Youth Groups Activities for Girls

Why Run Girls-Only Sessions

Youth groups work best when young people feel at ease with each other. Mixed sessions help build confidence around the opposite sex and create a more rounded social experience. That said, there are times when splitting into separate groups makes sense.

Girls-only activities give participants space to relax, chat openly and try things they might feel self-conscious doing in front of boys. These sessions can strengthen friendships within the group and let quieter members come out of their shell. They also provide a chance for female leaders to connect with girls in a more informal setting.

Before planning a girls-only session, consider your group dynamics and what participants actually want. A quick poll a week beforehand can help you avoid planning something that falls flat. Think too about inclusivity. Some young people may be transgender or non-binary, so make sure everyone feels welcome and respected when you organise any single-gender activity.

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Activity Ideas That Work Well

A pamper or spa evening is one of the most popular options. A real spa would blow most youth group budgets, but you can recreate the atmosphere on a smaller scale. Ask everyone to bring in their own makeup, nail varnish or face masks. Set up stations around the room and let participants experiment with different looks or give each other mini makeovers. Keep wet wipes and mirrors handy, and have some music playing in the background.

Other ideas to consider:

• Craft sessions such as bracelet making, tie dye, decorating phone cases or canvas painting
• Baking or cooking challenges, either in teams or individually
• Film nights with snacks and blankets
• Outdoor activities such as a walk, scavenger hunt or park games
• Workshops on topics the girls have asked about, from photography to self defence basics
• STEM focused workshops covering coding, robotics or science experiments
• Cultural storytelling evenings where participants share traditions from their backgrounds
• Social action projects like fundraising or community volunteering

Let the group have a say where possible. Mixing familiar activities with something new keeps things interesting.

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Practical Points to Keep in Mind

Safeguarding applies to girls-only sessions just as it does to any other youth group activity. You will need appropriate ratios of leaders to young people. Recommended ratios are typically around one adult to eight children for under 8s and one adult to ten for over 8s, with at least two adults present at all times. If you are running the session somewhere other than your usual venue, update your risk assessment and inform parents in writing. Avoid hosting activities at a leader's private home, as this can raise safeguarding concerns and may not be covered by your organisation's insurance.

Check whether any activities require extra supervision or equipment. Cooking, for example, means thinking about allergies, sharp utensils and hot surfaces. If you are planning something outdoors, have a backup in case of poor weather.

Keep costs low where you can. Asking participants to bring their own supplies, as with the pamper evening, helps spread expenses. If you do need to buy materials, many craft shops and supermarkets stock affordable kits that stretch across a group. Local council grants, community sponsorships or free public venues can also help with budgeting.

Making the Most of These Sessions

Without the distraction of mixed company, conversations often flow more freely. Girls may open up about things they would not mention in a larger group.

That does not mean leaders should push for deep discussions. Sometimes the best outcome is simply a fun, relaxed evening where everyone leaves in good spirits. Over time, these lighter sessions create the kind of environment where young people feel comfortable talking when they do need support.

If you want guidance on running safe youth activities, organisations such as the NSPCC and UK Youth offer resources for leaders. Your local council may also have a youth services team that can advise on training and best practice.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Youth Group Session Planner lets you build a structured activity plan for a single session by selecting games and activities in sequence. Try it now →