17 Fun Game Ideas to Celebrate Independence Day

Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17th is always filled with excitement, togetherness, and community spirit. While traditional games like sack races and cracker-eating are timeless favorites, adding unique and creative competitions can make the celebration even more memorable. These 17 ideas are designed to suit all ages and environments—whether in your neighborhood, school, workplace, or community gathering.

1. Leaky Pipe Challenge

Teams work together to fill a long PVC pipe with water until a ping-pong ball floats to the top. The challenge is that the pipe has several holes along its length, so while some players fetch and pour water, others must plug the holes with their hands, elbows, or even feet. This game is perfect for encouraging teamwork, quick thinking, and a lot of laughter when the “pluggers” inevitably get soaked.

2. Cone Hat Football

Participants wear tall cone-shaped hats that block their forward vision, forcing them to look down while trying to locate and kick a ball. The lack of visibility makes even simple movements unpredictable, leading to funny and unexpected moments. It’s a lighthearted competition that works well for all ages and can be played in small teams or one-on-one.

3. Cracker-Eating with a Foot Twist

This spin on the classic cracker-eating contest ties the cracker’s string to the player’s ankle instead of hanging it from a rope. Players must lift their leg high enough to bring the cracker close to their mouth while keeping their balance. The combination of flexibility, coordination, and determination often leads to hilarious results.

4. Sack Race in Traditional Costume

The sack race gets an upgrade when participants wear traditional Indonesian attire such as batik sarongs or kebaya while hopping toward the finish line. The added fabric and accessories make it trickier to move, creating a delightful mix of cultural pride and comedic challenge. It’s also a great photo opportunity for your event.

5. Three-Person Bakiak Race

A beloved traditional game, the bakiak race involves teams standing on long wooden clogs with several foot straps. For the three-person version, the key to success is moving in perfect unison—one misstep can throw the whole team off balance. It’s a true test of coordination and communication, making it especially fun for groups of friends or family.

6. Sponge Water Relay

In this refreshing relay, players dip a sponge into a bucket of water and race to squeeze it into another bucket at the finish line. The sponge’s limited capacity means several trips are needed, and any careless movement will spill precious drops. It’s simple, inexpensive, and guaranteed to cool participants down under the hot August sun.

7. Blindfolded Makeup Challenge

In this hilarious activity, one person is blindfolded and tasked with applying makeup to their partner’s face. The results are rarely glamorous, but they are always entertaining. This game works best with an audience that can cheer and laugh along, and it’s especially fun at school or office celebrations.

8. Balloon Dance

Two players hold a balloon between their bodies—whether at the forehead, chest, or back—and must dance to music without dropping or popping it. As the songs change tempo, the challenge gets harder. It’s a mix of rhythm, balance, and teamwork, often ending with the crowd clapping along to the beat.

9. Animal Sound Imitation Contest

Each participant draws an animal name from a bowl and must imitate its sound and movements for the audience. From roaring lions to clucking chickens, the funniest performances usually win the most points. This game is easy to set up and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

10. Mud Tug-of-War

A tug-of-war is fun on its own, but adding a shallow pit of mud between the teams takes it to another level. The losing side inevitably ends up splashing into the mud, creating loud cheers and memorable moments. It’s messy, so be sure to prepare a safe and contained area for play.

11. Typing the Proclamation Race

Ideal for offices or schools with computer access, this competition challenges participants to type the Indonesian Proclamation of Independence as quickly and accurately as possible. Typos and formatting errors add penalty points, so speed alone won’t guarantee victory. It’s a smart way to mix history with friendly rivalry.

12. Guess the Movement

Players take turns acting out a phrase, action, or scene without speaking, while their team tries to guess it before time runs out. The prompts can be themed around Indonesian culture, daily life, or historical events, making it both fun and educational.

13. Laugh Endurance Battle

Two participants face each other while teammates and the audience try to make them laugh using only facial expressions, gestures, or funny poses—no physical contact allowed. The first one to smile, giggle, or laugh loses the round. It’s surprisingly difficult to keep a straight face.

14. Blindfolded Treasure Hunt

Participants are blindfolded and guided by their teammates’ voices to locate hidden objects within a set area. The challenge is balancing careful listening with quick movement. It’s a great test of trust, communication, and spatial awareness.

15. Balloon Stomp

Players have balloons tied to their ankles and must try to pop everyone else’s balloon while protecting their own. The last person with an unpopped balloon is the winner. It’s fast-paced, energetic, and fun for all ages.

16. Fishing Contest

This game can be played in an actual pond or an improvised mini pool with toy fish. Participants compete to catch the biggest fish, the most fish, or to be the first to catch one. It’s a calm yet competitive option that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

17. Trivia Quiz Show

A cerdas cermat–style quiz pits teams against each other in rounds of fast-paced questions on Indonesian history, culture, and general knowledge. A charismatic quizmaster and quick buzzer system make the game even more engaging for both players and spectators.

*Sources: Bisnis Indonesia, Liputan 6

*Photo: Instagram Jennifer Bachdim