What counts as a 'penalty' in this game?

Penalties typically occur when your story is judged to be boring, overly long, or not believable. The group decides, and the player takes a sip of their drink.

How does assigning drinks work?

If your story is well-loved by the group, you get to pick one or more players to take a sip or drink. You can assign based on anything you like, such as their reaction or random choice.

What happens if there’s no clear winner?

The group can vote on a winner based on who told the most entertaining or memorable stories. If it's still unclear, the game ends with mutual cheers and no final penalties.

Yes, but passing your turn usually results in taking an automatic penalty drink. This keeps the game flowing and encourages participation.

Childhood Stories - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Childhood Stories is a drinking game in the No Equipment category for 4-15 players that takes about 15-30 min with a easy difficulty level.

Growing up stories

Equipment Needed

Drinks only

Setup

Grab your drinks and form a circle or sit around a table where everyone can hear each other clearly. Decide on an order for storytelling, whether clockwise, counterclockwise, or random. Each player will need their own drink, and the group should agree on the penalty and reward mechanics before starting (e.g., one sip for penalties and assigning sips for rewards).

How to Play Childhood Stories

Set up the game according to basic rules
Players take turns or play simultaneously
Penalties result in drinking
Success means assigning drinks
Continue until winner emerges
Loser faces final penalty
Winner earns bragging rights
Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Be strategic with your story length: too short and you won't impress, too long and people lose interest. Focus on funny or outrageous moments from your childhood, as these tend to keep the group engaged and lead to fewer penalties. If someone calls 'BS' on your story, be prepared to defend it convincingly or take a drink. Use vivid details and names if you want the group to reward you with drinks.

Variations

Two Truths and a Lie. Rapid Fire Stories. Team Tales

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a 'penalty' in this game?: Penalties typically occur when your story is judged to be boring, overly long, or not believable. The group decides, and the player takes a sip of their drink.
How does assigning drinks work?: If your story is well-loved by the group, you get to pick one or more players to take a sip or drink. You can assign based on anything you like, such as their reaction or random choice.
What happens if there’s no clear winner?: The group can vote on a winner based on who told the most entertaining or memorable stories. If it's still unclear, the game ends with mutual cheers and no final penalties.
Can I pass my turn?: Yes, but passing your turn usually results in taking an automatic penalty drink. This keeps the game flowing and encourages participation.

Players: 4-15 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: easy

Related Drinking Games

Psychiatrist — Guess the secret rule the group follows
Truth or Drink — Answer the truth or take a drink to avoid it
Zip Zap Zop — Pass zip-zap-zop in sequence or drink
Celebrity Heads — Guess celebrity from yes/no questions
High School Stories — High school memory sharing
Do or Drink — Draw a card, do the dare, or drink. 350 plus cards of chaos.
Reverse Charades — Team acts, one person guesses
Drink While You Think — Name celebrities while drinking until you answer

From Our Blog

Unleash the Fun: Outdoor Drinking Games for Your Next Bash — If you’re planning an epic outdoor party and want to add a splash of excitement, then you’re in for a treat. Outdoor drinking games can turn a casual gathering into a night to remember - filled with l...
Weekend Party Ideas for the Ultimate Fun — Hey! So, you're thinking about throwing a weekend party, and you're looking for some ideas that go beyond the usual hangouts. Whether you're planning to host indoors or turn your backyard into a playg...
Weekend Party Ideas That'll Make Your Friends Beg for More — Hey! So, you've asked for some killer weekend party ideas, and luckily, party planning is kinda my thing. I mean, I've been throwing game nights for ages, and I've seen it all - the good, the bad, and...

Browse more No Equipment drinking games or see all drinking games.