Conversation Games for Hot Tubs (Part 1)

There’s something about the hot tub that creates an intimate, congenial atmosphere. Some of the best conversations that I’ve had have been in hot tubs. Especially when it’s dark outside, it kind of has the slumber party effect, where you feel safe and brave about sharing more about yourself.

If you haven’t experienced the magic of great hot tub conversations, we suggest you get things started with some of these fun conversation games. The great thing about them is that they’re super informal and fun. You can stick with the game, or let the conversation meander on to other things. You can make the games silly and fun, or introspective and surprising.

Here are some ideas:

Never Have I Ever

This is a classic drinking and get-to-know-you game. Here’s the idea: one person says, “Never have I ever…” and then states something, like “dyed my hair” or “tried online dating.” Anyone in the circle who HAS done that thing has to take a sip of whatever drink is in hand. Funny stories will be shared, and you’ll learn more about your friends than you ever have before.

Truth or Dare

The ultimate classic. If you’re not already familiar with it, here are some instructions: Each person takes a turn choosing to either reveal a “truth” or do a “dare.” Once they choose, the rest of the group determines what question to ask (for truth) or what dare to give them. Although these games often escalate into adolescent hijinks, they don’t have to. Here are some ideas for “truth” and “dare” challenges.

Truth questions:

  • Of everyone here, who would you most like to date?
  • What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done?
  • Give a compliment to everyone here

Dares:

  • Do a celebrity impression
  • Call up the person you texted most recently and sing them a love song
  • Let everyone give you a new hairstyle, or do your makeup
  • Eat something without using your hands

Dealbreaker

This is a really fun way to start talking about relationships and preferences. Everyone has to envision their ideal significant other, and then one person gives certain attributes, and each person has to determine if that’s a dealbreaker or not. For example, “He’s perfect in every way… except he calls you his mother’s name sometimes.”

If I Were A…

If you were an animal, what would you be? How about a decade? An item of clothing, a food, a color, a music genre? This game works on a couple of levels. Either each person can share their own “If I were a…” OR, you can try assigning animals to each other instead. For example, “Peter, I think you’d be a housecat, because you hate water, love naps, and go a little psychotic sometimes.”

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