Cake and gifts might be the star of the party, but games and activities keep the guests entertained and energetic. When planning which games to incorporate on your party, consider the following factors to ensure that nobody is left out and hurt.
- For our toddlers, competitive games are not advisable since they still don’t know how to cope with losing as well as they don’t have idea on what sportsmanship is.
- To maintain their excitement, include more physical activities and limit mental games. They are already bombarded with intellectual games at school.
- Look for games that don’t consume too much time. Kids easily get bored.
- Make sure that all of the games are applicable for both girls and boys. As much as possible, avoid those gender specific games.
- Always prepare a plan B or a back-up plan whenever plan A does not work.
We’ve listed 15 fun and exciting party games that you can choose from. We’ve also included some ideal products you can use for each games to save you time.
Games that Requires Minimal Expenses
1. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
A classic party game that is a sure hit for our kids. You can change it Pin the Nose of Olaf, Pin the Horn of the Unicorn, or depending on what is relevant to your theme or what you want.
Things You Need:
- Poster of a donkey without a tail
- Tail stickers
- Blindfold
- amscan Pin The Tail On The Donkey Party Game: Classic “Pin the tail on the donkey” party game. Measures 17″ x 17.25″
- Hokic Pin The Tail On The Donkey Party Game: Set includes 29 x 19 inch large high gloss waterproof poster, 1 polyester blindfold, 30 tail and 6 free double sided tape.
- Yellowdin Pin The Tail On The Donkey Party Game for Kids: Set includes: 1pc. 19.7 x 29.5″ large high gloss waterproof donkey poster + 2 extra soft blindfold pink for girls blue for boys + 24pcs donkey tail stickers + 6pcs free double-sided adhesive.
How to Play the Game:
Paste the poster of the donkey without a tail on the wall that is within the reach of children. Let the players fall in line. Each player will be blindfolded and will be spun until he/she gets disoriented. He/she will then walk towards the picture and will try to pin the tail of the donkey. The player who pins the tail that is closest to the target will be the winner.
2. Scavenger Hunt
Let the search begins. Kids will surely enjoy roaming around the area collecting the things listed.
Things You Need:
- A list of the things to collect
- A bag where they can put their collectibles
- Marker, pen, or pencil to mark what they’ve already found
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- KIDDYCOLOR 36 Colors Watercolor Pens: These mini watercolor pen set includes 48 colors pens, well organized in a cute storage box.
- Tomorotec Art Glitter Paint Markers: 12 assorted vibrant color paint markers with ideal for all your crafting needs.
- Crayola Broad Line Washable Markers: These are a classic, and they are washable. Perfect for all ages.
Watch this short video to gain idea how to prepare the things needed.
How to Play the Game:
Give each player or team the things needed for the hunt. Let them go wild as they search for all the things on the list. If your time is limited, you can instruct the kids that the game is good for 15 or 30 minutes only. The one with the highest number of things found wins.
Here are more ideas on how to organize a scavenger hunt game for your kids.
- 30+ Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids To Do at Any Age – The post provides 32 scavenger hunt ideas for kids. It includes ideas for scavenger hunts for learner and hunts that can be done outside.
- 30+ Free Printable Scavenger Hunts for Kids – The posts provides 30 free printable scavenger hunts for kids. It includes scavenger hunts for the five senses, for outdoors, and hunts that promote learning.
3. Doughnut Challenge
Kids will be more than excited to start biting those hanging doughnuts. Better be ready with packets of wipes after the game.
Things You Need:
- Ring Doughnuts
- Rope
- Strings or ribbons
- Supla 16 Colors 400 Yard Fabric Ribbon: 16 colors satin ribbon roll. Each roll is 2/5″ (10mm) in width and 25 yard in length.
- RAM-PRO 80 ft. Diamond Braid Polypropylene All Purpose Flagline Rope: Quarter inch all-purpose durable light weight diamond braid polypropylene flagline rope 80 feet long.
- Ravenox Natural Twisted Cotton Rope: This all-purpose soft and strong rope is made in the USA.
How to Play the Game:
Tie a rope horizontally to tree branches or something sturdy. Use strings or ribbons to hang each doughnut to the rope. Ask the players to put both their hands behind their backs. Each player must eat as much of the doughnut without it falling and touching. Once the player touched or the doughnut fell, he/she is out. The one who finished first wins.
4. Egg and Spoon Race
Kids will do everything to protect the egg from dropping and breaking.
Things You Need:
- Spoons
- Toy eggs
No products found.
- Game Zone Egg and Spoon Relay Race Game: These reusable eggs and shells simulate the same effect when you drop the egg without getting icky yolk everywhere or ruining tomorrows breakfast.
- Egg Race Game Carnival Games -5 Player Indoor Outdoor Spoon Game: Egg games for kids is for up to 5 players and includes 15 pcs.: 5 spoons with large grip handles, 5 eggs that can store fun cushy balls inside, and 5 cushy balls.
