Get ready to take your kids' party to the next level of awesomeness — we've curated an epic collection of awesome birthday party games for kids of all ages that will keep the laughter flowing and the good times rolling.
From high-energy activities and creative competitions to fantastic classics and new challenges, these kids' party game ideas are the secret sauce to creating a memorable celebration that will have the little ones grinning from ear to ear.
No matter the party theme, whether it's a child’s birthday or a Halloween party for younger children, these great games are a lot of fun and can make party planning a little easier.
So put on your game face, crank up the tunes, and let the laughter and cheer fill the air. With our awesome party games, you'll be the ultimate party MVP and create an experience that will have everyone begging for more.
Let the games begin!
What Are the Best Outdoor Party Games?
If it’s summertime, chances are you’re having an outdoors party! This way, t kids can get some sun, and you can avoid the cleanup. Here are some fun outdoor party games to take your party to the next level.
1. Scavenger Hunt
Prepare for a thrilling adventure as the pint-sized party-goers embark on a treasure hunt like no other. Hide clues, treasures, and surprises throughout your party venue, and watch as the kids channel their inner explorers.
From deciphering riddles to following a trail of hidden clues, this game is all about teamwork, problem-solving, and that sweet taste of victory when they find the hidden treasure.
2. Hide and Seek
Prepare for an epic game of hide and seek that will have the kids exploring every nook and cranny of your party venue. Choose one little one to be the seeker while the others hide. The seeker closes their eyes and counts to a designated number while the rest find the perfect hiding spots.
Once the counting is complete, the seeker sets off to find the hidden players. The suspense, the adrenaline, and the thrill of discovery make this game a timeless favorite. Who will find the most creative hiding spot? Who will hold their breath, hoping not to be found? It's a game of stealth, strategy, and the ultimate joy of successfully evading capture. What's not to love?
3. Obstacle Course
It's time to unleash the adrenaline with an epic obstacle course! Set up a series of challenges, such as crawling under tables, catching frisbees, jumping over cushions, navigating through hula hoops, and balancing on a beam.
Let the kids race against the clock to complete the course, or turn it into a friendly competition by timing each participant individually. It's a test of speed, agility, and sheer determination that will have the younger kids cheering each other on and celebrating their victories.
4. Bean Bag Toss
Test those aiming skills with a classic game of bean bag toss (or water balloon toss). Set up targets with different point values and have the kids take turns tossing bean bags to score points.
Whether aiming for the bullseye or trying to knock down a tower of cups, this game is all about precision and a touch of luck. The cheers, near misses, and triumphant celebrations are what make this game a major crowd-pleaser!
Pro Tip: Want to take your game of toss up a notch? Swap out those boring old bean bags for Frizbowl — the world's only flying disc designed to catch on your head. You're welcome.
5. Frizbowl
If you're on the hunt for a fun party game guaranteed to make everyone laugh and smile, look no further than Frizbowl — the wacky, laughter-inducing game that takes frisbee to a whole new level. Get ready for some gravity-defying fun as you try to catch the flying hat on your head.
Here's how it works: Gather the group of kids in an open area and designate a throwing zone. Each player takes turns tossing the Frizbowl high into the air, aiming to catch it on their head as it comes back down.
Sounds easy, right? Well, think again!
The unpredictable flight path of the Frizbowl and the challenge of timing your head-catching skills will have you in fits of laughter. Who will achieve the most epic catches? Who will create the most outrageous moves in their attempt to catch the disc? You'll have to play to find out.
Warning: Side effects may include uncontrollable laughter, sore cheeks from smiling too much, and a newfound appreciation for the versatility of frisbees.
What Are the Best Indoor Party Games?
If it’s raining or hot outside, you might want to bring your party indoors. But who said indoors parties had to be boring? Here are some great indoor party games to spice things up.
6. Bubble Wrap Stomp
Who doesn't love the satisfying pop of bubble wrap? Turn it into a game of excitement and bubble-bursting fun. Roll out a large sheet of bubble wrap and have the kids take turns stomping on it, trying to pop as many bubbles as possible within a time limit.
