There’s nothing like a bit of action at a party. No, we’re not just talking about drunken dancing or hooking up with a random. We’re talking about activity-based parties. If you’re over the same old bar and club parties, limber up and get ready to get active. Whether you’re getting out in the sunshine, or staying safely indoors, injecting action into your party is a great way to kick-start your bash and break the ice between strangers, as well as providing an excuse to get involved in something that you probably wouldn’t otherwise do. These parties are built around fun, usually physical, activities, so make sure your intended guests can handle the pace before you try the following.

Paintballing
There’s something particularly satisfying about peppering your friends with paint. At Paintball Headquarters, you can skirmish in groups of eight to 24 in their indoor stadium. $250 per person gets you all your equipment, including a gun and 100 little paintballs of death, and you’ll participate in six varying games over two hours, ranging from standard elimination to ‘bunny hunt’, where it’s all against one poor bunny. Perfect if one of your friends is really asking for it. G/F Po Lung Center, 11 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, 3106 0220; www.paintballhq.com.hk.

YSO War Games
Paintball is one thing. Realistic combat simulation is another. Dress up in sexy camouflage, get out in the expansive Sai Kung bush, and battle your mates with air rifles. YSO recommend playing with a minimum of 20 people, but if you want to battle on a grand scale, you can go to war with up to 100 of your friends. Prices vary depending on the size of your group, starting at $260 per person for a full day’s warfare, lunch, protective clothing, and all firearms (including AK-47 and M-16 style guns). Minibus transport can be arranged from Hong Kong Island, Mong Kok or Sai Kung, at varying cost. Yung Shue O, Sai Kung, 9837 5764; ysowargames.com.

Sideways Driving Club
Drinking and driving. Sounds like a recipe for disaster… or a damn good party. With its 13 racing simulators, each with their own big screen, driving capsule and replica Formula-1 steering wheels, Sideways Driving Club is an excellent option for a party that’s feeling the need for speed. Groups from three to 36 can be accommodated, with charges per simulator ($550/hour per simulator, $1,000/two hours). And if you’re after a drink, Sideways has a bar on the premises, offering a two-hour open bar drink package for $180 per person. LG/F, 1-2 Chancery Lane, Central, 2523 0983; www.sideways-driving-club.com.

Drum Jam
Nothing unifies a group quite like a good, solid beat. That’s why Drum Jam organises parties based around the rhythmic pulse of Africa. With a drum for everyone at the party, you’ll get into rhythm games, exercises, singing and dancing, led by an ‘African support drummer’. Drum Jam comes to you, so whether your party’s in a house, carpark, or club, it’s always an option. A Drum Jam party costs $5,500 for a one- to two-hour programme, which can involve up to 50 people. And if you need some liquid inspiration to get your rhythmic juices flowing, Drum Jam is booze friendly, as long as you BYOB. 2982 1846; www.drum-jam.com.

DEF Boxing
If you’ve ever harboured ambitions to duke it out with Tyson or Foreman, this is the party for you. DEF Boxing can show you and your party the ins and outs of boxing in an intense session. In groups of three to eight, a coach will teach you the basic tricks of the trade – like defending jabs and counter-punching, before sending you into the ring for some sparring against your friends. A 90-minute session will set you back $1,200 (for the group) including all equipment. Talk to Jay (9236 4266) to tailor a session for your party. 15/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand East, 2840 0162; www.def.com.hk.

Mark Tjhung

Read our other features:
Warehouse parties
Party on a boat
Costume parties
Alternative party spaces

See Also:
Party entertainment for hire