Kids party games are a great way to get everyone involved - we've found some of the best games to play both indoors and outdoors.
Kids party games are the key memory maker - whether it's a 1st birthday party or a 13th birthday party - there's nothing better than belly laughing with your friends as you try to eat a dangling doughnut (seriously it's hilarious fun, check out #16) and chomping your way through all the birthday cake. Planning your kid's birthday party can feel a stressful and epic responsibility - you want everyone to have fun and feel included, right? Here we have researched and carefully curated our edit of the best kid's party game ideas - with high success rates among parents plus they've stood the test of time as kids keep on coming back to them.
As most parents know, kids' party game trends come and go, but these traditional party games are always a winner - most kids will get on board with these entertaining activities. And if you're unsure of party etiquette, Goodto.com's Family Editor and mum-of-one, Stephanie Lowe says; "The socially acceptable length of a kids birthday party is no less than 2 hours and no more than 3 hours, and ideally over lunch so they’re all fed too."
Kids' party games - our top 20
- Musical statues
- Bum shuffle race
- Pass the balloon
- What's the time Mr Wolf
- Hope Little Bunnies
- Bubble Chase
- Simon Says
- Musical chairs
- Bobbing for Apples
- Pin the tail on the Donkey
- Tug of War
- Piñata
- Minute to win it
- Water balloon toss
- Find your partner
- Doughnut dangle
- Freeze tag
- Balloon stomp
- Jelly race
- Tied in knots
Kids' party games can make or break your kid's day - no pressure. So, if you're not sure what to prep for, then it's worth noting that if you have a party with one other element - such as a bouncy castle or soft play set up, then you might only need two party games maximum - as it will be hard to pull the kids away. But if party games are the main bulk of the party, planning for 3-5 games is your best bet.
In this article, we break down the best games for age groups, keep scrolling to find out the best party games indoors and outdoors, from toddlers to teens.
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Party games for 2 year olds and up
Keep the games - and instructions - simple so that everyone can join in, and short. A toddler’s attention span is only double their age in minutes. I.e. with 3-year-olds, you have a maximum of 6 minutes of attention. Also, their development means they don’t really understand the concept of winning, so make sure everyone’s a winner - this isn’t a teachable moment.
1. Musical statues
The aim of the game is to stop when the music stops. A true classic, download some songs you know your audience will love (Hi, Paw Patrol theme tune). Set the rules ‘When the music stops everyone must be still like a statue. If you wobble, I’ll call your name, you’re out to come and help me watch for wobblers’. The first one to stop and stand still each time wins a small prize and then moves to the side. Continue the game until everyone has won a little prize.
Dad-of-two, Lee tells us; "I learned the hard way not to be too harsh on this one, especially if playing with under fives. Be lenient to wobbles is my tip."
2. Bum shuffle race
The aim of the game is for the players to shuffle to the end as fast as you can. Mum-of-twins, Lou tells us; “This one had my kids in fits of giggles - anything with the word ‘bum’ in it is a sure fire winner.” To play this, ask all the toddlers to sit on the floor in a line, at one end of the room - you might need an adults help to position them. And set a visible finish line at the other end of the room. When you shout ‘GO’, the toddlers have to shuffle along on their bottoms until they cross the finish line. Cheer for every child bum shuffling and crossing the line. Also be sure to hand out celebratory gifts to everyone.
3. Pass the balloon
The aim of the game is simple and fun, keep the balloons going round. As kids party games go this is a nice twist on the classic pass the parcel, with limited ‘treats’ in between each wrapper. Simply get the toddlers pass around the balloon, and play some music, every time the music stops, the toddler holding the balloon/ball gets a small prize. Mum-of-one, Shelly tells us; “The kids love this at my son’s 3rd party, be warned if you have runners, they’ll likely treat it like a rugby ball and go for a try.”
4. What's the time Mr Wolf?
What's the Time Mr Wolf? is a classic kids' game that gets everyone excited with a bit of suspense. In this younger version, go with a parent well-known to the children to be Mr Wolf. Aim of the game: Don’t get caught by Mr Wolf. Get the kids to stand with their back to the party, and the toddlers shout "What's the time Mr Wolf?" and then quickly creep towards Mr Wolf. Mr Wolf answers each question with a different number such as 3 o’clock each time.
The aim of the game is to reach Mr Wolf before they respond with "dinner time!", which signals the chase. Mr Wolf runs around and chases the kids back to the start line. Mum-of-one, Kiran tells us; “Maybe don’t try to be in ‘full character’ with a mask… it just scared all the kids.”
5. Hop Little Bunnies
The aim of the game is to listen and act. Invite the kids to listen to the song and act out the directions. Dad-of-two, Dileep, tells us; “This one was great, as all the kids recognised it from nursery.”
6. Bubble Chase
It’s pretty simple, spark up the bubble machine, and challenge the toddlers to pop as many as they can before the music stops. Be warned: if playing indoors wooden floors can get slippery if you play lots of rounds. Mum-of-one, Max tells us; “This was an accidental hit at my daughter’s party. They chased those bubbles for ages.”
