25 Best Party Games for Kids

Fun and Easy Ideas for Unforgettable Celebrations

Planning a kids' party can be exciting yet challenging. The secret ingredient to a successful event? Games! From energetic activities to creative challenges, games are the heart of any kids’ party. To help you plan, here’s a list of 25 fun and easy party games that children of all ages will enjoy.

Get ready to make your child's birthday party unforgettable with this ultimate list of 25 fantastic party games for kids!

For children, birthdays are pure magic—time spent with friends, endless laughter, and non-stop fun. For parents, however, planning the perfect party can feel like a big task. That's why I always rely on the timeless classics. From tried-and-true party foods to enduring birthday themes and traditional party games, classics never go out of style.

These games have earned their "classic" status for good reason. They've delighted generations of children worldwide, proving that the simplest ideas often create the most joy. Let’s dive in!

1. Musical Chairs

A timeless classic! Arrange chairs in a circle, one less than the number of kids, and play music. When the music stops, kids must find a chair. Remove one chair after each round until a winner emerges.

A timeless classic that combines music and quick reflexes! Here’s how it works:

Arrange chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of players.
Play music while children walk or dance around the chairs.
Stop the music unexpectedly; kids must quickly find a chair to sit in.
The child left standing is out, and one chair is removed after each round.
Continue until only one child remains, who is crowned the winner.

2. Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Blindfolded kids take turns trying to place a tail on a donkey poster. Variations include pinning a crown on a princess or a patch on a pirate.

A hilarious game of aim and coordination. Follow these steps:

Hang a donkey poster on a wall at kids’ eye level.
Create a tail using paper or fabric and attach tape or pins to it.
Blindfold the first player, spin them gently a few times, and guide them toward the donkey.
Let them try to pin the tail as close to the correct spot as possible.
Repeat for all players; the closest placement wins!
Customize the game with themes like pinning a crown on a princess or a patch on a pirate.

3. Freeze Dance

Play upbeat music and have the kids dance. When the music stops, they must freeze. Anyone caught moving is out!

A fun and energetic game to keep everyone moving! Instructions:

Play upbeat music and encourage kids to dance freely.
Stop the music at random intervals; when it stops, kids must freeze immediately.
Anyone caught moving is out for that round.
Continue until one child remains, who becomes the dance champion.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items for kids to find around the house or yard. The first one to collect all the items wins. This game is great for indoor or outdoor parties and can be themed to match the party’s vibe.

An adventurous game that sparks curiosity. Here’s how:

Prepare a list of items for kids to find around the house or yard.
Give each child a copy of the list and a bag or basket to collect items.
Set a time limit and see who collects the most items from the list.
Add a theme (like a pirate hunt or nature scavenger hunt) for extra fun.

DONE FOR YOU (DFY) SCAVENGER HUNTS!!👇

5. Pass The Parcel

Wrap a gift with multiple layers of wrapping paper. Kids sit in a circle and pass it while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel removes one layer of wrapping. Repeat until the gift is revealed.

A suspenseful game with a surprise ending. Steps to play:

Wrap a small gift in multiple layers of wrapping paper.
Sit kids in a circle and give one child the parcel.
Play music as the parcel is passed around the circle.
Stop the music randomly; the child holding the parcel removes one layer of wrapping.
Repeat until the final layer is unwrapped, revealing the gift.

6. Duck, Duck, Goose

Kids sit in a circle while one walks around tapping heads, saying "duck." When they say "goose," the tapped child chases them around the circle. If tagged, they sit in the middle.

A lively circle game for all ages. Here’s how to play:

Have children sit in a circle.
One child walks around the outside, tapping others on the head and saying "duck."
When they say "goose," the tapped child chases them around the circle.
If the "goose" tags the runner, they take their place; if not, the runner sits in the "goose’s" spot.

7. Balloon Pop

Fill balloons with small prizes or tasks and have kids pop them to find the surprise inside.

