High School Senior Lock-in Ideas

High school lock-in is a safe and exciting alternative for graduation parties or other special events. Some adults become overwhelmed by the thought of dozens of teenagers roaming a church, hotel ballroom, or other facilities all night. 

On the other side, Parents also know their children are out of harm’s way, and kids get to enjoy themselves without the unhealthy temptations that unsupervised parties and other teen gatherings often offer. We created an array of activities to keep teenagers engaged and entertained in ways that are constructive yet fun.

The theme of the Lock-in

One of the most fundamental decisions to make when planning school events is choosing a theme. Based upon the theme, the style of music, venue decorations, choice of activities, and even the mood can be determined.

Organize lock-in activities on school grounds around trendy, youthful themes, such as the apocalypse, superheroes, current blockbuster hits, college life, or travel. Add a spin to familiar carnival games such as superhero bingo or zombie ring toss or a silent auction containing items students need to survive their freshman year in college, including cases of popcorn, bean bags, laundry bags, and shower caddies. 

Icebreakers

Icebreaker activities start the night off right by bringing everyone together and encouraging teens to get to know each other better. Split teens into groups of three or four and provide each group with a large sheet of roll paper and markers. Instruct each group to trace an outline of a volunteer’s body onto the paper. Once the outline is complete, encourage group members to list likes and interests next to the coordinating body parts.

You can include these Senior Activities or Icebreakers to your Senior Lock in:

  • The Dating Game – Fun icebreaker game for groups who know each other well.
  • Blobs – First, draw a category from a hat (i.e. color). Then, have students race to see who can make a group of four to five the fastest based on a similarity within that category (i.e. they are all wearing blue).
  • Play Catch – Have students stand in a large circle and play catch with a large beach ball. The trick? Write get-to-know-you questions all over the beach ball and whoever catches it must answer the question their hand rests on.
  • Autobiography – For groups that need to be close-knit, like a sports team or a drama cast, have each person sum up their life in one sentence. It’s difficult — but you’ll learn a lot about your new friends
  • Senior’s Candy Confessions – Buy colorful candy — like Skittles — and have each person take a handful. Then, unveil that for each color, they must reveal a different type of fact about themselves. For example, for each yellow Skittle, they must say a favorite food.
  • Post it Statues – Split your group into teams of five or six. Give each team Post-it notes. In five minutes, they must cover one person in the group as completely as possible with Post-it notes. Count which group got the most —then see who can get them all off the fastest.
  • Tattoo Parlor – Have each student draw a tattoo that they think accurately describes them or includes one of their favorite things. Then, pin the pictures up and try to match the “tattoos” with the people who drew them.
  • Assassin – One student stands in the middle of a circle. The students in the circle know that one person in the circle is the “assassin.” When the “assassin” sticks their tongue out at a student, that student must pretend to die dramatically. Amid the commotion, the middle person must figure out who the assassin is.
  • Rainbow Categories – Have two students stand up. Let the group pick a category (like animals) and a color (like orange). The students must then alternate, trying to name orange animals for as long as possible until one hesitates. When one person stops, the other student wins.
  • Who Am I? – Put a notecard with the name of a well-known figure on each student’s back. Next, have the students walk around asking each other yes-or-no questions. The first person to figure out who they are wins!

Senior Entertainment

If the budget allows, consider hiring a live band or a DJ for part of the evening. Music is an essential element of any party, and hiring a professional frees up the chaperons for other tasks. Consider hiring one or two local magicians, stage hypnotists, or tarot readers to provide optional activities for the kids who are interested.

Games and Activities that you can do in School

Plan a mix of loud, boisterous games and quieter pursuits. Basketball-related games such as HORSE and even fast-paced versions of kids’ games such as Red Rover and Red Light, Green Light help teens burn off energy. Late in the evening, offer card and board games in small group settings.

Look for games that are unique and can involve large groups of players. This will get teens excited to play on Lock-ins that feels more mature than simple kid’s games and give everyone a chance to have fun together.

