Party Games And Activities
Even the bravest, most experienced parents quake at the thought of entertaining an excited group of children with party games and activities! Although we all have a store of favourites from our own childhood - my personal favourites were The Chopsticks Game and Pass the parcel - you need to have a really good supply prepared for and we suggest that you plan on using at least 4 games more than you think will fill up the time! We've sorted the party games and activities into categories to make it easier to find what you will need - explore below...
See also Birthday colouring pages
See also Birthday party ideas
Games for Younger Children
Hot Potato Dressing Up
This variation of "pass the parcel" causes much excitement and giggling, and
there are no prizes needed!
Musical Bumps
This is often the first party game that children learn, and it has the advantage
of being easy to set up and letting the kids use of some of their excess energy!
Musical Chairs
This particular version of the "musical" family of games takes a little more
preparation than the previous too, but is often the most successful and has
always been our personal favourite. You will need quite a large party venue.
Musical Numbers
This is similar to Musical Chairs but no-one is eliminated and every child has
the chance of winning a magic number prize. Thrilling and very popular with
younger kids!
Musical Statues
Another easy and popular game for younger children, great for small spaces!
Pass the parcel
This well-known classic birthday party game is a favourite with the younger
age-group, although you will need to supervise carefully and it might be too
stressful for children under 5 to pass the parcel once they have it!
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.
Outdoor Games
Capture The Flag
You will need a large group of children and a large space, too, but if you
have both, this is a favourite game for all ages.
Keep Your Bottle
This game is particularly good at family parties or with mixed
age groups, and is definitely a warm weather, outdoor game!
The Donut Game
This is a messy way to serve the kids something to eat, but they will enjoy it!
This works quite well at a family gathering, as there will certainly be some
adults who are willing to have a go!
What's The Time Mr Wolf?
Best with a group of fairly young children - say 5-8 years old.
Indoor Games
Anagram Challenge
This game can be adapted for any age or ability group and almost any situation,
including parties and plane journeys!
Balloon Pop
A noisy, frantic sort of game!
Chubby Bunnies
This is game which causes much amusement - but potentially some mess too! It is
better played with older kids.
Cotton Wool Giggles
Here is an unusual party game which will get the children giggling!
Feather!
You will need at least 6 children for this game (more is preferable) and a lot of puff!
Find Your Partner
Great for pairing up children at the beginning of a party, and for breaking the
ice when kids don't know each other well as everyone has an excuse to approach
other people and start talking.
More indoor party games below...
Greetings, Oh Great One
Expect lots of giggly children when you play this game!
Hunt the Thimble
A traditional, simple game, this can keep a group of children quiet for quite
some time.
Matchbox Noses
This is a silly game and it doesn't last long, but it makes for a funny few
minutes and kids seem to love it!
Pin the Tail on The Donkey
Choose a variation of this game which will appeal to your particular group of
children, and this very old game will be bang up to date.
Sardines
Great for a large house with many hiding places and a group of eager kids!
Shadow Bluff
This is a game for an evening party. It takes a bit of setting up, but the kids
will really enjoy it.
Shake, Rattle and Guess
An exciting game for children which can double up as a "going away present" for
the end of a party.
Soap Bubble Contest
All kids love blowing bubbles, and this is an idea for turning blowing bubbles
into a fun team event.
Team Balloon Pop
This game is noisy and funny, and very enjoyable.
The Chocolate Game
This game is extraordinarily popular with my children, who seem to love the
thrill and excitement more than the actual chocolate eating, which they never
get much of a go at! It takes a little preparation and you will need to
supervise carefully with younger kids.
The Chopsticks Game
The Chopsticks Game makes a fun racing game for parties and Chinese New Year
gatherings. You can play as individuals or teams.
The Hat Game
Popularised as a "board game" which you can now buy in the shops, we have been
playing this one for years in my family - and with much enjoyment too. It makes
a great game for mixed age groups and works best as a sit-down game, perhaps in
the early evening or after a meal.
The Name Game
This is probably my all-time favourite game, as it can be tailored for all
occasions, works with all ages, breaks the ice when people don't know each
other, and causes much merriment with the best of friends.
The Straw Game
Children love this team game, which takes a fair amount of skill and
concentration (and puff!)
Wipe That Smile Off Your Face!
This is a silly group game which is sure to cause a laugh.
Indoor or Outdoor Games
Balloon Relay
Balloon games are always fun, and this one is a classic birthday party game.
This is a good outdoor game in the summer, but can easily be brought indoors
too.
Blind Man's Bluff
This is a classic game which is useful to have up your sleeve for a restless
crowd of kids!
Sausages
Here is an unusual balloon game, which provides lots of noisy fun. Great for
mixed age groups too.
Simon Says
An old favourite which can be enjoyed by younger children.
The Flour Game
A messy game, this appeals to children more than their parents! You are better
off playing this outside if possible. It has a certain similarity to Jenga.
The Wool Game
This game takes a bit of preparation, but children enjoy the challenge and it
isn't quite as rowdy as some other "hunting" type games.
Who Touched Me?
This traditional Chinese game is similar to Blind Man's Bluff, and works well
with large groups of children.
Quiet Games
Create a Creature
This is an unusual party game, but it is useful if you need to while away a fair
amount of time! Children not only create their own creatures, but spend time
giggling at each other's and guessing what each creature is.
Guess The Petals
Here is an interesting variation on "Guess How Many Sweets In The Jar" which
would be appropriate for a little girl's party, a nature-themed party or an
outdoor event.
How Many Sweets In the Jar?
There is something irresistible about a large jar filled with sweets! This game
will always be a favourite with the kids.
Mystery Box
This is a great game for the beginning of a party, when you are still waiting
for guests to arrive and you need to keep individual children amused. It also
works well after tea or at a sleepover party.
The Tray Game
This is an excellent game for parties (especially when you need to quieten the
children down) and also for a group of kids on a rainy afternoon. Regularly
playing this game can really sharpen your memory skills and give children
practise in concentrating.
Under The Cups
This is a party version of Memory / Concentration with an added twist!
What's In The Sock?
A good game to quieten down a party, this works well with mixed age groups and
is also a fun activity to provide for bored kids at home on a rainy afternoon!
You might also enjoy:
Farm Animal Games
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