Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by Project Party

Remember the excitement of childhood birthday parties? The games, the laughter, and the thrill of friendly competition are timeless. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash or just a fun get-together, classic children’s party games are guaranteed to keep the little ones entertained and engaged. From musical chairs to thrilling treasure hunts, these games have stood the test of time and continue to bring joy to kids of all ages. In this guide, we’re sharing the top 20 children’s party games that are perfect for any celebration. Get ready to relive the fun and create unforgettable memories with these classic hits!

1. Musical Chairs: A Dance Extravaganza for Children’s Party Games

Musical Chairs is a game that never fails to get kids giggling and moving. Set up a circle of chairs—one fewer than the number of participants. Play some lively music and have the children walk around the chairs. When the music stops, they must quickly find a seat. The child left standing is out, and one chair is removed for the next round. Keep playing until only one child remains. This game is perfect for burning off some energy and adds a competitive edge to the fun!

Pro Tip: Use a fun playlist featuring upbeat tunes to keep the energy high. For a twist, try themed music or movie soundtracks!

2. Pass-the-Parcel: Unwrap the Fun

Pass-the-Parcel is a delightful game that keeps kids on their toes. Wrap a small prize in several layers of wrapping paper. Have the children sit in a circle and pass the parcel around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel unwraps one layer. The game continues until the last layer is unwrapped, revealing the final prize. It’s a fantastic way to build anticipation and excitement.

Pro Tip: Add small treats or toys between layers to keep the game engaging and make each unwrapping a mini surprise!

3. Pin the Tail on the Donkey: A Classic of Children’s Party Games

Pin the Tail on the Donkey is a timeless game that’s always a hit for children’s party games. Hang a large picture of a donkey on the wall with a missing tail. Blindfold each child in turn and have them try to pin the tail on the correct spot while being spun around gently. The child who places the tail closest to the right spot wins!

Pro Tip: Customise the game with different themes, such as pin the horn on the unicorn or pin the badge on the superhero, to match your party theme.

4. Hot Potato: Quick Hands and Laughs

Hot Potato is a simple yet exhilarating game that keeps everyone on their toes. Use a small object like a beanbag or a softball and have the children sit in a circle. Play some music and have them pass the object around. When the music stops, the child holding the hot potato is out. Continue until only one child remains.

Pro Tip: To make it even more fun, use different objects for different rounds, like a plush toy or a silly hat.

5. Limbo: How Low Can You Go?

Limbo is a fantastic game that’s perfect for letting kids show off their flexibility. Set up a limbo stick or a rope between two chairs and have the children take turns bending backward to go under it without touching it or falling. Lower the stick after each round to increase the challenge. The last child remaining wins!

Tip: For added excitement, use glow sticks or a fun theme like “Under the Sea” to decorate the limbo area.

6. Egg and Spoon Race: Balance and Speed Challenge

The Egg and Spoon Race is a classic test of balance and agility, making it a fantastic choice for children’s party games. Give each child a spoon and a hard-boiled egg. They must race from the start line to the finish line while balancing the egg on the spoon. The first child to cross the finish line without dropping their egg is the winner!

Pro Tip: For a fun variation, use small balls or even plastic eggs with candy inside for less mess.

7. Donut-on-a-String Eating Race: Sweet and Silly Fun Children’s Party Games

The Donut-on-a-String Eating Race is a deliciously entertaining game. Hang donuts from a string at a height that forces the children to eat them hands-free. The first child to finish their donut wins. It’s a messy, giggly race that’s sure to be a highlight of the party!

Pro Tip: For a fun twist, use different flavours or types of donuts, and make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.

8. Treasure Hunt: An Adventure for Hidden Treasures

Treasure Hunts are a thrilling way to keep kids engaged and excited. Hide small treasures or treats around the house or garden and give the children clues to find them. Create a map or a list of riddles to guide them. The child who finds the most treasures or solves the clues first is the winner.

Pro Tip: Tailor the treasure hunt to the party theme with clues related to the theme, such as pirate maps for a pirate-themed party.

9. Musical Statues: Freeze and Strike a Pose

Musical Statues is a fun game that’s perfect for children’s party games, combining dance and freeze action. Play lively music and have the children dance around. When the music stops, they must freeze in place like statues. The child who moves first is out. The last child remaining is the winner!

Pro Tip: Use a mix of children’s songs and popular tunes to keep the game exciting. You can even add fun freeze poses or silly instructions for extra laughs.

10. Simon Says: Listen and React for These Children’s Party Games

Simon Says is a classic game of listening and quick reactions. One person plays the role of Simon and gives instructions like “Simon says touch your toes.” The children must follow the instructions only if Simon says “Simon says” first. If Simon doesn’t say and the child follows the instruction, they are out.

Pro Tip: Keep the instructions simple and fun, and include physical movements and silly actions to keep everyone engaged.

11. Piñata: Smash and Grab the Goodies

A piñata is always a hit at children’s parties. Fill a piñata with sweets or small toys and hang it up. Blindfold the children and let them take turns hitting the piñata with a stick until it breaks open. The goodies will spill out for everyone to collect. It’s an exciting and festive activity!

