When you’re planning a birthday party for your child, you want to make it a special day that they’ll remember for a lifetime. With a bit of creativity and some fun ideas, you can plan an unforgettable celebration that kids of all ages will enjoy with these birthday party activities for kids.
I’ve compiled a list of great party games and activities that are perfect for both indoor and outdoor kids’ birthday parties. From finding a hidden treasure to classic outdoor party games, this list just keeps on growing.
The Best Games & Birthday Party Activities For Kids
Scavenger Hunt: A Classic Party Game for All Ages
A scavenger hunt is a fun way to keep party guests entertained for hours. This classic game can be tailored to fit any birthday party theme or guest list. Start by hiding small prize items or party favors around your living room, local park, or any other large open space. Provide each child with a list of clues or riddles to help them find the hidden treasures. For younger children, you can use simple pictures or drawings as clues.
Treasure Hunt: A Twist on the Classic Scavenger Hunt
Similar to a scavenger hunt, a treasure hunt is a great game for kids of all ages. Instead of finding individual items, partygoers work together in small groups to follow a series of clues that lead to a final treasure chest. Fill the treasure chest with small prizes, such as toys, candy, or other party favors. This game is perfect for larger groups and can be adapted for both indoor and outdoor party settings.
Obstacle Course: A Fun Activity for Active Kids
An obstacle course is a great way to get kids moving and having fun. Set up various stations with challenges such as hula hoops, water balloons, or plastic cups filled with ping-pong balls. Divide the party guests into teams, and have each team race through the course. The first team to have all its members cross the finish line wins.
Relay Races: A Classic Party Game for Teamwork and Fun
Relay races are a great game for kids of all ages, and they can be played in small or large groups. There are many different types of relay races, such as a spoon race, a three-legged race, or even passing a piece of fruit creatively. Another great relay race is the clothing race where children must put on several pieces of clothing, such as socks and a hat, in order to race and then pass it all on to their teammates before they compete.
Musical Chairs: A Timeless Birthday Party Game
Musical chairs is a simple game that provides lots of fun for kids and adults alike. Arrange chairs in a circle, with one fewer chair than the number of children. Play fun music, and have the kids walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone must find a seat. The last person standing is out, and one chair is removed. Repeat until there’s only one player left.
Hot Potato: A Fun Game for Younger Kids
Hot potato is a classic party game that’s perfect for younger kids. Have the children sit in a circle and pass around an object, such as a small stuffed animal or a paper plate, while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the “hot potato” is out. Continue until only one child remains.
Puppet Show: A Creative Activity for Little Kids
A puppet show can be a fun activity for younger children at a birthday party. Set up a small stage in your living room or another area of the party venue. Provide a variety of puppets, and let the children take turns putting on their own shows. This activity can be adapted to fit any birthday party theme.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: A Delicious Way to Celebrate
No birthday party is complete without a birthday cake, but why not add a twist by setting up an ice cream sundae bar? This fun activity is a great way for kids to enjoy a tasty treat while also expressing their creativity. Provide various ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces, and let the party guests create their own unique sundaes. You can also include food coloring to allow kids to mix their ice cream into different colors.
Petting Zoo: A Memorable Birthday Party Activity
A petting zoo can be a great addition to any child’s birthday party, especially if the party has a themed or animal-related party theme. Many local farms and petting zoos offer mobile services where they bring a selection of animals to your party location. This activity is a hit with kids of all ages and provides an unforgettable experience.
Deck of Cards: Simple Games for Kids of All Ages
A deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment for kids at a birthday party. Teach them simple games like Go Fish, Crazy Eights, or Old Maid, which are perfect for young children. For older kids, introduce more challenging games like Rummy or Poker. These classic card games are a fun way for kids to interact and engage with each other.
Tug of War
Tug of War is a classic party game that never fails to bring out the competitive spirit in kids. Organize teams, assign captains, and prepare for an exciting battle of the rope. Tug of War is great because it encourages teamwork and cooperation among players while providing hours of entertainment.
Water Balloon Toss: A Fun Outdoor Party Game
If you’re hosting an outdoor birthday party during warm weather, a water balloon toss is a great way to help kids cool off and have fun. Fill up water balloons and divide the children into pairs. Each pair of team members must toss the water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The last team with an intact water balloon wins.
Three-Legged Race: A Fun Game for Team Building
A three-legged race is a classic outdoor party game that promotes teamwork and cooperation. Pair kids up and have them stand side by side. Tie their adjacent legs together using a bandana or soft cloth. The teams must race from the start line to the finish line while staying connected. The first team to cross the finish line wins.
DIY Craft Station: A Creative Party Activity
Set up a DIY craft station where kids can create their own party favors or keepsakes. Provide materials like beads, string, stickers, paper, and markers, and let their imaginations run wild. You can also have a specific craft project related to the birthday party theme, like decorating superhero masks, designing their own paper plate animals, or making colorful tie-dye shirts.
Balloon Pop Game: A Fun and Exciting Party Activity
Blow up a bunch of balloons and fill some of them with small prizes, such as candy or toys. The aim of the game is for the children to pop the balloons and find the hidden treasures inside. Kids can either sit or stomp on the balloons to pop them. This game is suitable for both indoor and outdoor parties and will have kids laughing and enjoying themselves.
