Anagram Challenge
This is a very adaptable game, which can be fun at a party, mixed age gathering, a rainy afternoon or a plane journey! It takes a little preparation.
Age: 6+
Indoor Party Games
Unless you live in an area with guaranteed sunshine, you need to have a good stock of indoor party games ready for your child's birthday party! Of course you don't need to confine them to a birthday party: many of these games can also be played in the classroom or in group activities. For most of the games below you will need to do some preparation and gather together some "equipment".
Remember, when throwing a party for younger children, it is always useful to have as many adult helpers as you can - but for one person to be in charge of the games. Always have more games than you think you will need!
Balloon Pop
Noisy, frantic, and lots of fun, this is such a simple game but one which most children enjoy and will play happily for as long as there are balloons remaining...
Age: 6+
Balloon Relay
Balloon games are always fun, and this one is a classic birthday party game. Be aware that some children are scared of popping balloons, so it is a good idea to have a quiet activity that they can help you with without feeling embarrassed in front of their friends.
Blind Man's Bluff
This is a very old favourite, thought to date back to Tudor times at least! It was originally known as Blind Man's Buff. There is also a traditional Chinese version known as "Blind Man" or "Chicken".
Cotton Wool Giggles
Here is an unusual party game which will get the children giggling! You would not believe how hard it is to play this until you try it yourself!
Age: 6+
You will need:
Feather
This is a sitting down game, but it can be very noisy! Simple but fun, and it works well with children from 4-5 up. Watch out for any asthmatic children - you don't want anyone to run out 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.
Greetings, O Great One
Whenever we play this game we get very giggly indeed! This only works when your group of children knows one another, and is roughly the same age.
Age: 6+
You will need:
Harry Potter Party Ideas
Harry Potter parties are always popular and appeal to a wide age range. Here are some ideas for a Harry Potter themed party.
Hunt The Thimble
This traditional game remains a firm favourite at parties, and is simple to prepare for an play. We recommend that you play with children over the age of 5, unless you can supervise very closely.
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!
Age: 5+
You will need:
Monsters University - Pin the Badge on Archie
Just for fun, here's a printable game of "pin the badge on Arnie" from Monsters University - it's a bit more original than a tail on the donkey!
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
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 Numbers
This is musical chairs with an exciting difference - very popular with younger kids!
Age: 3+
Preparation:
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
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!
Pin The Tail On The Donkey
This classic game has been played in many variations at countless children's parties over the years, and remains a firm favourite. Choose a theme that your particular group of children will love.
Sardines
This Hide and Seek variation is a perennial favourite, but you will need a large house with lots of good hiding places! Younger children may become lonely or distracted, so play with kids over the age of 5 or 6.
Sausages
Here is an unusual balloon game, which provides lots of noisy fun. Great for mixed age groups too.
Age: 6+
You will need:
A sausage-shaped balloon for each team
Shadow Bluff
This game takes a little effort to set up, but the kids will have a lot of fun with it. It is obviously better on a dark evening! It could be a good game to play at a Halloween party, especially if the children are wearing spooky costumes.
Shake Rattle And Guess
This is an exciting party game for children of all ages, perfect for birthdays and Christmas parties. It can double-up to provide a "going away present" for the kids, too.
Simon Says
A traditional game enjoyed by younger children. You will need a quick thinking adult to play!
Age: 3+
How to play:
Soap Bubble Contest
Sometimes a bubble-blowing session can be just the thing - especially on a rainy day! We have lots of ideas here, including one for turning bubble blowing into a team event.
Team Balloon Pop
Much loved by all ages, from little kids to adults, this team game is great fun and very noisy! It is good for a mixed age party and enjoyed by teenagers too.
Age: 6+
Tell Me A Story
This is a lovely game for a group of children or a family gathering. Play it as an ice-breaker, around the dinner table, on car journeys, as an after-tea party game... in fact, play it anywhere!
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
I played The Chopsticks Game often in my childhood and became quite accomplished at it! It makes a fun racing game for parties and Chinese New Year gatherings. You can play as individuals or teams.
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!
Age: 6+
You will need:
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 Line Up Game
The Line Up Game is a really fun ice breaker game which works well in a school or group setting, but also makes a super mixed-age party gathering - perfect for a large family party!
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 even when played with the best of friends.
The Straw Game
Children love this team game, which takes a fair amount of skill and concentration (and puff!) There are at least two different ways to play it...
Age: 5+
You will need:
The Wool Game
This game takes a bit of preparation, but is less rowdy than some other "hunting" games and is generally enjoyed.
Age: 6+
You will need:
Wipe That Smile Off Your Face
Best played with a large group of kids but we have had fun playing this at family dinner times, with just four. It works with any age, but is better when the children are young.
