Have a blast with the crew: fun group activities in London to try right now

Looking to keep a party entertained? London’s the host with the most. The city is packed with fun things to do, no matter your taste, age, or time preferences. Whether you’re seeking a birthday brunch with buddies, a family day out, an after-work bonding session, or an alternative stag/hen do, we’ve just the idea. Here’s our countdown to the best group activities in London to enjoy with the whole clan this summer and beyond.

The best group activities in London

1. Be part of a TV game show with The Crystal Maze Live Experience

Ever wanted to be on the 90s TV game show, The Crystal Maze? Well, now you can. Bring a group and let your game master guide you through challenges of all sorts to win crystals. Of course, more crystals mean more time in the giant Crystal Dome at the pinnacle.

Find out more about The Crystal Maze Live Experience

2. Shuffleboard with Electric Shuffle

Challenge your mates to a supercharged version of shuffleboarding, complete with vision technology to total up your scores and shoot replay footage. Big pizzas, cocktails, and live DJ sounds turn up the competition. There are outposts in Canary Wharf, London Bridge, and a brand-new King’s Cross. Trust us, it’s such a good time, you’ll want to eventually hit up all three!

Read our review of Electric Shuffle.

Find out more about Electric Shuffle

3. Let loose at an indoor fairground with Fairgame

British weather may be unpredictable, even in the summer, but you’re guaranteed a good (rain-free) time at Fairgame, Canary Wharf’s adult funfair. It features all the classics from basketball hoops to whack away, and for just £15, you can play them all within a 75-minute time frame. Stick around afterward to sample the street food or catch up with your mates at one of the three bars. 

Find out more about Fairgame

4. Problem solve together with Activate

Jump, climb and problem-solve on games galore at The O2; there are nine interactive rooms at Activate, aka the world’s first active gaming facility. Guests don electronic wristbands that track progress as they take to each challenge, counting up points which equate to prizes. Brilliant fun for all the family, and suitable for two to five players. Oh, and trust us, it gets sweaty – wear comfy gear before your hour-long session.

Find out more about Activate at The O2

5. Sing with your West End waiter at Greek Street Live

In the heart of Soho is one of the last remaining independent late-night venues in London, and trust us, it’s the place to be for a group sing-along. There are three concepts within: The Room Where it Happens, a musical theatre bar where waiters sing and patrons merrily join in around the piano; Greek Street Live, where you all help pick the live and loud sounds; and The Other Place, a cosier, more intimate after-after space. Open till 2 am, we suggest doing all three in that order.

Find out more about Greek Street Live

6. Play pétanque at Boulebar Spitalfields

Get your mates together on the gravel for a game of pétanque, the quintessential French boules experience that’s now open in Spitalfields as well as Southwark. There are two teams per court, and the simple goal is to get to 13 points first. Teams can be as competitive as they like, either with full focus or with cocktails in hand (we prefer the latter).  Bistro-style bites are also available for a victory dinner.

Find out more about Boulebar Spitalfields

7. Complete (and compete on!) tasks in The Cube

The BAFTA-winning TV game show comes to life in Canary Wharf in an immersive gaming experience that drops you right on set. Teams of two are tested on balance, judgement, speed, and memory in concepts that have previously been featured on air.  Each cube is helmed by a staff member who’ll guide you through the process, and you’ll need to download the app which keeps point score and queues teams to the next round. 

Find out more about The Cube

8. Play social darts at Flight Club

Flight Club is possibly the most fun we’ve had with a dartboard! And that’s because it’s all high-tech, fast-paced, and addictively soundtracked. There are outposts in Shoreditch, Bloomsbury, Angel, and Victoria (which has an awesome roof terrace open all summer long). As for the eats, expect to tuck into sourdough pizzas and tasty small plates, alongside cocktails that’ll buzz up your aim. Good thing photo and video capture are done on your behalf. A brilliant day or night out with pals, old and new.

Find out more about Flight Club

9. Take the party for a sing-out at U9 Karaoke Bar

Sing your hearts out at the new U9 Karaoke Bar by Leicester Square, where you can choose from a staggering 450,000 songs! That’s absolutely everything from Britpop to K-pop, and yes, Korean lyrics included. On the (small) chance your favourite tune isn’t available, the high-tech system even allows YouTube video connection. When done with your room session, there’s no need to venture far for an ample-sized bar. Highballs from the cocktail bar and K-fried chicken from the restaurant are all served within the venue’s funky, funky space that allows for the boogie to continue to the wee hours. 

Find out more about U9 Karaoke Bar

10. Play to win at Hijingo Bingo

Ready to experience the future of bingo? Hijingo is electric: you and your mates will partake in a fast-paced, futuristic, and exhilarating rollout of numbers to win actual prizes. These include cash prizes and holidays. It’s not just blobbing off paper either: all around you, an AI-fuelled show will keep the party entertained, as well as a range of floor fillers ranging from noughties to pumping drum & bass and chart-toppers, Dua Lipa to RAYE. Cocktails and a weekend bottomless brunch are available, and there’s a podium-style stage for winners to be showered with glory (i.e. a photo opp).

