Birthday parties are a magical occasion for kids, full of fun and laughter. Memories of their birthday party are ones that children often cherish forever. But planning this special event can be a lot of work for us grown-ups! Maybe you’ve sent out the invites, decorated the house, and even baked a cake, but there’s still one thing to do… figure out how you’re going to keep all your guests entertained! Children’s birthday party games are the ultimate way to make your celebration the best ever. But which games should you play? We’ve got tons of party game ideas that kids of all ages will love. From childhood classics to newer games, you’ll find them all here!
The Best Children’s Birthday Party Games
1. Musical Statues
This classic game is a must for every child’s birthday party. Simply pop on their favorite tunes and let the kids dance before you turn off the music at random. Whoever manages to freeze stays in, and anyone who moves is out of the game. The winner is the last one standing.
2. Pass the Package
You can’t have a kid’s party without pass the package! This traditional game is one that kids love – especially as there’s a prize at the end! To keep things fair, it’s helpful to wrap up enough layers in your package for each child with a small gift in each layer, such as a lollipop or piece of candy. This means that everyone gets a prize – just be sure to watch as you pause the music, so you can check everyone gets a turn.
3. The Beans Game
The beans game is an energetic party activity that’s perfect for younger kids. To play, simply get the kids to all stand up, and then issue them ‘bean instructions.’ For example, shout ‘jumping beans’ for the kids to jump up and down, ‘runner beans’ to get them running on the spot, ‘jelly beans’ to mimic wobbling like jello, ‘string beans’ to make them stretch up to the ceiling. The kids will probably have plenty more ‘bean’ suggestions to incorporate into the game.
4. Limbo
Sometimes, the simplest games are the best fun, and limbo is proof of this! All you need is a broom handle and some music, and you’re all set! To play, kids need to line up and take turns to pass under the broom handle without knocking it over. Gradually lower the height of the broom to make the game a little harder on each turn.
5. Sardines
This variation of hide-and-seek is a fun children’s party game for all ages. To play sardines one guest needs to hide, and the others need to try and find them. But unlike hide-and-seek, the person then joins the other player in their hiding place; this continues with more players joining the hiding place until everyone is hiding in the same place, like sardines in a can!
6. Treasure Hunt
If you’re looking for a game that will keep the kids occupied for a long time, a treasure hunt is a great choice! If you want to be super-organized, you can prepare some sheets with photos of the objects the kids need to find and some clues to get them started. Hide the objects before the guests arrive, hand out the sheets, and let them loose!