Games at a dinner and dance work best when they are short, voluntary and easy to follow from a seated position. This guide covers 8 game ideas that a volunteer host or emcee can run between courses, with a sample programme at the end. These are editorial suggestions, not services that BounceParkSG promises to supply or facilitate. Where a rental addition would complement a game, the relevant catalogue page is linked so you can confirm scope and quotation with BounceParkSG.
8 game ideas
1. Table Trivia
The host reads a question, and each table writes an answer on a card. Five rounds of five questions, with a running table scoreboard. Materials: printed question cards, answer sheets, pens, a small whiteboard or screen for scores. Format: seated. Suggested round length (editorial suggestion): 3 to 4 minutes per round.
2. Name That Tune
Play a 10 second clip of a song through the venue sound system. Tables write down the song title. Run 8 to 10 clips in a set. Materials: a speaker or AV setup, a playlist prepared on a phone or laptop. Format: seated. Suggested round length (editorial suggestion): 2 to 3 minutes per clip set.
3. Photo Challenge
Announce a theme (for example, "most creative team pose" or "best use of a table centrepiece"). Each table submits one phone photo to the emcee within a time limit. Display the entries on a projector and let the room vote by applause. Materials: a phone per table, a projector or screen. Format: seated or standing. Suggested round length (editorial suggestion): 5 minutes.
4. Heads or Tails
Invite volunteers to join. Each participant chooses heads or tails by showing a labelled card or agreed hand signal, seated or standing. The host flips a coin. Participants whose choice does not match leave that round. Continue until one participant remains. Materials: a coin. Format: seated or standing. Suggested round length (editorial suggestion): 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Lucky Draw Bingo
Distribute bingo cards at the start of the evening, each pre-printed with a random selection of numbers. Draw numbers between courses and speeches throughout the night. The first complete line wins, then continue for a full card. Materials: printed bingo cards, numbered draw tokens, a bowl. Format: seated. Runs across the event.
6. Pass the Parcel
Wrap a small prize in several layers of paper, with an optional light-hearted prompt or small item between layers. Play music through the room; when the music stops, the person holding the parcel unwraps one layer and may read the prompt aloud or pass without explanation. Materials: a wrapped package, small items between layers, music from the venue AV. Format: seated or standing in a circle. Suggested round length (editorial suggestion): 5 to 8 minutes.
7. Two Truths One Lie
Select 3 to 4 volunteers from different tables. Each shares 3 statements about themselves: two true, one false. The audience votes on which is the lie, using a show of hands or numbered cards. Materials: none, or printed voting cards. Format: seated. Suggested round length (editorial suggestion): 3 to 4 minutes per volunteer.
8. Minute to Win It Relay
Each table sends one representative to the front for a 60 second desk challenge: stack 10 cups into a pyramid and unstack, sort a pile of coloured paper clips by colour, or land a bottle flip. The fastest or most complete attempt scores a point for the table. Materials: cups, paper clips, a plastic bottle with a small amount of water. Format: standing (representative only). Suggested round length (editorial suggestion): 2 minutes per challenge.
Scoring
Use a simple cumulative table score across all games. Award 3 points for a first place finish, 2 for second, 1 for third. Keep a running tally on a whiteboard or projected slide. Announce the winning table before dessert.
Sample programme
This is a suggested programme, not a guaranteed duration. Adjust timing to your event schedule.
| When | Game | Format |
|---|---|---|
| During cocktails | Photo Challenge | Seated or standing |
| After starters | Table Trivia (2 rounds) | Seated |
| Between courses | Heads or Tails + Pass the Parcel | Seated or standing |
| After main course | Minute to Win It Relay | Standing (reps) |
| Before dessert | Two Truths One Lie | Seated |
| Through the evening | Lucky Draw Bingo + Name That Tune | Seated |
Rental entertainment additions
If you want a self-service activity running alongside the seated games, consider a claw machine or arcade cabinet near the reception or networking area. Carnival game booths can work as a pre-dinner reception activity. For sound and projection needs, see the audio visual catalogue. Confirm scope, operating hours and any staffing in the rental quotation.
For a full overview of what BounceParkSG provides for corporate events, see the Dinner and Dance event page and the Corporate Family Days page.
Frequently asked questions
Not for most of them. A volunteer host with a microphone can run table trivia, heads or tails and lucky draws. If you want a trained emcee to host and engage the room, ask BounceParkSG about their event emcee service.
Yes. Table Trivia, Name That Tune, Lucky Draw Bingo and Two Truths One Lie are fully seated. Heads or Tails and Pass the Parcel can also be adapted for seated participation. Photo Challenge works either way.
Keep each round short: 3 to 5 minutes for a single game, spread across the evening between courses and speeches. Guests stay engaged without the event becoming a games night.
Yes. A claw machine, arcade cabinet or prize game adds a self-service activity that runs in the background. Confirm the item, operating hours and any staffing in the rental quotation.
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