Find out more about Hijingo Bingo

11. Ping pong with Bounce

Competitive crew? Whack the ball at Bounce, aka London’s official home of ping pong. Smart AI tech has the table automatically track and score the game for you, so there’s no losing focus. Or maybe you’re happy to let go of the win: in which case, opt for Beer Pong instead. The rules are simple: toss the ball, eliminate rival cups, and if you sink them you drink them! Outposts are in Farringdon, Battersea Power Station, and Old Street, all with food and drink served to fuel each pop.

Find out more about Bounce

12. Step into another dimension with Avora

Fans of films like Avatar, your dreams will come to life at this hot spot. Avora is an immersive new-world cocktail adventure in London, from the creators of ‘Alcotraz’ and ‘Moonshine Saloon’ (so you know it’s going to be good). Guests get three potion-style cocktails included (non-alcoholic options are available) and interact with a cast of actors playing botanists and local Avorians against a beautifully theatrical backdrop. Avora’s good for the environment too: a tree is planted for every ticket sold.

Find out more about Avora

13.  Escape a zombie room with Bunker 51

An escape game with a bite. You and up to seven friends are locked in a room and have an hour to unearth clues to a key out of there. Every few minutes, the zombie’s chain is released a little further, and you’ll need to work together to keep it at bay. A brilliant twist on the group activity that’s fun beyond just Halloween, with award-deserving acting from resident ‘professor’ and ‘zombie’.

Find out more about Bunker 51

14. Become a pro-golfer at Pitch

Practice your swing like a pro: at Pitch you can round up mates of all abilities for games spanning Bullseye to Party Putt to Cannon Bowl. The high-tech golf arcade allows you to select rounds on a touch-screen, then mixes your mini-tournaments with upbeat music, great grub (say yes to duck spring rolls!), and cocktails for the perfect immersive evening out. Available in Soho and City, plus a new Canary Wharf opening.

Find out more about Pitch

15. Become a footie champ at TOCA Social

Whether you’re a footie fanatic or have a Victoria Beckham level of interest, TOCA Social’s balls of fun. The O2 arena venue is the world’s first interactive football and dining experience, bringing you and your chums together for kicks that span beginner to advanced in 17 boxes. 

Find out more about TOCA Social

16. Learn how to throw axes with Whistle Punks

Always wanted to try axe throwing? This Oxford Circus setting is the place to learn the art of axe throwing in London. A highly skilled expert will take you through a selection of grips and you’ll have a chance to practice before battling it out for supremacy with your crew. Perfect for groups of two and up, we had a ball here with their Quick Fling package that promises 40 minutes of fun at just £16 per person. We can vouch for the delicious pizzas and cocktails/mocktails too.

Discover more about Whistle Punks

17. Swing in the trees with Go Ape

You don’t have to venture far for that forest feeling. At Go Ape in Battersea Park (as well as multiple other UK locations) you and the crew can monkey around high up in the trees with their signature Tree Top Adventure. The experience combines rope bridges, zip wires, and Tarzan swings, and the two to three hours are both exhilarating and a great workout. Suitable for all ages if you’re up for a physical and mental challenge. 

Find out more about Go Ape

18. Try (virtual) clay shooting with Clays Bar

This bar brings clay target shooting out of the countryside and right into the City. Check in to a shooting peg that features interactive screens for a thrilling selection of games fuelled by cocktails and delicious sharing platters. You can leave your phones in your pockets too: moments, photos, and game results from your session are emailed out afterward.

Find out more about Clays Bar

19. Make TikToks in the Paradox Museum

One the kids and TikTokers will love, the Paradox Museum is an exhibit to let loose. It’s difficult to say what it is without giving away all the surprises, but basically, imagine bonkers dreams come to life. Think: running through tunnels, wearing camouflage with a whole room, upside-down tube carriages, and a zero gravity experience (small additional fee applies). We dare you to try leaving without filling your camera roll; every room here is social media gold. 

Find out more about the Paradox Museum

20. Experience racetrack thrill at F1 Arcade

F1 Arcade at St Paul’s (virtually) makes racetrack dreams come true. Using bespoke full-motion racing simulators, you and your fellow drivers will take the wheel and immerse in the game…as if you’re in Monaco. Go head to head, or form teams for a thrilling race. The venue’s Octane Bar is perfect for a celebratory cocktail and globally-inspired bites are also served. 

Find out more about F1 Arcade

21. Cheer the boys on at Forbidden Nights

For a girl’s (and gays) night out to remember, how about a Forbidden Night in Clapham? The long-running show, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent, parks at Infernos every Saturday. Tickets include the show starring the raunchy all-male troupe, plus a photo opp with the cast. Upgrade with a stage pass and have your pal join the boys on stage, ideal for hen parties, birthdays, or any night out where cocktails and hunks are needed for a little tension release.

Find out more about Forbidden Nights

22. Draw nudes in the dark with Neon Naked

Life drawing with a twist. Neon Naked dives you into psychedelic neons for the most unique art class. Models are beautifully painted, and supplies are all included. Who knew highlighters could be so fun?

Find out more about Neon Naked

But wait, there’s more…

• Check out these really great London restaurants we love
• Or if you’re a party of two, let our most romantic restaurants in London bring the magic
• Stay a litle longer with an overnight in London’s coolest four-star hotels