Pro Tip: Supervise closely and ensure the piñata is hung securely. Choose a piñata that matches your party theme for added fun.

12. Parachute Games: Bouncing Fun with a Big Parachute

Parachute Games are perfect for group play and cooperative fun. Use a large parachute and have the children hold it by the edges. Play various games such as making waves, bouncing balls on the parachute, or creating a “mushroom” by raising the parachute high and then bringing it down quickly. It’s a great way to get kids working together and having a blast!

Pro Tip: Incorporate colourful balls or lightweight objects to add variety and excitement to the parachute games.

13. Balloon Stomp: Pop the Balloons with Children’s Party Games

Balloon Stomp is a high-energy game that’s a great fit for children’s party games. Children have balloons tied to their ankles, and the objective is to pop other children’s balloons while keeping their own safe. The game ends when all balloons are popped, and the child with the most intact balloons is the winner. It’s a lively and competitive game that’s sure to get everyone moving!

Pro Tip: Use different coloured balloons and create teams to add an extra layer of fun and competition.

14. Obstacle Course: A Fun and Challenging Adventure

Set up an obstacle course in your garden or indoor space with various challenges like crawling under tables, jumping through hoops, or balancing on a line. Time each child as they complete the course and see who can finish the fastest. It’s a great way to encourage physical activity and friendly competition.

Pro Tip: Tailor the obstacle course to suit the age and ability of the children, and use household items or inexpensive equipment to create the obstacles.

15. Craft Station: Creative Fun with Children’s Party Games

A Craft Station provides a creative outlet for children and results in personalized keepsakes, making it a fantastic option for children’s party games. Set up a table with various craft supplies such as paper, markers, stickers, glue, and beads. Let the kids create their masterpieces or complete a themed craft project. It’s a relaxing activity that also allows children to express their creativity.

Pro Tip: Choose crafts that match the party theme or are simple enough for the age group. Provide plenty of supervision and help to ensure everyone has a great time.

16. Sack Race: Jump to Victory

The Sack Race is a classic competitive game that’s both fun and physically active. Provide each child with a large sack or pillowcase and have them line up at the starting line. On your signal, they must jump to the finish line while staying inside their sack. The first child to cross the finish line wins. It’s a great way to get everyone moving and laughing!

Pro Tip: Use colourful sacks or add fun elements like obstacles along the course for extra excitement.

17. Three-Legged Race: Teamwork and Coordination Challenge

The Three-Legged Race is a fantastic game for fostering teamwork and coordination. Pair up the children and tie one of their legs together. On your signal, they must race to the finish line while working together to move in sync. The first pair to cross the finish line wins. This game is perfect for promoting cooperation and having a lot of laughs.

Pro Tip: Make sure the pairs are evenly matched in height and ability for a fair and fun race. Add a twist by setting up a relay course for added challenge.

18. Hula Hoop Contest: Spin and Win-Based Children’s Party Games

The Hula Hoop Contest is a fun and active game that tests balance and endurance. Give each child a hula hoop and see who can keep it spinning the longest. You can add variations, such as spinning while performing a silly dance or passing the hoop around the circle without dropping it. The last child spinning the hoop or the one who lasts the longest wins.

Pro Tip: Use different-sized hoops for varied difficulty levels and encourage everyone to join in the fun, even if they don’t win.

19. Tug-of-War: Strength and Team Spirit

Tug-of-war is a classic game of strength and teamwork that never fails to excite, making it a standout among children’s party games. Divide the children into two teams and have them pull on opposite ends of a rope. The team that manages to pull the other team across a designated line wins. This game is fantastic for building team spirit and letting the kids have a great time working together.

Pro Tip: Ensure the teams are balanced and supervise closely to prevent any accidents. Use a soft, sturdy rope and set clear boundaries.

20. Bean Bag Toss: Aim for the Target

The Bean Bag Toss is a fun and competitive game that tests accuracy and aim. Set up a board with different scoring holes or buckets at varying distances. Each child takes turns throwing bean bags and trying to land them in the target areas. Assign different point values to each target and keep score to determine the winner.

Pro Tip: Adjust the distance and size of the targets based on the age and skill level of the children. For added variety, use themed boards or bean bags.

Conclusion: Make Your Child’s Celebration Unforgettable with These Classic Games

There you have it—20 classic children’s party games that will make your little one’s celebration truly special. From the thrill of musical chairs to the joy of a treasure hunt, these games are designed to keep kids entertained, engaged, and smiling. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash or just a fun gathering, these timeless games offer something for everyone.

Remember, the best parties are the ones where children feel excited, included, and have a blast. So gather your friends, set up these fun activities, and watch as the magic unfolds. Here’s to creating unforgettable memories and celebrating in style!

What are your favourite children’s party games? Have any memorable moments or new ideas to share? Let us know in the comments below! And as always, happy planning!

Stay Connected with Us!

Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest party, event tips, and more! Don’t miss out on exclusive content, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and exciting giveaways. Let’s party together and make every celebration unforgettable! Join our vibrant community of party enthusiasts on:

Facebook | Instagram