How to use dinner questions as a game
A list of questions on its own is just a list. These three formats turn it into something people want to play:
- Question jar. Write or print questions, cut them apart and put them in a jar. Each person draws one and answers it, or reads it to the person on their left.
- Pick a number. Number the questions and ask someone to call out a number between one and your total. That person’s number decides the question.
- One question for everyone. Pick a single question and have everyone answer in turn. Then let the conversation wander.
Whichever you choose, a few ground rules help: answers can be silly, people can pass, and nobody has to explain more than they want to. For game ideas that go beyond questions, see our guide to family games at the dinner table.
Light and silly questions
These are good openers, especially with kids or a group that has not warmed up yet.
- If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
- What would the title of your autobiography be?
- If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- What is your go-to karaoke song?
- If your pet could talk, what would they say about you?
- What would your entrance song be if you were a wrestler?
- What petty rule would you make into a law?
- If a movie were made of your life, what genre would it be?
Would you rather questions
- Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
- Would you rather live in space or under the sea?
- Would you rather travel to the past or the future?
- Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet robot?
- Would you rather always be ten minutes late or always be twenty minutes early?
- Would you rather grow all your own food or make all your own clothes?
After someone answers, ask “why?” That is where most of the fun is.
Getting-to-know-you questions
These work well with new friends, extended family or dinner party guests. For longer icebreakers, see identity icebreaker games.
- What was your first job?
- What is your earliest memory?
- Who is someone you really admire?
- What is a family tradition you like?
- What did you want to be when you grew up?
- Where did you do your grocery shopping growing up?
- What is something new you would like to try this year?
- If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
Reflective questions about the day
These work as a daily ritual, and families often use them in place of “how was your day?” More structured sharing games are in our family communication games guide.
- What was the best part of your day, and what was the hardest part?
- What made you smile today?
- What is one thing you did to help someone?
- If you could redo one thing from today, what would it be?
- What are you looking forward to this week?
- If you could describe your day as a color, which would it be?
Questions for kids
Keep them concrete and short, and let kids ask some too.
- What is your favorite animal and why?
- If you could invent a new ice cream flavor, what would it be?
- What is the silliest thing you saw today?
- If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
- What is something you would like to learn to do?
Questions for adults and dinner parties
- What advice would you give your younger self?
- When did you last laugh really hard?
- What is the worst advice you have ever received?
- If you had to give a talk with no preparation, what would your topic be?
- What would you call this chapter of your life?
Tips for a quiet table
- Start easy. Silly questions warm people up faster than serious ones.
- Answer first. Go first yourself, and keep your answer short and light.
- Offer a pass. A free skip makes it easier for people to join in.
- Ask a follow-up. One extra “what happened next?” often turns a one-word answer into a story.
- Match the room. Save deeper questions for people who already know each other well.
For more structured options, see table conversation games.
FAQ
What are some fun questions to ask at the dinner table?
Light picks such as “If you were an animal, which would you be?” or “What would your autobiography be called?” tend to work for most groups.
What are some good conversation games to play at dinner?
Rose and Thorn, Would You Rather, Two Truths and a Lie and Twenty Questions need no supplies. A question jar is also easy to prepare.
How many questions should I ask in one dinner?
One to three is plenty for most meals. Treat the questions as a spark rather than a schedule.