a memorable and enjoyable celebration.

Warm-Up Virtual Games

Zoom has become the go-to platform for many virtual gatherings, and it is no exception when it comes to facilitating engaging birthday party games for adults. A key aspect to a successful virtual party is warming up attendees and ensuring they interact and bond with each other. Here are a few virtual games that would fit the bill and get everybody into the celebratory mood.

1. Online Trivia Night: A favorite amongst many, this game can be tailored to suit the interests of the celebrant and attendees. Create multiple-choice questions and set up a shared Google doc or Spreadsheet to ease the answer collection process.

Here’s a sample question format for you to follow:

In which year did the Beatles release their first album?
a. 1961
b. 1962
c. 1963
d. 1964

Remember to keep the questions diverse and fun!

2. Virtual Wish Jar Game: A unique and personal way to kick off the party is by allowing guests to share their heartfelt wishes for the celebrant. Each attendee may send private messages or even record short video clips for the celebrant. Assemble these wishes in a digital folder or on a website to be shared with the honoree.

Here’s a structure to guide your guests in recording their messages:

  • Start with a birthday greeting
  • Share your favorite memory with the celebrant
  • Express your heartfelt wish for the year to come

3. Interactive Icebreakers: Help your guests get to know each other and set the stage for a spirited party by hosting interactive icebreakers. For example, you might engage everyone in “Two Truths and a Lie,” where each attendee shares two truths and one lie about themselves, and others have to guess which statement is false. Alternatively, you can try “Never Have I Ever” to stir up both laughter and conversation among guests.

In summary, virtual birthday parties can be just as entertaining and interactive as their in-person counterparts. Keep things lively with warm-up games like online trivia nights, virtual wish jars, and engaging icebreakers, all of which can be easily hosted on platforms like Zoom. By planning and facilitating these games well, you can ensure a memorable and fun-filled celebration for your friends and loved ones.

 

Interactive Adult Party Games

Organizing a virtual birthday party for adults can be challenging, but incorporating interactive games can bring excitement and energy back to the celebration. We’ve compiled a list of engaging virtual party games that are perfect for adults, so let’s dive in!

Virtual Murder Mystery: A murder mystery party is a thrilling game where participants work together or compete to solve a fictional murder. Each player takes on a character role, complete with their own backstory and information about the case. Through a series of clues, evidence, and interactions, players try to determine the killer among them. Virtual murder mystery companies host online events with actors and prewritten stories, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience.

Virtual Escape Rooms: Digital escape rooms challenge the players to work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and decipher codes to “escape” from a virtual room or scenario. Many virtual escape room creators offer themed rooms to cater to different interests and skill levels.

Game Night Staples

The following are some classic games that have been adapted for online play. From stimulating thought to inducing rambunctious laughter, these games will surely liven up your virtual party:

  1. Charades: A timeless party game that works beautifully on video calls. One person acts out a word or phrase without speaking, while others guess what it is. Create a list of fun and challenging prompts in advance, and enjoy watching your friends hilariously pantomime their clues.
  2. Psych! This app-based game tasks players with creating fake answers to a variety of questions and trivia. The objective is to fool other players into choosing your response as the correct one while avoiding selecting other players’ fake answers.
  3. Bingo: Virtual bingo allows your guests to join together from the comfort of their homes while competing to fill their cards. Utilize online bingo generators to distribute randomized cards to players and even call out the numbers for you.
  4. Scattergories: Adapt this classic word game for online play by sending category lists and letter dice rolls through text or email. Give each player a time limit to brainstorm words that fit the categories and start with the designated letter. The more unique the answer, the more points it scores.
  5. Guess What? Players take turns drawing a subject assigned to them while the rest of the team guesses what it is. Use an online whiteboard or share a screen on a drawing app to give everyone a chance to participate.
  6. Cards Against Humanity: This wildly popular card game can be played online using the official digital version which follows the same rules as the physical game. Players combine question and answer cards to create outrageous and hilarious pairings, voted on by a designated judge each round.

No matter which games you choose for your virtual birthday party, these interactive options guarantee a fun and memorable experience for adults as they connect and celebrate from a distance.

