Hey party planners!
If there’s one thing we all know, it’s that planning a birthday party for kids can be a bit like trying to herd cats.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Read on for 20 easy to set up birthday party games kids will love.
20 Easy to Set Up Birthday Party Games Kids will Love
One of the key ingredients to a successful kids' birthday party is having a lineup of fun and engaging games that are easy to set up and guaranteed to bring loads of laughter and excitement.
Here’s a roundup of 20 fantastic birthday party games that will make your child’s special day absolutely unforgettable.
1. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
This classic game never gets old!
All you need is a poster of a donkey (or any other themed character - get the kids to draw their own!), some paper tails with double-sided tape, and a blindfold.
Spin the kids around a few times and let them try to pin the tail in the right spot. The closest one wins!
2. Musical Chairs
A timeless favorite!
Arrange chairs in a circle (one less than the number of players), play some fun music, and have the kids walk around the chairs.
When the music stops, they must find a seat. Remove one chair each round until there’s only one child left sitting.
3. Balloon Pop
Blow up a bunch of balloons and place a small prize or candy inside each one before inflating.
Let the kids pop the balloons to find their treats.
It’s noisy but oh-so-fun!
4. Treasure Hunt
Create a simple treasure map or a series of clues leading to hidden treasures around your house or yard.
This game is great for sparking imagination and teamwork as the kids work together to find the hidden goodies.
5. Simon Says
This game is perfect for getting kids to follow instructions while having a blast.
The host gives commands starting with “Simon says” and the kids must follow.
If the command doesn’t start with “Simon says,” those who follow the instruction are out.
6. Duck Duck Goose
Have the kids sit in a circle.
One child walks around the circle, tapping others on the head, saying “duck” for each tap until they choose one and say “goose”.
The “goose” must then chase the tapper around the circle, trying to tag them before they take the goose’s spot.
7. Hot Potato
Pass a ball or a small toy around the circle while music plays.
When the music stops, the child holding the “hot potato” is out.
The last one remaining wins!
8. Musical Statues / Freeze Dance
Play some lively music and let the kids dance their hearts out.
When the music stops, they must freeze in their position.
Anyone caught moving is out until the last dancer remains.
9. Sack Race
Grab some old pillowcases or sacks and have the kids race to the finish line by hopping inside the sacks.
This game is great for burning off some energy and is always good for a laugh.
10. Relay Races
Set up a simple relay race with various challenges like carrying an egg on a spoon, hopping on one foot, or crawling under a series of chairs.
Split the kids into teams and let the races begin!
11. Three-Legged Race
Pair up the kids and tie their adjacent legs together with a scarf.
They must then race to the finish line without falling over.
It’s a hilarious way to build teamwork and coordination.
12. Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of items for the kids to find around your home or yard.
The first one to find all the items on the list wins a prize.
This game encourages exploration and is easy to tailor to different age groups.
Time limited? Grab one of our ready-made scavenger hunts for your party.
13. Piñata
Fill a piñata with candy and small toys, then let the kids take turns trying to break it open with a stick.
Blindfolding the kids adds an extra level of challenge and fun.
You can even make your own papier mache pinata ahead of the party day.
14. Ring Toss
Set up a ring toss game using bottles or cones and rings made from rope or plastic.
This game is simple to set up and helps improve hand-eye coordination.
15. Bean Bag Toss
Create a target with points assigned to different sections and have the kids toss bean bags to score points.
This game is great for indoor or outdoor play and can be easily adapted to different skill levels.
16. Bubble Station
Set up a bubble-making station with different wands and bubble solutions.
Kids can compete to make the biggest bubble or see whose bubble lasts the longest before popping.
17. Water Balloon Toss
On a warm day, fill up some water balloons and have the kids pair up.
They toss the balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch.
The pair who manages the longest toss without breaking their balloon wins.
18. Potato Sack Tug of War
Grab a sturdy rope and split the kids into two teams for a classic tug of war.
Mark a line in the middle and see which team can pull the other across the line.
It’s a great way to build team spirit and have a lot of laughs.
19. Paper Airplane Contest
Provide some paper and let the kids make their own paper airplanes.
Have a contest to see whose plane can fly the farthest or stay in the air the longest.
This game is a hit with kids who love to build and experiment.
20. Hula Hoop Contest
Who can hula hoop the longest?
Have a contest to see who can keep their hula hoop spinning the longest.
You can also add variations like arm or neck hula hooping for an extra challenge.
And there you have it – 20 easy-to-set-up birthday party games that will keep the kids entertained and the energy levels high.
These games are perfect for any backyard, living room, or community space and are sure to create lasting memories for your child and their friends.
Remember, the key to a successful party is to keep things light and fun.
Don’t stress too much about perfection; the kids will have a blast just being together and playing these games.
So grab your party hat, a slice of cake, and get ready to celebrate in style.
Happy party planning!
If you’ve got any other favorite party games, feel free to share them over in our Facebook group.
Here’s to a fun-filled, unforgettable birthday celebration!
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