10 Fun Games to Play With Friends in Summer (2025 Edition)

Summer is the season of sunshine, late nights, and unforgettable hangouts with friends. Whether you're firing up the grill, planning a beach day, or organizing a backyard gathering, having a go-to list of fun games can instantly elevate the vibe. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 must-try games — some nostalgic, others trending — that are perfect for low-key evenings or wild summer parties.

Why Summer Games With Friends Matter

Playing games isn’t just about killing time — it’s about connecting, laughing, and bonding. With smartphones often stealing the spotlight, games are a great way to stay present and make the most of your summer IRL.

Plus, research shows that group play boosts mood and reduces stress, making your summer hangouts even more refreshing.

🎯 1. Spikeball — The Ultimate 2v2 Battle

Perfect for: Beach, backyard, park
What you need: Spikeball set

A modern classic, Spikeball exploded in popularity thanks to its high energy, fast reflex gameplay and TikTok virality. It's easy to learn but hard to master — making it ideal for competitive friends. Expect diving saves, epic rallies, and lots of trash talk.

Search Volume Tip: "Spikeball game rules" and "best Spikeball set for beginners" are trending long-tail keywords.

🏐 2. Volleyball With a Twist: Water Balloon Edition

Perfect for: Hot days, poolside fun
What you need: Net, water balloons

Take standard volleyball, swap the ball for water balloons, and you’ve got instant hilarity. Teams have to volley the fragile balloons without popping them — good luck with that!

Pro tip: Freeze the balloons for 20 minutes before play for an extra cooling effect.

🦑 3. Squid Game IRL

Perfect for: Large groups, theme parties
What you need: Cones, chalk, timers

The hit Netflix show inspired a wave of IRL Squid Game challenges. Recreate Red Light, Green Light, Tug of War, or the cookie challenge in your backyard. Just keep it safe and fun (no elimination zones, please).

Search Volume Tip: "real life Squid Game party" and "Squid Game outdoor games" are low-competition gems.

🎲 4. Codenames: Summer Edition

Perfect for: Chill evenings, cabin trips
What you need: Codenames deck or app

A clever party game where players try to guess secret words based on single-word clues. It's light, strategic, and hilarious when someone completely misreads the clue. You can even play it with a cold drink in hand under fairy lights.

🎮 5. Mario Kart Tournament (Switch It Up Indoors)

Perfect for: Rainy summer days
What you need: Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8

When the sun takes a break, head indoors and battle it out in Mario Kart. Set up a leaderboard, keep score, and let the chaos of Blue Shells and Banana Peels decide who’s the summer champ.

Search Volume Tip: “Mario Kart 8 tournament rules” and “best party games on Switch” are high in seasonal search.

🕹 6. Jackbox Party Pack: The Ultimate Group Game

Perfect for: Indoors, rooftop parties
What you need: Smart TV/laptop, smartphones

Jackbox Games continue to dominate friend gatherings. All you need is one screen and everyone plays on their phones. Quiplash, Fibbage, and Drawful are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

🪵 7. Giant Jenga — Now With Dares

Perfect for: Backyard BBQs, pre-drinks
What you need: Giant Jenga blocks + a Sharpie

Write dares or challenges on each block. Every time someone pulls a block, they must perform the task. It's a hilarious way to spice up this timeless classic.

🛼 8. Skate Tag

Perfect for: Active friend groups
What you need: Skates, an open lot or park

Blend your childhood nostalgia with modern vibes by organizing skate tag. One person is “it,” and the rest have to dodge and weave around the park. Add music for bonus retro vibes.

🏕 9. Flashlight Hide & Seek

Perfect for: Campouts, late-night beach vibes
What you need: Flashlights

Once the sun sets, bring back the best parts of childhood with flashlight hide and seek. One person searches with a flashlight while everyone else hides — stealth and shadows become your best friends.

🎤 10. Lip Sync Battle: TikTok Edition

Perfect for: Pool parties, pre-night-out energy
What you need: Phone, speaker, and confidence

Pick a trending TikTok sound or summer hit and go head-to-head in a lip sync showdown. Bonus points for choreography and costumes. It’s pure Gen Z energy and always gets the whole group cheering.

Tips for Hosting the Best Summer Game Night

• Set the vibe: Music, lights, and comfy seating go a long way.
• Mix active and chill games: Not everyone wants to sweat!
• Rotate roles: Let everyone take turns as game master or referee.
• Capture the moment: Summer memories are worth documenting — take pics or even record short recap videos for socials.
• Keep it flexible: Have backup indoor games ready in case of weather changes.

The Future of Summer Games

The lines between digital and physical games continue to blur. Expect AR-enhanced games (like Pokémon GO-style scavenger hunts), VR party kits, and even wearable gaming tech to become part of the next summer trend wave.

Also on the rise: social media-integrated challenges, where you play games IRL and instantly share your score or video online — combining community and competition.

Final Thoughts

This summer, forget doom-scrolling and make room for pure fun and human connection. Whether you go full nostalgia or try something viral, these 10 games will have you and your friends laughing, competing, and creating core memories. So get out there, grab some friends, and let the games begin.

Looking for more summer gaming inspiration? Check out heet.gg — your hub for gaming culture, community, and fun.