Party Games for Younger Children

 


Here are some tried and tested party games to get you started when you are planning a party for younger children. Our best tips for a successful party are:

  • keep the numbers down. Some people say you should only invite as many children as the age of the birthday child, but you can safely go a big higher than that if you have lots of help and are organised
  • have more games prepared than you think you need
  • print out a stock of colouring pages and gather together some popular toys for children who just don't want to join in
  • have plenty of small prizes and don't expect younger children to lose gracefully - in fact is is better if you play the sort of games where nobody loses
  • don't expect children to "sit out" either!
  • ask someone else to take pictures or videos so that you can enjoy yourself and the party you've worked so hard to put together - and take lots of footage because you'll enjoy looking in later years!

We have more ideas for you to explore on our Quiet Party Games page, too.

Party Games for Younger Children

 

Hot Potato Dressing Up

Hot Potato Dressing Up

This is a fun variation of "pass the parcel" which is suitable for even the youngest kids, and it has the advantage of not needing any prizes!

Like A Dinosaur Game

Like A Dinosaur Game

The Like A Dinosaur Game can be played with two or more children, and is suitable for large groups where you need to expend some of the children's energy! It is a particularly good classroom, group or party game for young children.

Musical Bumps

Musical Bumps

Often the first game that children learn to play at parties, this will always be a favourite.

Age: 3+

You will need:

Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs

Another favourite game with little kids, Musical Statues is easy to set up, fun to play, and ideal for small party venues. This game is often the most successful of the "musical" games, although it takes a little more preparation.

Musical Statues

Musical Statues

A favourite game with little kids, Musical Statues is easy to set up, fun to play, and ideal for small party venues.

Age: 3+

You will need:

Pass the Parcel

Pass the Parcel

This well-known classic birthday party game is a favorite with the younger age-group, although we have found that very young children don't understand that they need to pass the parcel on and have suffered an embarrassing tantrum or two as a result!

Simple Treasure Hunt

Simple Treasure Hunt

This is perfect for very young children and, although it can be played indoors, is best in the garden (yard). It is an excellent game to play when the children are beginning to get restless towards the end of the party, and will mean that the children find their own presents for a party bag.

More Party Games and Activities

Quiet Party Games
Quiet Party Games

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