A thrilling game with surprises inside! Instructions:

Fill balloons with small prizes or slips of paper with tasks written on them.
Inflate the balloons and scatter them around the play area.
On the count of three, let kids pop the balloons by sitting, stomping, or squeezing.
Children collect the prizes or complete the tasks inside.

8. Egg and Spoon Race

Give each child an egg (or a plastic version) and a spoon. The goal is to reach the finish line without dropping the egg.

A test of balance and focus. Follow these steps:

Provide each child with a spoon and an egg (real or plastic).
Mark a start and finish line.
Kids race to the finish line, balancing the egg on their spoon.
If the egg falls, they must return to the start.
The first child to cross the finish line with their egg intact wins.

9. Sack Race

Provide burlap sacks or large pillowcases for kids to hop in toward the finish line.

A hilarious and energetic race game! Here’s how:

Provide each child with a burlap sack or large pillowcase.
Mark a start and finish line.
Players must stand inside their sacks and hop to the finish line.
The first child to cross wins the race.

10. Simon Says

An easy-to-play game where one child gives commands starting with "Simon says." Only follow the command if "Simon says" comes first!

A game of quick thinking and listening skills. Instructions:

One child (or an adult) is chosen to be "Simon."
"Simon" gives commands starting with "Simon says" (e.g., "Simon says touch your nose").
Players must only follow commands that begin with "Simon says."
If a command is given without "Simon says" and a player follows it, they are out.

11. Obstacle Course

Set up a fun obstacle course using household items or playground equipment. Include tasks like crawling under tables, jumping over pillows, or balancing on a beam.

A creative way to keep kids active! Steps:

Set up an obstacle course using items like chairs, pillows, cones, and hula hoops.
Include challenges such as crawling under tables, jumping over pillows, and weaving through cones.
Time each child as they complete the course; the fastest time wins.
Customize the difficulty level based on the children’s ages.

12. Tug of War

Divide kids into two teams and use a sturdy rope for this classic test of strength and teamwork.

A classic team game of strength and teamwork. Instructions:

Divide kids into two teams.
Use a sturdy rope and mark the center with a ribbon.
Mark two lines on the ground as goal points for each team.
Teams pull the rope; the goal is to drag the opposing team across their line.

13. Hot Potato

Pass a ball or stuffed toy while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the "potato" is out. The game continues until one winner remains.

A game of quick reflexes and anticipation! Here’s how:

Use a ball, stuffed toy, or similar object as the "potato."
Kids sit in a circle and pass the "potato" while music plays.
Stop the music randomly; the child holding the "potato" is out.
Continue until one child remains.

14. Three-Legged Race

Pair up the kids and tie their legs together. They must work together to race to the finish line.

A hilarious test of coordination. Steps:

Pair up kids and tie one of each child’s legs together with a scarf or band.
Mark a start and finish line.
Pairs must work together to race to the finish line without falling.
The first pair to cross wins.

15. Water Balloon Toss

A perfect summer game! Kids toss water balloons to their partners, stepping farther apart after each successful catch.

A refreshing game for warm days. Instructions:

Pair up children and give each pair a water balloon.
Pairs start close together and toss the balloon to each other.
After each successful toss, they take a step back.
The pair that tosses the balloon the farthest without breaking it wins.

16. Limbo

Use a broomstick or limbo pole and play tropical music. Lower the pole each round and see who can bend the lowest!

A game of flexibility and fun! Here’s how:

Use a broomstick or limbo pole.
Play tropical music as kids line up to go under the pole.
Lower the pole after each round.
Kids must bend backward to pass under without touching the pole or falling.
The last child standing wins.

17. Donut on a String

Hang donuts from a string and have kids eat them without using their hands. It’s messy but hilarious!

A deliciously messy challenge. Steps:

Hang donuts from strings at kids’ mouth level.
Players must eat the donuts without using their hands.
The first to finish their donut wins.

