Best 15 Icebreakers for Small Teams (10-25 People) in 2026

Did you know that 70% of employees say they feel more connected to their team after participating in icebreaker activities? As leaders, you're always looking for ways to enhance collaboration and trust within your small teams. Icebreakers are a fantastic way to kick off meetings, retreats, or offsite events. In 2026, let's explore the best 15 icebreakers designed specifically for small teams of 10-25 people.

1. Two Truths and a Lie

• Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Low
• Logistics: Each participant shares two truths and one lie about themselves. The group guesses which statement is the lie.

Skip If...

If your team is uncomfortable sharing personal information, consider another icebreaker.

2. Human Bingo

• Time Needed: 30 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: $5/person for bingo cards
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Logistics: Create bingo cards with traits or experiences (e.g., "has traveled to Asia"). Participants mingle to find people who match the squares.

Skip If...

If your team prefers quieter, less interactive activities, this may not be suitable.

3. The Marshmallow Challenge

• Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: $10 for supplies
• Energy Level: High
• Logistics: Teams build the tallest structure using spaghetti, tape, and a marshmallow on top.

Skip If...

If your team has limited time or prefers seated activities, consider a different option.

4. Team Trivia

• Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Logistics: Prepare trivia questions about team members or company history. Teams compete to answer the most questions correctly.

Skip If...

If your team isn't familiar with each other, this may not work well.

5. Speed Networking

• Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Logistics: Pair team members for 3-5 minutes to discuss prompts before rotating partners.

Skip If...

If your team is very introverted, they may struggle with this format.

6. Show and Tell

• Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Low
• Logistics: Team members bring an item that represents them and share its significance.

Skip If...

If your team is pressed for time, this may not be ideal.

7. Pictionary

• Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free (use online generators)
• Energy Level: High
• Logistics: Divide into teams and draw prompts while others guess.

Skip If...

If your team dislikes drawing or competitive activities, opt for a different icebreaker.

8. Memory Sharing

• Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Low
• Logistics: Each person shares a memorable moment from their career or personal life.

Skip If...

If team members are new and don’t have shared experiences, this may not resonate.

9. What’s on Your Bucket List?

• Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Low
• Logistics: Team members share one item from their bucket list and why it matters to them.

Skip If...

If your team is not comfortable sharing personal goals, consider a different approach.

10. Who Am I?

• Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Logistics: Each participant has a sticky note on their forehead with a famous person's name. They ask yes/no questions to guess who they are.

Skip If...

If your team is unfamiliar with pop culture references, they may struggle.

11. Desert Island Scenario

• Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Logistics: Each person shares three items they would bring to a deserted island and why.

Skip If...

If your team doesn’t enjoy hypothetical scenarios, this may not be effective.

12. The Compliment Circle

• Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Low
• Logistics: Each person gives a compliment to the person next to them, creating a positive atmosphere.

Skip If...

If your team is uncomfortable with sharing or receiving compliments, skip this one.

13. Team Playlist

• Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Low
• Logistics: Each member shares their favorite song and why it resonates with them.

Skip If...

If your team isn't into music, they may not engage fully.

14. Would You Rather?

• Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Low
• Logistics: Pose fun, light-hearted "Would you rather" questions to the group.

Skip If...

If your team is very reserved, they may not respond well to this format.

15. Team Storytelling

• Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
• Group Size: 10-25
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Logistics: Create a story as a team, with each member contributing a sentence.

Skip If...

If your team prefers structured activities, this may not work.

Conclusion: Action Items for Your Next Offsite

1. Choose 3-5 icebreakers that align with your team's culture and preferences.
2. Prepare any materials needed (e.g., bingo cards, trivia questions).
3. Schedule time for icebreakers at the beginning of your next meeting or offsite.
4. Gather feedback from the team to refine future icebreaker selections.

By incorporating these icebreakers into your team-building efforts, you can foster a more connected and engaged team in 2026!