Ice Breakers and Team Building Resources

Icebreakers for In-Person or Virtual Meetings

A welcoming environment is the cornerstone to a successful 4-H club meeting. Providing youth with fun activities and opportunities to get to know one another offers a foundation for members to feel safe and accepted in the group. Utilize these resources to expand your club’s activity resources.

Blue Ribbon Games and Activities (PDF)

This resource from Kansas State University has a collection of 4-H tried and true club games and activities.

Group Building Activities

This publication from Michigan State University Extension provides useful energizers, icebreakers (get-acquainted) and other activities to help members and volunteers build strong 4-H clubs or strengthen existing groups.

Youth Group Games

This website provides a large selection of icebreakers for youth-oriented clubs.

Plugged In: Ice Breaker Ideas for Virtual Meetings

The University of Maine shares ideas for icebreakers in virtual club meetings including tips on how to integrate them into your virtual session.

We Are Teachers

This website hosts a list of team building activities and games for kids. It is periodically updated with new material.

Fun Attic

Fun Attic aims to inspire youth through play. Their materials help children to build relationships and skills through fun and interactive methods.

UNICEF Kid Power

Kid Power believes that physical activity in youth leads to lifelong increases in mental and social emotional health. They offer free and engaging videos to get kids moving. Requires sign up.

Icebreaker Ideas

This website provides a variety of icebreaker games and activities, including trivia, riddles, and other fun ideas.

Do you have an ice breaker activity to suggest? Let us know!

Staff and Volunteer Contributed Ice Breaker Resources

Name Juggle

Need a quick way for your 4-Hers to start learning names? Try this quick icebreaker to get the ball rolling!

All My Friends

Try this activity to help youth learn the interest areas and projects of their fellow club members!

Would You Rather…?

Short on time or supplies? This simple question and answer game can be a great way to get kids talking about themselves and is a great window into how they think!

Playworks Game Library

Playworks games are designed for groups of all sizes and include traditional playground games, icebreakers and getting-to-know-you activities, and adapted versions of popular sports.

It’s in the Bag: Team Builders for Any Group

Team building activities like the ones in this booklet from Wisconsin 4-H can help any size or make-up of group to break the ice and get to know one another, build teamwork and cooperation, as well as spark creative thinking and problem solving.

North Dakota 4-H Recreation: Games and Activities (PDF)

This collection of games and activities for 4-H youth will get kids excited about participating in their 4-H meetings. Use them as icebreakers and warmups or to close out your meeting!