- 24 Pieces Egg and Spoon Race Game: Good material: both spoons and eggs are made of good quality and durable wood, these balance eggs are great for playing.
How to Play the Game:
The game can be played individually or by team (depending on the number of your guests).
If this will be played by team, each team will have one egg, which will be passed by the first player to the next. Each player must reach the marked area then go back to the starting line without dropping the egg. If the player drops the egg, he/she must go back to the starting line and repeat the process. The egg will then be passed to the next player. The first team to finish wins.
If to be played individually, the player will race to the marked area then go back to the starting line without dropping the egg. The first one to finish wins.
5. Balloon Burst
Things you Need:
- Balloons
- Pen and Paper
- Dusico® Party Balloons 12 Inches Rainbow Set: Contains 100 pcs assorted colors rainbow balloons. Latex balloons have been rigorously tested and selected manually.
- Yeunmu 100 PCS Party Balloons, 12 Inch High Quality Assorted Colorful Balloons: The party balloons can be filled with air or helium or serve as DIY water balloons.
- RUBFAC 120 Assorted Color Balloons: 120 12-inch high-end party balloons, in 12 rainbow colors, 10pcs per color.
How to play the game:
Write different challenges on the paper. Before inflating the balloons, insert the papers.
Kids will bop the balloon in the air until the music stops. Whosoever touch the balloon when the music stops must pop the balloon and do the challenge inside it.
6. Bucket Toss
This game will definitely challenge the shooting skills of your kids.
Things You Need:
- Six buckets or pails
- Ping pong ball
- Prizes
- meizhouer 50Pcs/Pack Colored Ping Pong Balls: 100% environmental new material – PP Plastic – no smell, harmless to body.
- Faxco 5 Pack 6” 1.5 L Plastic Small Bucket: Made of high quality plastic. 6”(15 cm)x6”(15 cm)x4.3”(11 cm),can hold 1.5 liters of water.
- Fun Express Sand Bucket Assortment With Handles: This assortment includes 12 bright and colorful plastic buckets.
How to Play the Game:
Number the buckets from one to six and line them up. Put prizes in each of the buckets, in which the highest number has the biggest prize. Each player will toss a ping pong ball on the first bucket, then move to the second if the first one gets in. The highest-numbered bucket that a player lands the ball in determines which bucket he/she gets to pick a prize from.
7. Prize Walk
It is like the game cake walk, but kids win prizes instead of a cake.
Things you Need:
- Colored papers
- Prizes
- PACON 9 x 12, 6555 Rainbow Super Value Construction Paper: 500 sheets means no worries about mistakes. A rainbow of colors for virtually any project.
- Astrobrights Color Paper: Five-color assortment of 24 lb. paper is 20% thicker than regular paper and boasts vivid assorted colors for documents and projects that command attention.
- 1InTheOffice Pastels Colored Copy Paper: 8.5″ x 11″ Letter Size. 400 total sheets, 20lb density; excellent for everyday use.
How to Play the Game:
Write the numbers one to twenty on colored papers then taped it on the floor in a circular manner. Prepare small numbered squares to correspond with the numbers on the colors paper, then put it on a basket or box. Play a music and let the kids walk around the colored papers until the music stops. Pick one numbered square from the basket. The player standing on the same number wins a prize.
8. Bubble Wrap Race
This is a simple game but will give so much to your guests.
Things You Need:
- Bubble wraps
No products found.
- USPACKSHOP Small Bubble Cushioning Wrap: Small bubbles 175′ long x 12-inch wide. Rolls are perforated every 12-inch.
- Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Roll: Original bubble wrap cushioning roll features small size bubbles.
- uBoxes Bubble Roll: Durable and excellent protection, 200 Feet x 12 inches.
Place a large sheet of bubble wrap on the ground. Each player should cross over the bubble wrap without popping any of the bubbles. The player who crosses without popping any bubbles wins.
9. Bingo
Things you Need:
- Bingo game set
- Birthday Bingo Game 24 Players for Kids: Package includes: 24 Happy Birthday Bingo game cards, 441 Birthday Crown Bingo Card Chips, 24 call out cards, and game instructions.
- Big Dot of Happiness Taco ‘Bout Fun: Mexican Fiesta Bingo Cards and Markers INCLUDES 18 game cards, 18 perforated marker sheets, 1 perforated call sheet, and game instructions.
- Royal Bingo Supplies Deluxe 6-Inch Game: Complete Bingo game set with instructions. Includes 50 blue Bingo cards and 300 Bingo chips.
How to Play the Game:
Each player will be given a bingo card. The bingo master will call the number and players will mark it on their cards. The player who completed four numbers in a row, may it be crosswise, diagonal, or up and down wins. You can repeat this game for as many as you want.
10. The Name Game
Things You Need:
- Some small sticky notes (post-its)
- A pen
- Post-it Super Sticky Notes: 3 in x 3 in. Miami collection. Post-it Super Sticky Notes have 2X the sticking power.