Pin the Tail on the Donkey: A Classic Party Game
This old classic is still a favorite at kids’ birthday parties. You can purchase a pre-made game or create your own homemade version with posterboard and paint. To play, you simply blindfold the children one at a time and have them try to pin the tail (or another item related to the theme such as nose on the clown) on the donkey (or another character) while the rest of the players cheer them on.
Costume Contest: A Fun-Themed Party Idea
If your child’s birthday party has a specific theme, like superheroes or princesses, a costume contest can be a fun way to engage the kids. Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite characters and then have a mini-fashion show. Offer small prizes for categories like “most creative costume,” “best homemade costume,” and “funniest costume.”
Dance Party: A High-Energy Activity for Kids
Host a dance party by creating a playlist of fun music that the kids will love. Encourage everyone to dance and have a good time. You can also incorporate dance-based games like “Freeze Dance,” where kids must freeze in place when the music stops. This activity is a great way to burn off energy and have fun.
Limbo: A Fun Game for Kids of All Ages
Set up a limbo stick or use a broomstick as a makeshift limbo bar. Have the kids line up and take turns trying to bend backward and pass under the stick without touching it. Lower the stick after each round, and continue until only one player remains. This game is a fun way to get kids moving and laughing.
Face Painting: A Creative Party Activity
Hire a local face painter or enlist a talented friend to paint the faces of party guests. Offer a range of designs, from simple cheek art to full-face characters. Face painting is a popular activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages and adds a unique touch to any birthday party.
What Time is it Mr. Wolf?
This is a classic party game that you may remember playing when you were a young child. One player is the wolf and stands at one end of the playing area with their back to the other players (the sheep). The sheep then call out “What time is it Mr. Wolf?”, and the wolf replies with a time such as “10 o’clock!”. The children then move closer to the wolf by the number of paces to match the time, and when the wolf calls out “It’s dinnertime!” they can run away as fast as they can before the wolf catches them. This is a great game for kids that encourages movement, laughter, and basic strategy skills.
Minute-to-Win-It Games: A Series of Quick and Exciting Challenges
Minute-to-Win-It games are short, fast-paced activities that challenge kids to complete a task in 60 seconds or less. Examples include stacking plastic cups, transferring candy from one plate to another using a straw, or bouncing ping-pong balls into cups. These games are a great way to keep the party moving and ensure everyone has a good time.
Movie Screening: A Fun Way to Wind Down the Party
As the party winds down, consider setting up a movie screening for the kids to relax and enjoy. Choose a film that aligns with the party theme or one that is popular with the age group. Provide comfortable seating, like bean bags or blankets, and offer popcorn and other movie-themed treats for the kids to enjoy.
Tips for Planning Birthday Party Activities for Kids
Choose a theme: A theme can help guide the decorations, activities, and even the food choices for the party. Consider your child’s interests, hobbies, or favorite characters when selecting a theme.
Plan ahead: Start planning the party at least a month in advance. This will give you enough time to send out invitations, book a venue (if needed), order supplies, and organize activities.
Set a budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on the party and stick to it. Consider the costs of food, decorations, activities, and party favors. You can save money by opting for DIY decorations or activities and shopping for supplies when they are on sale.
Create a guest list: Make a list of the children and adults you plan to invite. Consider your child’s preferences, the size of your venue, and your budget when deciding on the number of guests.
Choose the right location: Depending on the size of the guest list, the weather, and the activities you have planned, you may want to host the party at home, at a local park, or at a rented venue. Ensure that the location is safe and suitable for the age group of the children attending.
Plan age-appropriate activities and games: Choose games and activities that are suitable for the age range of the children attending the party. Ensure that there are options for both active and quiet play, and consider having a designated space for younger children to play safely.
Prepare the menu: Plan a menu that caters to the tastes and dietary requirements of your guests. Finger foods, sandwiches, and fruit platters are popular choices for kids’ parties. Don’t forget the birthday cake or an alternative sweet treat to celebrate.
Organize party favors: Prepare small goody bags or party favors for the children to take home as a thank you for attending. These can include small toys, stickers, or treats that fit the party’s theme.
Plan for supervision and safety: Ensure that there are enough adults present to supervise the children and keep them safe during the party. Enlist the help of other parents, family members, or friends if needed.
Send out invitations: Send invitations to your guests at least two to three weeks before the party. Include important information like the date, time, location, and RSVP details. You can also mention the party theme and any specific instructions, such as dress code or items to bring.
Prepare a schedule: Create a rough schedule for the party, outlining when you'll serve food, start games or activities, and have the cake cutting. This will help keep the party running smoothly and ensure that you have enough time for everything you have planned.
Set up and decorate: On the day of the party, set up the party area with decorations, tables, and chairs. Ensure that there is enough space for activities and games, and that any hazards are removed or secured.
Capture the memories: Take lots of photos or designate someone as the photographer to capture the special moments of the day. This will give you and your child something to look back on and cherish for years to come.
With these fun ideas and great party games, your child's birthday party is sure to be a hit. Whether you're hosting a large group at a local park or a small gathering in your living room, these activities cater to kids of all ages and various group sizes. Remember, the most important thing is for everyone to have a good time and create lasting memories. Happy party planning!
