Retirement party games: group of seniors taking a groufie

Retiring is a huge milestone. It’s something people work toward for a good portion of their lives, and it’s an achievement worthy of an equally big celebration. Before the retiree in your life starts ticking through their bucket list with their newly earned free time, celebrate their hard work and accomplishments by hosting a farewell party to wish them a happy retirement.

Whether it’s a small family-and-friends gathering or an office party thrown by the company they’re retiring from, there are oodles of ice breakers, team-based activities, and retirement party games to entertain the crowd and pay homage to the guest of honor. From crafting hilarious mad libs or showing off your artistic abilities in Pictionary to playing a retirement-focused bingo game, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out some of our fun retirement celebration ideas below.

Kick Off the Celebration with Some Icebreakers

Icebreakers are a nice way to open a party, bridge connections among the guests, break through any social awkwardness, and even learn something new about the guest of honor. 

Just like games at a baby shower, there are get-to-know-you retiree-focused printable templates that can be found on sites like Etsy — complete with answer key guides — or ready-to-ship versions of similar games on Amazon.

Here are some icebreakers that do a good job of stirring up conversations:

  • Word scrambles: Make or order word scrambles that relate to the guest of honor’s life or retirement, and see how many guests correctly unscramble the words. Set a time limit for unscrambling the words, or name the first to complete all of the words the victor (as long as they do it accurately). 
  • Mad libs: Asking guests to write a letter to the honoree all on their own might be a tall order but a premade mad libs letter makes it a bit easier — and in many cases more entertaining — to read. Have each guest fill out a mad lib and submit them anonymously for the host to read aloud or ask for a few volunteers to share their witty responses.
  • Photo caption contest: Collect pictures of the retiree prior to the gathering and pick a handful that show a funny scene, highlight an iconic moment, or have a lot of character. Then, ask guests to submit captions for each image, and have attendees vote on the best captions for each picture.
  • Roast or toast open mic: Give each attendee the floor to share a favorite memory, toast the retiree, or roast them (gently, of course). Remember to set a timer for approximately 30 seconds to one minute, depending on crowd size, to make sure everyone has a chance to speak.
  • Two truths and a lie: Each guest gets the opportunity to tell two truths and a lie about the retiree (or themselves). All of the other guests try to guess which is the lie — a show of hands is the easiest way to poll the room.
  • Retirement bucket list: Give guests the chance to write down 5-10 things they think is on the retiree’s bucket list. Announce the retiree’s answers and have guests crosscheck their lists to see which ones they got right. The guest(s) with the most correct answers wins!

Beyond the retirement party games above, playing a photo or video slideshow of the retiree can be a nice visual way of kicking off the icebreakers. Similarly, a photo booth can also loosen the mood and get guests out of their comfort zone — especially if there are silly props available. Plus, the photos make for a great keepsake for guests. 

Team-Based Retirement Party Activities

Group of people holding clipboards

Depending on the size of the gathering, there are several group activities that would be fun for a crowd. Divvy up into teams, and start working on a challenge together. 

These team-based activities are crowd-pleasers:

  • Play Pictionary: Make the words and phrases career- or retirement-themed for participants to draw, such as things the guest of honor might be doing during their retirement, like fishing, relaxing on the beach, and traveling the world. 
  • Compete in Office Olympics: Assemble three to five challenges related to the retiree’s job or work environment, and have teams compete. A few examples include a coffee run relay, office chairs race, and trash bin basketball. 
  • Create a retirement plan: Break guests into teams to create humorous plans for the retiree now that their last chapter has ended. This can be done by brainstorming and writing down the team’s ideas or creating a collage from magazines and other printed materials of what the vision is for their post-retirement life. Have the honoree decide which retirement plan sounds the best or is closest to what they have in mind.
  • Go on a scavenger hunt: Give teams a chance to solve clues and hunt for treasure that represent the retiree’s life, career, or interests. Be sure to split the “loot” amongst guests!
  • Create a retirement time capsule: Have each guest bring a small item that could be used during retirement, and create a time capsule for the retiree to open at a future date. Or, instead of small items, have guests bring memorable photos and thoughtful notes to contribute to the time capsule.
  • Pass the story: Break into teams, and tell a retirement-themed story one sentence at a time. Give each team one minute to complete a story and move on to the next team. 

Retirement Party Games That Never Go Out of Style

Group of friends playing cards

Beyond the icebreakers and activities mentioned, there are several classic games that are fun to play for kids and adults alike. 

Here are a few to consider:

  • Retirement Bingo: Purchase or create DIY retirement-themed bingo cards, and let the fun begin. Don’t erase the board after just one “Bingo.” Instead, allow time for several “Bingos” before having guests erase their boards to increase the enthusiasm and chances of winning.
  • Family Feud: Most guests will likely be familiar with this classic TV show game, but add a twist by making the categories related to retirement or the retiree’s life. Let the feud begin!
  • Who knows the retiree best?: Quiz the guests with trivia about the retiree. What was their first job? What’s their favorite hobby? What’s their middle name? Don’t forget to have the retiree fill it out first so the emcee has an answer key.
  • Work-related trivia: Spur conversation with trivia about the retiree’s career, where they first worked, their favorite job ever, most obscure work task, etc. The person with the most correct answers wins!
  • Trivia games: There are dozens of trivia games that could add to the excitement of the day. If there are several generations at the event, consider Mind the Gap, otherwise Trivial Pursuit is always a solid option.
  • Card games: If it’s a more intimate gathering, card games like euchre, rummy, hearts, and poker are always good options to keep guests entertained.   

In addition to retirement party games and activities, it’s a nice touch to have a “best wishes” jar, offering guests the opportunity to write down their well wishes and/or advice for the individual’s retirement.

Start Their Next Chapter with Fun Retirement Party Games

Senior couple walking at a beach

Incorporating retirement party icebreakers, activities, and games help guests relax, get to know each other, and make the celebration more memorable. Regardless of the mix you choose, these fun retirement party games will make the gathering truly special and entertaining, giving the perfect sendoff to the retiree.

If you’re looking for additional party ideas and planning tips, check out the other articles on our Stationers blog. You’ll find invitation designs, theme inspiration, and more for retirement parties and all of life’s key events.