- Awei Azhi Sticky Notes 3×3, Self-Stick Notes: 36 pads per pack, 100 sheets per pad, 4 colors. Eye-catching sticky notes work as wonderfully reminders.
- ARTEZA 3×3 Inches Sticky Notes: Vibrant colored notes that catch your eye and work wonderfully as reminders. Easy application and removal without compromising stickiness.
How to Play the Game:
Write the name of known personalities, fictional characters, or cartoon characters on the post-its. Make sure that the players will not see the names on their foreheads. When everyone has already named, the players mingle and walk around the room. They will ask sort of questions that can be answered by “yes”, “no” and “not applicable” until they guess the name written on the sticky notes.
11. Coloring Activity
One of the best games to do to cool-off their energy while you are preparing the table.
Things You Need:
- Coloring sheets
- Coloring materials
- Farm Animals Coloring Books with Crayons Party Favors Set of 12:
- Bottles N Bags 72 Coloring Books For Kids and 72 Crayons: Featuring adorable images for children to color, the books inspire artistic creativity and focus.
- Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set: Includes 1 Crayola inspiration art case coloring set with 64 crayons, 20 short colored pencils, 40 washable markers and 15 large pieces of paper.
Mechanics of the Activity:
Challenge your kids to show their crafty and imaginative side. Let them color each sheet according to what they want.
Games That Cost You Nothing
12. Simon Says
Simon says is a classic game that requires no props but brings a lot of fun.
How to Play the Game:
Choose someone to be Simon. Kids will follow the command of the leader if he/she begins with “Simon says.” The kids who follow the command without the “Simon says” at the beginning are out. To make it fair, you can give everyone a chance to be Simon.
13. Three-Legged Race
A game played in pairs and requires minimal props.
Things You Need:
- Handkerchief or something to tie each pair’s legs
- Unixing 6 Pack Firm Soft 3 Legged Race Bands: Package includes 6 pieces assorted color soft polar fleece 3 legged race bands.
- Winomo 3 Legged Race Bands Elastic Tie Rope Straps: Adoption of high quality crystal velvet, it is soft, solid, wear-resistant, fadeless, dirt resistant, waterproof and won’t fall off easily.
- Sportime 3 Legged Race Bands, Set of 6: The Sportime 3 Legged Race Bands feature fabric covered elastic construction with hook and loop attachments for easy on and off.
How to Play the Game:
Pair the kids based on their height and built. They stand next to each other, arms around one another’s waist. Tie their inside legs (the right leg of the partner on the left and the left leg of the partner on the right). Players must walk or run as fast as they can from the starting line up to the finish line. The first pair to reach the finish line wins.
14. Charades
Categories will depend on the theme of your party or the interests of the kids.
Things You Need:
- List of items to guess
- Pen and paper for scoring
- A timer
- AmazonBasics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper: 1 ream of 8.5 x -11 inch multipurpose copy paper (500 sheets total).
- Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint Pen: Ball point pen with chrome appointments provides smooth, consistent ink flow.
- Classroom Timers for Teachers Kids Large Magnetic Digital Timer: 1 blue & 1 green digital timers large display and 3 buttones, super easy to read and set up.
How to Play the Game:
Divide your guests equally. The actor will act out the words or phrase so other team members can guess what it is. The actor should not say any word. You can give each team 5 minutes each. The team with the highest number of correct answers wins.
15. Hot Potato
Kids will surely would not want to touch that hot potato.
Things You Need:
- Ball or Balloon (or anything you can use as Hot Potato)
- Music
- Kicko Rainbow Playground Ball: Great for outdoor games and exercise, encouraging active play, and developing new skills and coordination.
- Hedstrom Multi-Color Assortment of Large Playballs Indoor/Outdoor Playballs: 8 pack of multi-colored light-weight vinyl playballs. Inflates to 13.75 inches.
- Franklin Sports Playground Balls: This is the classic playground ball you know and love!
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How To Play the Game:
Let the children sit in a circular form. Start the music and let the children pass the hot potato around. When the music stops the player holding the hot potato is out. The last player left wins the game.
Here are some relevant resources you can check for more best games on your kids’ party.
- Fun Activities for Your Toddlers’ Birthday Party – The post will help you choose the perfect fun activities for your guests. It includes 11 enjoyable games that your kids and their guests will surely love.
- 50 Best Party Games for Kids – The post provides a collection of 50 fun party game ideas. It includes games for ages ranging from young kids to young adults.
- Cheap Indoor and Outdoor Party Games for Kids – The post provides 19 exciting indoor and outdoor games that will surely entertain your guests. It includes potato sack race, catch the tail of the dragon, and spin the nail polish bottle.
- Fun Activities on Your Kids’ Birthday Party – The post lists down 7 birthday party games that your children will truly enjoy. It provides the mechanics and things you need for each game. It also includes product suggestions you can consider for each game.
Kids’ parties will not be complete without fun activities and games. These allow your kids and their guests interact with one another. It is important to incorporate games that are suitable to the participants. Keep it fun and safe.
Last update on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