Party games for 6 year olds and up
Once kids get to six years old, their brain development means they can enjoy team and more competitive games as well as wait for their turn during a game and enjoy watching others have their turn.
7. Simon Says
The aim of the game is to listen and be the last one standing. Kids may be familiar with this one. The party host takes on the role of ‘Simon’ and tells the children what they must do. When saying “Simon says….” ahead of telling the kids what to do next, they MUST do what they’ve been told. If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says…” ahead of telling them what to do next, the children MUST NOT do it.
For example, “Simon says jump up and down” The kids all jump up and down. “Wave your arms” The children should stay doing the previous activity. Any kids that get it wrong get given a sticker or small prize and are asked to watch from the sidelines. Continue until you have either a single winner or a handful of winners.
Mum-of-three, Dionne tells us; “We swapped it up and used my son’s name “Albie says” he loved it and was so confusing there were lots getting it wrong, leading to lots of laughter and squeals of ‘what?’. Was a great game to play before cake.”
Below is a list of ideas for Simon Says;
- Simon says crawl like a baby
- Simon says shout as loud as you can
- Simon says pat your head
- Simon says bark like a dog
- Simon says whisper hello
- Simon says sit on your bum
- Simon says blow a kiss
- Simon says stick your tongue out
- Simon says play pretend drums
- Simon says kick a pretend ball
- Simon says give a thumbs upSimon says imagine a smelly poo
- Simon says go to sleep
- SImon says fly your pet dragon
- Simon says jump as high as you can
- Simon says touch your toes
- Simon says play pretend piano
- Simon says lick your nose
8. Musical Chairs
The aim of the game is to be the last person in the chair at the end. Musical chairs is a great way to keep overactive kids happy. Set up chairs in a circle and play music. While the music is playing get the children to walk around the chairs, as soon as you stop the music the children must find a chair to sit on. Each time you stop the music remove one chair. If a child is not on a chair when the music stops, that child is out. Dad-of-one, Matt tells us his twist; “I created two circles of chairs so the kids had to do a figure of eight around them. It added dimension and the possibility for collision, excitement levels were high.
9. Bobbing for apples
The aim of the game is to grab an apple using just your teeth. Bobbing for apples doesn't have to be restricted to Halloween, although it is one of the most popular Halloween party games. Get a large bucket and fill it with water then add apples - simple! Blindfold the kids and get them to try to pick up the apples using only their mouths - add a timer for a competitive edge. "Just be sure to warn parents," mum-of-two Kiran tells us. "A spare change of clothes is needed as they get pretty wet!"
10. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Pin the tail on the donkey is a simple game that will keep the kids entertained for hours. You can buy a ready made pin the tail on the donkey set or get creative and make your own. You blindfold one child at a time and get them to place a cut-out tail onto a picture of a (tail-less) donkey. After every child goes, the closest tail wins. Mum-of-three, Sharon tell us; “We did a football party to it was Pin the ball in the goal. Went down a storm.”
Party games for 8 years old and up
8-years-old is a great age for party games as they have more of an attention span for taking part in fun party games with different elements to them.
11. Tug of War
Invite your party goers to work as a team in this fun tug of war game. You will need a large bandana or ribbon to tie across the central point of the rope and something to create a line on the ground. Divide the kids into two teams. Each team grabs their end of the rope and, on the starter’s whistle, pulls the rope in unison. The first team to get the bandana over the central line wins. You can play round after round or divide the kids into smaller teams and have heats leading to a final.
12. Piñata
The aim of the game: Be the one to hit the Pinata open. Piñata is a Mexican treat that includes kids' two favourite things: chocolate and games. You can buy fun pre-made piñatas very easily or if you're feeling particularly crafty and have lots of time on your hands, make your own. They are traditionally filled with sweets and chocolates. The children are then blindfolded (one by one) and take turns hitting the piñata with a stick. When it breaks the kids are showered in sweet treats.
Mum-of-three, Lisa tells us; “I learned the hard way that Piñatas are best reserved for the age group who can give it some welly. I did it for my 5-yera olds and the adults ended up breaking it apart, for very frustrated kids.”
13. Minute to win it
This one's a bit different, the aim of the game depends on the challenge but be the first or have the most within 1 minute. Minute To Win It games are a winner. Based on the popular Minute To Win It TV game show, you challenge the kids to complete a challenge in a minute then whoever is last standing wins a prize. Remember you need to time the challenges using your phone or a stopwatch. Check out the Utube below for more ideas and here is our trio of Minute To Win It games that need minimal props.
- Keepy uppy - the kids have to keep a balloon in the air for a whole minute Make it tricky by only using feet. The ones with the balloon still up at 1-minute wins.
- Eight face - using After Eight chocolate squares, place one on the forehead of each child then challenge them to get it to their mouth without using their hands. The one who eats it first wins.