 

Themed Virtual Parties

Dance Party

We’ve all had moments when we just wanted to let our hair down and dance the night away. In a dance party, participants can choose a playlist for everyone, or each participant can share their favorite songs. We’ll get our groove on together and show off our moves. Feel free to dress up as if you were hitting up the club scene or wear comfortable clothes so you can break out in spontaneous dances!

Costume Party

Bring out everyone’s inner fashionista with a costume party. We can set themes like favorite movie characters, time periods, or all things bizarre. Participants don their creative costumes and we’ll have a virtual runway show to showcase our masterpieces. It’s not just about the attire, but engaging in discussions as our character or era provides an extra layer of fun.

Cocktail Party

A cocktail party allows us to chat about various drink concoctions and share recipes we’ve mastered. Creating a signature drink for the event adds a personal touch. Don’t forget the option to swanky up by dressing to the nines, or just wear something casually upscale. Let’s make those virtual toasts and clink glasses to a great time!

ThemeSuggested Activity
Movie NightTrivia Quiz
Wine TastingBlind Tasting

Movie Night

Host a movie night where we pick a film or series to indulge in; it can be a classic or something new. Afterward, enjoy a discussion or conduct a trivia quiz to test our knowledge of the cinematic experience. Make sure to have popcorn and other snacks on hand to make it even more authentic!

Wine Tasting

For the wine connoisseurs among us, a wine tasting event is perfect. While we can’t be in the same room to share a glass, we can send out a list of suggested wines to purchase beforehand. We’ll embark on a palette adventure as we taste different bottles, discussing notes and flavors. Pair with a guided blind tasting to add some challenge and intrigue to the experience.

 

Team-Building Virtual Games

As we adapt to virtual celebrations, team-building games have become increasingly popular for virtual birthday parties. These games not only bring joy and entertainment but also help to strengthen bonds between participants. In this section, we’ll discuss a few virtual games that can enhance your adult birthday parties.

Virtual Scavenger Hunt is a fantastic way to connect party guests and ignite their competitive spirits. We provide a list of items which the participants will have to find within their homes within a specific time frame. Tip: To make the game more challenging, include unusual or rarer items in the list.

Sample Scavenger Hunt List:
1. Something green
2. A ticket stub from a memorable event
3. A unique coin
4. An item from a previous birthday celebration
5. A souvenir from a vacation

Bingo is a classic game that easily translates to the virtual party setting. Our version of virtual Bingo allows participants to play via their own printable Bingo cards or play on an interactive online platform. Call out numbers and have your guests mark their cards accordingly. For a personalized touch, you may also create a custom Bingo game that reflects the interests of the birthday celebrant.

Here’s an example of thematic Bingo cards:

  • Movies
  • Food
  • Travel destinations
  • Hobbies

Another great game for virtual team-building is Two Truths and a Lie. Each person takes their turn, listing two true statements and one false one. The rest of the group then votes on which statement they think is the lie. This creates an opportunity to discover interesting facts about participants, leading to deeper connections and conversations.

Lastly, we recommend Online Trivia as a fun and engaging activity. Use a trivia platform to create a customized quiz that suits your party theme or the interests of the birthday person. Divide your guests into teams, encourage them to collaborate, and watch as the competition unfolds. This way, the social dynamics of the party are enhanced, leading to a memorable experience for all.

 

Jackbox Party Games

In recent years, Jackbox Party Games have become a popular choice for virtual parties, and they are perfect for adult birthday celebrations. Jackbox Party Pack is a series of collections, each containing various games that are designed to be played in a group setting. The games suit diverse interests and preferences, making it an excellent choice for a virtual birthday party.

Quiplash, one of the standout games in the series, is a great example of Jackbox Party Games’ unique style and humor. In this game, players must come up with the funniest, quirkiest, or most outrageous responses to quirky prompts. The other participants then vote on which response they find the most entertaining. The more votes a player receives, the higher their score – this simple yet engaging concept is perfect for virtual birthday parties.

Here’s a list of some other popular games included throughout the Jackbox Party Pack series:

  • Fibbage: A game where players must come up with convincing lies to deceive opponents and guess the truth.
  • Trivia Murder Party: A blend of trivia and deadly mini-games in a race to survive a thrilling, horror-themed experience.
  • Drawful: Players draw hilariously terrible drawings and guess each other’s work.
  • Patently Stupid: Participants pitch absurd inventions to one another, trying to convince them to invest.