Here are some Fun Games Idea that you can include in the Senior Lock-in:

  • Drip, Drip, Drop – Just like Duck, Duck, Goose except with a cup of water that the person drips, drips, drips then drops on the person they want to chase them around the circle.
  •  Build Tower Game – Great creative group game- See whose team can build the highest tower using newspapers!
  • Charades – Guess the secret word/phrase using only actions.
  • Dodge Ball – A row of squishy orange playground balls and a gym- It’s the classic dodgeball game.
  • Electricity – Squeeze your teammate’s hand as quickly as possible- only if the coin comes up as heads.
  • Four On A Couch – Fun strategic memory game for medium to large groups. Great for teenagers to adults.
  • Human Knot –  As a team, untangle yourselves to form a full circle again.
  • Song Title Game – Fun game for groups of people, especially those who know music well.
  • Sticks and Spoons – Using only sticks and spoons, try putting as many marbles in your cup as quickly as possible.
  • Egg Drop – Brainstorm, plan, and protect your eggs from being smashed.

Challenges

Coordinate high-energy challenge activities while the night is still young and before teens become restless. Lock-ins held in gymnasiums, auditoriums or other large spaces are perfect for games of tag or relay races. For libraries, schools, or other spaces with ample hiding places, play the “Aliens” variation of hide-and-go-seek. 

Food and Drink

Continue the party’s theme with the food and beverage service. Provide drinks and snacks teens can graze on throughout the night. You can serve simple foods cut into fancy shapes can enhance the elegance of the night.

Granola and trail mix continue the theme of a hippie party. Serve a buffet dinner early in the evening and breakfast in the morning and keep snacks and drinks available all night.

Finger Foods

  • Taquitos
  • Sausage Rolls
  • Egg rolls
  • Turkish Cigars
  • Pepperidge Farm Pirouettes
  • Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Sugary Sweets

  • Set up a candy bar with candies in your school colors.
  • Get a cotton candy machine to make the sweet floss.
  • Make a Viennese table full of sweet pastries.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies

Protein-Packed Snacks

  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (Use PB alternatives in case of allergies.)
  • Beef, pork, and turkey jerky
  • Yogurt parfaits
  • Trail mix bar
  • Cottage Cheese Toast
  • Tofu Nuggets

Make it More Memorable with these Games and Activities suited for your High School Lock-in

Gone Viral Video Booth Rental

Gone Viral was created as a unique, fun inflatable space to create the perfect photo opportunity at our next event. The inflatable props are built directly into the unit. An inflatable blue couch, pink flamingo, and other props are included in this fun backdrop for shooting social media videos with your friends.

Giant Inflatable Cornhole Game Rental

This giant bean bag toss game is great for school or church events, fall festivals, company picnics, or team building.

Life-Sized Hungry Hippo Game

Get ready….get set….time to chow down you hungry hippos! Hippo Chow Down is a 4-player bungee tug-o-war style game that involves speed, strength, and agility. Hippo Chow Down is the latest inflatable game rental guaranteed to keep your participants and spectators laughing for hours.

Safe Axe Throwing Rentals – Inflatable Sport – Dallas and Fort Worth Area

Larger-than-life artwork, realistic foam axes, and a durable built-in vinyl floor make this is the best inflatable axe throw, period. If you’ve never thrown axes, it’s similar to playing darts. Each player takes turns throwing axes (we include 5 red and 5 blue), and tries to score the most points. Ours is designed to closely mimic the official World Axe Throwing League Rules.

Inflatable Obstacle Courses For Rent & Mazes

Large selection of inflatable obstacle course rentals. Browse through the different courses available. Want a challenging course for a youth group or adults? Try the Boot Camp Obstacle or the Black Ops. You’ll find obstacle courses to rent that are fun for adults and children here.

Planning a Graduation All-Night Sleepover

When planning for a grad night sleepover, look for games that are unique and can involve large groups of players. This will get teens excited to play graduation party games that feel more mature than simple kid’s games and give everyone a chance to have fun together.

Safe and sober grad night ideas help teens celebrate the end of high school in a low-risk way. School or parent groups typically plan and run the all-night grad night party at the school or another local venue after the graduation ceremony.

The sleepover was more than just a fun activity because, for most seniors, it was one of their last chances to be united as a grade. It allowed those who participated to make one last memory that will be looked back upon fondly.

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