18. Bean Bag Toss

Set up a board with holes or buckets at varying distances. Kids earn points by landing bean bags in the targets.

A fun game of aim and accuracy. Instructions:

Set up a board with holes or buckets at varying distances.
Mark point values for each target.
Kids take turns tossing bean bags into the targets.
The child with the highest score wins.

19. Fishing Game

Attach magnets to toy fish and have kids "catch" them with fishing rods made of sticks, string, and magnets.

A creative and engaging activity. Here’s how:

Attach magnets to toy fish and place them in a shallow pool or container.
Make fishing rods using sticks, string, and magnets.
Kids use the rods to "catch" the fish.
Assign point values to fish and see who scores the most.

20. Art Station

Set up an area with paper, crayons, and stickers for kids to create their own party masterpieces.

A calm and creative activity. Steps:

Set up a table with paper, crayons, markers, stickers, and other craft supplies.
Let kids draw, color, or create their own masterpieces.
Display the artwork for everyone to admire.

21. Relay Race

Divide kids into teams and set up a series of challenges. Include hopping, crawling, or balancing tasks for added fun.

A team game full of variety! Instructions:

Divide kids into teams and set up a course with multiple challenges (e.g., hopping, crawling, balancing).
Each player completes the course before tagging the next teammate.
The first team to finish wins.

22. Bubble Blowing Contest

Provide bubble wands and solution, then see who can blow the biggest or longest-lasting bubble.

A whimsical game perfect for outdoors. Steps:

Provide bubble solution and wands.
Kids compete to see who can blow the biggest or longest-lasting bubble.
Award prizes for creativity and effort.

23. Charades

Have kids act out animals, characters, or actions while others guess. Use picture cards for younger children.

A game of acting and guessing! Here’s how:

Write down animals, actions, or characters on slips of paper.
Kids take turns picking a slip and acting it out without speaking.
The rest of the group guesses what it is.
Use pictures for younger children.

24. Treasure Hunt

Hide small toys or treats around the party area and give kids clues or a map to find them.

A game of discovery and fun! Here's how to set it up:

Prepare the Treasure: Choose small toys, treats, or themed items to serve as the "treasure."
Create Clues: Write riddles or simple instructions to guide kids from one location to the next. For younger kids, use pictures or simple directions.
Hide the Treasure: Place the items in hidden spots around the house, yard, or party area.
Distribute Clues: Hand out the first clue and let the kids solve it to find the next location.
Winning the Hunt: The game ends when the kids find the final treasure. You can have a single prize for the group or individual treasures for each participant.

This game works well indoors or outdoors and can easily be adapted to fit the party's theme!

25. Pinata Party

Fill a piñata with candy and small toys, then let kids take turns trying to break it open while blindfolded.

A thrilling and classic party game! Here’s how to organize it:

Choose a Pinata: Select a pinata that matches the party theme and fill it with candy, toys, or small prizes.
Set It Up: Hang the pinata securely from a tree branch, ceiling, or sturdy pole. It should be at a height where kids can reach it with a stick.
Blindfold the Players: Take turns blindfolding each child and giving them a lightweight bat or stick. For safety, ensure all other children are standing well back.
Spin and Guide: Gently spin the blindfolded child a few times to disorient them, then point them in the direction of the pinata.
Swing Away: Each child gets a few swings to try and break the pinata. Once it breaks, everyone scrambles to collect the goodies that fall out!

Pinata parties are a guaranteed hit and can be tailored with themes, such as unicorns, superheroes, or animals.

RELATED: How To Make A Pinata

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Tips for Successful Party Games

Know the Audience: Choose games suitable for the kids' age group.
Be Inclusive: Avoid games that eliminate kids too early; instead, keep everyone involved.
Keep It Short: Young kids have short attention spans, so plan quick games.
Have Prizes Ready: Small, inexpensive prizes can motivate and excite kids.