The setup for Jackbox Party Games is easy to configure for any virtual gathering. All the games work with various streaming platforms, such as Zoom or Google Meet. Participants only need their smartphones to partake in the action – no need to purchase additional controllers or hardware.

It’s worth noting that there are currently eight Jackbox Party Packs, allowing for plenty of variety when planning your virtual birthday party. We recommend starting with the party pack that includes your preferred games, and then exploring additional packs to keep the fun going.

Remember, as the host, you only need to own the game – your guests join in by entering a unique code on the Jackbox.tv website. This feature makes it an accessible and budget-friendly option for most parties.

Overall, Jackbox Party Games offer a fun, accessible, and engaging solution for hosting a virtual birthday party your adult guests will undoubtedly enjoy. With captivating games and memorable experiences, there is a fitting choice for everyone in the extensive Jackbox collection.

 

Final Preparations for the Party

Before we dive into the virtual birthday party, let’s make sure everything is set. We’ve prepared a checklist to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for all the guests.

Party theme: Choose a fun and entertaining theme that resonates with the birthday person and guests. It’s essential for creating an engaging environment and making the overall experience memorable.

Support Local: Consider ordering a birthday cake and other treats from a local bakery or restaurant. Not only will you get a delightful and fresh dessert, but you’ll also be supporting a local business.

Planned activities: Schedule various activities throughout the party, ranging from classic Zoom games to interactive birthday celebrations. Don’t forget to allocate time for a cake-cutting ceremony, complete with the traditional birthday candles.

Zoom birthday background: To set the mood and maintain consistency with the party theme, create a custom Zoom background or select relevant pre-made backgrounds for the birthday celebration.

ItemActionDone?
Party themeChoose one[ ]
Local restaurant/bakeryOrder food and desserts[ ]
Planned activityPrepare list of games and activities[ ]
Birthday setupCake, candles, and Zoom background[ ]

One of the best ways to create a festive and interactive party is by incorporating a birthday slideshow. Ask the attendees to send in photos or short video clips of their favorite memories with the birthday person. Compile these into a slideshow to share during the gathering.

Finally, don’t forget to provide a detailed agenda to the guests. This not only demonstrates a well-organized event but also helps to maintain the flow of the party. A simple outline including instructions for the planned games and activities will suffice.

By paying attention to these final preparations, we’ll have a fantastic virtual birthday party that everyone will cherish.

 

Frequently Asked Questions


What are some engaging Zoom games for an adult birthday party?

We recommend trying games like trivia, Pictionary, and charades to make your Zoom birthday party enjoyable and engaging. These games can be played by making use of screen sharing and drawing tools available in Zoom. For trivia, you can customize questions based on the birthday person’s interests, making it even more fun for them.

Which online party games are both fun and free for adults?

Some fun and free online party games for adults include Skribbl, Kahoot, Jackbox Games (some games may require purchase), and Codenames. These games can be played easily on browsers or with smartphones, allowing everyone to join the fun without breaking the bank.

How can I make a virtual birthday celebration memorable?

To make a virtual birthday celebration memorable, focus on personalizing the event. Create a custom Zoom background for the birthday person, dedicate time for close friends and family to share heartfelt messages, and have a specific theme for the party. Incorporating interactive activities and games can also contribute to an unforgettable experience.

What unique Zoom birthday party ideas are there for adults?

For a unique Zoom birthday party, consider hosting a themed party such as a costume party, a virtual escape room, or a murder mystery event. You can also organize a virtual talent show where guests can showcase their hidden talents. These themes not only add excitement to the event but also encourage everyone to actively participate.

How can I incorporate bingo into an online birthday party?

To play bingo in an online birthday party, you can use websites like MyFreeBingoCards or Bingomaker for generating virtual bingo cards, which can then be shared with all the attendees. Additionally, there are online bingo calling tools available that can randomly call out numbers. Make sure to keep the theme of the bingo card relevant to the birthday person for added fun.

What are some creative ways to celebrate a coworker’s birthday virtually?

Creative virtual ideas to celebrate a coworker’s birthday include organizing a surprise video conference with fun themes, organizing a virtual lunch where everyone orders food delivery from the same restaurant, or having a virtual award ceremony to present funny superlatives to the birthday person. You could also use collaboration tools like Trello or Miro to create a digital birthday card for people to sign and share their warm wishes.