The sheer joy and satisfaction of popping those bubbles will have the kids giggling and cheering each other on. It's a game that combines sensory delight with friendly competition, and it's guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone's faces.
7. Freeze Dance
Get ready to groove and freeze. Turn up the music and let the kids dance their hearts out. But when the music suddenly stops, they must freeze in their current position. The challenge? They have to hold their pose until the music starts again.
It's a simple game of musical statues where each freeze becomes a hilarious work of art. Who will be caught mid-dance move or strike the silliest freeze pose? It's a battle of rhythm and control that will have everyone in stitches!
8. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
This game is a timeless favorite that guarantees loads of laughs and some hilarious "pinning" mishaps! Blindfold one lucky (or should we say, "unlucky"?) participant, spin them around, and watch as they try to pin the tail on the donkey while the others cheer them on.
Who will end up pinning the tail on the nose or the ear? It's all part of the joy and unpredictability that make this game an absolute blast.
9. Musical Chairs
Brace yourself for a heart-pounding, laughter-filled adventure that never goes out of style. Clear a space, crank up a catchy playlist, and arrange a circle of chairs (one less than the number of players).
As the music begins, watch the kids dance and twirl around the chairs, eagerly awaiting that sudden halt. When the music stops, the race is on to secure a seat! The anticipation builds, laughter fills the air, and with each round, a chair vanishes.
Who will be the last one seated, claiming the glorious title of the ultimate musical chairs champion?
10. Hot Potato
Get ready to pass the potato as fast as lightning. Gather the kids in a circle and hand them a small object, like a plush toy or even a water balloon.
Start the music and have them pass the "hot potato" around the circle while dancing or grooving. But beware — when the music stops, the person holding the potato is out! Keep playing until only one player remains.
It's a game of anticipation, quick reflexes, and the occasional burst of spontaneous dance moves!
11. Pass The Parcel
This classic party game never gets old. Wrap a small prize in multiple layers of wrapping paper, creating a parcel. Play some upbeat music and have the kids pass the parcel around in a circle.
When the music stops, the little one holding the parcel gets to unwrap one layer. Keep going until the final layer is unwrapped, and the lucky winner discovers the hidden prize.
12. Simon Says
Prepare for a game that will test the kids' listening skills and ability to follow instructions. Designate one person as "Simon" who gives commands starting with "Simon says." For example, "Simon says touch your nose" or "Simon says hop on one foot."
The catch is, if Simon gives a command without saying "Simon says" and a player still follows it, they are out. The last one remaining becomes the next Simon. Get ready for giggles, silly actions, and the occasional "Oops, I forgot to say Simon says!"
13. Duck Duck Goose
Get ready for a game that'll make your heart race and your anticipation soar! Gather the crew in a circle, and let the excitement begin. One lucky player gets to be the "goose" and sets off on a thrilling adventure.
As the goose struts around the circle, they tap each party-goer on the head, exclaiming "duck" with every touch. But watch out because when that magical moment arrives, they holler "goose" and select the next brave soul to give chase.
With lightning speed, the chosen one dashes after the goose, racing around the circle to claim the coveted spot. It's a game of strategy, lightning-fast reflexes, and the exhilarating rush of being hand-picked as the next goose.
14. Charades
Get ready for some dramatic and hilarious moments with a game of charades. Write down various actions, objects, or characters on slips of paper and have the kids take turns acting them out without speaking.
The rest of the players must guess what they're trying to portray. From mimicking animals to acting out famous movie scenes, the creativity and laughter will be off the charts. It's a game that guarantees funny interpretations and uncontrollable fits of laughter.
15. Limbo
How low can you go? Limbo is the ultimate test of flexibility and sheer determination. Set up a limbo pole (a broomstick or pool noodle works great) and have the kids form a line. Start the music, and one by one, they must gracefully bend backward and shimmy under the pole without touching it.