- Marshmallow collecting - Using chopsticks only, collect as many marshmallows in a cup as you can - the one with the most wins.
14. Water balloon toss
Great for warmer days and outdoor parties. Split the party into teams of two. Each pair get a filled water balloon. The aim of the game is to throw the water balloon back and forth without bursting it, each time a player catches it without bursting they take a step back - once the balloon pops that team is out. Mum-of-two Sarah tells us; “I learned to bend my knees as I caught them softened the blow and came second place.” The last team still playing wins.
Party games for 10 years old and up
Party games for 10-year-olds need to start having more of an edge now as these kids can be too cool for school - they love intense challenges and junk food.
15. Find your partner
As party games go 'find your partner' is a great way of breaking the ice at the start of the party, as it gets nervous kids talking to one another. Write down the names of famous pairs (Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Tom & Jerry etc) on individual stickers and hand them out to the children. Then instruct them to find their 'other half' whoever finds their partner fastest is the winner. Mum-of-three, Lisa tells us; “I made it a little harder and put the stickers to the kids' backs and get others to describe their character to them. They then have to guess who their character is.” Below is a list of potential pairs you could use;
- Mario & Luigi
- Tom & Jerry
- Micky Mouse & Minnie Mouse
- Wallace & Gromit
- Buzz Lightyear & Woody
- Pinky & the brain
- Pooh & Piglet
- Anna & Elsa
- Beauty & the beast
- Lady & the tramp
- Lilo & stitch
- Timon & Pumba
- Batman & Robin
- Spongbob and Partick
- Bluey & bingo
- Chase & Ryder
- Bart & Lisa
16. Doughnut dangle
The aim of the game is to be the first to eat their doughnut without using their hands. Tie a length of rope above head height between two trees or poles. Thread a piece of ribbon through the hole in each donut and then tie the ribbon to the rope so that the donut is hanging just above mouth level. On a start signal, each player tries to eat their donut – no hands allowed.
17. Freeze tag
The aim of the game, ‘it’ must tag ALL other players keeping them frozen. One player is chosen to be ‘It.’ It chases the other players and when they touch a player, that person must freeze and remain frozen until another untagged player tags them to unfreeze them, they then may re-join the game. The game is played until all players have been frozen and then a new It is chosen for the next round.
18. Balloon stomp
It's simple, the aim of the game is to be the first to burst your balloon. Have guests take off their shoes before playing. Each player will need an inflated balloon tie to a short piece of string and then tied around one ankle. On ‘go’ players attempt to stomp on (and pop) each of the other balloons, while trying to protect their own – no hands allowed! The last person with an inflated balloon tied to their ankle wins.
19. Jelly race
A fun and messy aim of the game is to be the first person to save the toy from their jelly without using their hands. This is a great 'last game of the day'. The day before, make individual bowls of jelly with a LEGO person in each one. With their hands behind their backs, the kids have to race to get the person out of the jelly using only their mouths. The first one to produce their LEGO person is victorious.
20. Tied in knots
The aim of this game is that the birthday boy or girl has to untangle their guests without breaking links. Tell the birthday boy or girl to leave the room, then get the rest in a circle, holding hands. Now, without breaking hands, the children have to tie themselves into the most complicated knot possible by turning around, stepping over each other’s arms, going under arms etc. When they’re ready, the birthday boy or girl comes back to unknot them, again without breaking any links.
21. Egg toss
Aim of the game is to be the pair furthest away and still catching the egg. Now, we're not gonna lie, unless you want it to get very messy we recommend boiling the eggs. You’ll need one egg per pair. Then pair players up and have them toss an egg back and forth to each other. Each time the children both catch it, they take a step backward and continue. The team that can catch their egg with the furthest distance between them, within the allotted time, wins! "This one is fun, but keep it short and sweet," Dad terry tells us. "The kids can lose interest pretty quickly, and make sure you get the adults cheering them on."
Prizes for parties
Kids love anything to be fair, as long as they get to choose it themselves.
Mum-of-four, Sandy tells us; “I find it’s best to have a huge variety of prizes to hand when hosting a kids' party. Stickers make great choices, a range of superhero and animal ones, and also check out the party aisle at the supermarket for some fun plastic games, such as puzzles.
How can I make my kids birthday party more fun?
Kids are easily pleased, no, really they are. And what one kid thinks is fun another might not. Music is always good to have on, maybe ask parents to share some of their kids' favourites, or the teacher what they listen to at school/in assembly.
Mum-of-one Steph tells us; "I found out by chance that my son's class song was 'Eye of the Tiger' when I put that on it was amazing how it warmed all the kids up straight away and kicked off the fun."
If you have budget for it, face painting is always good. And, if you don't have the budget for it, then get a simple tattoo station on the go... pick up some cheap water transfer tattoos and set up a table - the kids will love it.
If you're looking for more birthday party inspiration we have oodles of ideas for easy crafts you could crack out or maybe check out these 72 activities to entertain kids and for younger members of the family we have 1st birthday parties.
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