After each round, lower the pole, making it increasingly challenging. Watch in awe as the kids contort their bodies, showcase their limbo skills, and celebrate each successful bend.
What Are the Best Party Games With Teams?
Sometimes the best games are played with teams! Here are some solid team-based party games you can play with the kids.
16. Dodgeball
Time to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge! Gather the party guests for a spirited game of dodgeball. Divide them into two teams and set up a boundary line in the middle of the play area.
The objective is to eliminate players from the opposing team by throwing softballs at them while they try to dodge the incoming projectiles. If a player is hit by a ball, they're out, but if they catch a ball thrown by the opposing team, the thrower is out instead.
The fast-paced action, strategic dodging, and thrilling moments of catching balls mid-air make dodgeball a game that will keep the little ones engaged and on their toes.
17. Tug of War
Get ready to unleash the power of teamwork and test those muscles! Gather the gang and split them into two mighty teams. Equip each group with an end of a sturdy rope and set up a battle zone with a clear centerline.
When the countdown begins, it's time to tug with all your might, channeling your inner Hulk. Pull and give it your all to drag the opposing team past that centerline. The team that proves they've got the muscle and determination will be crowned the reigning champions of Tug of War.
What Are the Best Racing Party Games?
Lastly, everything’s better when it’s a competition. Here are some winning party games that require the thrill of the race.
18. Balloon PopRelay Race
Get ready for a balloon-popping frenzy that will have everyone on the edge of their seats. Divide the kids into teams and give each team a balloon. Mark a finish line and have the first player from each team hold the balloon between their knees.
They must race to the finish line without dropping the balloon, then pass it to the next teammate using only their knees. The team that crosses the finish line with their balloon intact wins the race.
Be prepared for some hilarious waddling and belly laughs!
19. Egg and Spoon Race
It's time to test the kids' balance and coordination with an egg and spoon race. Give each kiddo a spoon and a hard-boiled egg. Set up a racecourse and have the kids balance the egg on the spoon while racing to the finish line.
The catch?
If the egg falls, they must stop and place it back on the spoon before continuing. The first one to cross the finish line without dropping their egg wins. It's a race filled with laughter, concentration, and a few wobbly moments.
20. Three-Legged Race
Get ready for some hilarious coordination and teamwork with a classic three-legged race. Pair up the kids and tie one of their legs together with their partner's leg.
Once the teams are ready, it's time to race! The challenge is to synchronize their movements and sprint to the finish line without falling. The laughter, the wobbling, and the triumph of crossing the finish line together will create memories that last a lifetime.
Pro Tip: Be sure to have plenty of fantastic prizes for the winning team — stickers, candy, and other fun goodies are solid choices. Dealing with too-cool-for-you tweens? Opt for trendy items like gift cards, tech accessories, or stylish merchandise to keep older kids engaged and excited.
21. Sack Race
Step right up and hop into a burlap sack for an unforgettable race. Give each participant a DIY sack, and have them step inside it, holding onto the sides at the starting line.
When the race begins, they must hop to the finish line, trying to outpace their competitors. The challenge of staying balanced while hopping adds an extra layer of excitement and laughter.
Who will hop their way to victory, and who will have a hilarious stumble? It's a game that will have everyone jumping with joy.
A Final Word
There you have it — an incredible lineup of party games that will make your kids' celebration legendary. From Simon Says and Hot Potato to Dodgeball and Frizbowl, these epic games are the recipe for laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.
Here at Frizbowl, we're pretty big fans of all things FUN — that's why we created the ultimate flying disc game that brings a whole new level of excitement and laughter to any shin-dig.
Whether you're hosting a fun kids' birthday party, a family gathering, or just a fun day with friends, Frizbowl is the perfect addition to any gathering.
So gather your little party animals, set the stage for fun, and let the games begin!
Sources:
How to Plan a Scavenger Hunt | A Healthier Michigan
Hot Potato Game: Rules, Variations, How to Play, Timers & More | ESL Speaking
Tug of War | The Genius of Play
10 Easy Dodgeball Rules | International Dodgeball Association